Quaid-e-Azam's birth anniversary being celebrated nationwide

ISLAMABAD: The 141st birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is being celebrated with national zeal throughout the country today.

The national flag was hoisted at top of all public and private buildings on this public holiday. The day dawned with the recitation of the Holy Quran at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam in Karachi.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his message on the occasion said the nation remembers the founder of the nation with utmost reverence and great admiration, who united the Muslims of subcontinent and ultimately achieved an independent homeland.

He said that Quaid-e-Azam united the scattered Muslims under a single flag in his struggle for establishment of an independent Muslim state on the map of the world, and is a source of inspiration and guidance due to his exemplary character and exceptional leadership qualities.

The Prime Minister said that the nation must follow his principles, reaffirm faith in his teachings, and forge unity in their ranks to defeat the forces of extremism and uphold the principles of democracy, peaceful coexistence and rule of law.

A change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi, where cadets of Pakistan Military Academy Kakul took the charge of guard duty.

Commandant PMA Kakul Major General Abdullah Dogar,  who was chief guest on the occasion, laid floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered Fateha.

The federal government has already announced week long celebrations in connection with the birth anniversary of the founding father from 19th to 25th of the month.

These celebrations are aimed at educating the youth about the vision of the Quaid-e-Azam and the ideology of Pakistan.

As part of these celebrations, various events, including seminars, debates, exhibitions, and shows of performing arts will be held to highlight features of the personality and teachings of the founding father.

The grand ceremony in this connection will be held at Liaquat Gymnasium, Sports Complex, Islamabad. The event is being organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and will be attended by a large number of school children.