As the country celebrates the 148th birthday of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah today, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to build a Pakistan that reflects Jinnah’s vision of inclusivity and rights for religious minorities, according to Radio Pakistan.
The day dawned with gun salutes in the federal and provincial capitals followed by a change of the guard’s ceremony at Quaid-i-Azam’s mausoleum in Karachi, where a contingent of Pakistan Military Academy Kakul assumed guard duties, Radio Pakistan reported.
Special programmes have been arranged during the day to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation.
In a statement, President Zardari reiterated his commitment to religious harmony, mutual respect, and protection of minority rights in the country.
He said, “[The] Constitution guarantees the fundamental rights of all citizens, irrespective of their faith and our founding father Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah also envisioned a Pakistan where people of all religions could thrive as equal citizens.”
He added that upholding the rights of all citizens is essential for fostering national unity and progress.
President Zardari said that in order to achieve Quaid’s vision, “we must invest in the education of our youth, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead Pakistan into a brighter future. We also need to work for the uplift of downtrodden segments of society”.
“Jinnah’s dream of a peaceful and moderate Pakistan obliges us to promote harmony within and beyond our borders,” the president said.
“On this day, we honour the contributions of the Father of the Nation, who changed the course of history through a political struggle. Quaid-i-Azam’s vision, determination and unwavering resolve led to the creation of an independent homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent,” President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying.
