The 142nd birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, is being celebrated today (December 25) with a pledge to make the country a true democratic and welfare state. Born in Karachi in 1876, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah spearheaded the South Asian Muslims' movement for the creation of a separate homeland, which culminated on August 14, 1947, in the establishment of Pakistan.
The day is a public holiday and the national flag will be hoisted on the main government buildings across the country. Cadets from the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, will undertake the duty of ceremonial guards at the Quaid's mausoleum in Karachi. The day will start with special prayers at major mosques for the solidarity and prosperity of the country and freedom of the Indian-held Kashmir. Political, cultural and social organizations will hold meetings and seminars, to highlight the life and services of the Quaid.
Declamation contests will be held at various educational institutions. Newspapers will bring out special supplements on Quaid-e-Azam Day; radio and television channels will air programmes on the life of the leader. All commercial and business centres, government and private offices will remain closed.
In his message, the Punjab chief minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said that personality of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the freedom movement is a beacon of light for all of us. "Establishment of a peaceful society based on tolerance, harmony and affection was the dream of founder of the nation and we are living as a independent nation due to the hard work and struggle of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah," he said, adding: "Transforming the country as one Pakistan for both the rich and the poor is a commitment of PM Imran Khan and he is striving for materializing the dream of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah."
He said that Pakistan can get rid of crises by following the sayings of the founder of the nation. He said that there is no room for terrorism, fanaticism and sectarianism in a Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam. We will have to move forward by promoting the national agenda in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam so that Pakistan could achieve its lost glory, he added.
Furthermore, the Punjab CM has directed to ensure foolproof security arrangements for the celebrations planed on birthday of founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Christmas. In a statement issued here today, he said that full opportunities will be provided to the Christian community so that they could celebrate their Christmas festival in a peaceful and conducive manner. Every possible step should be taken for the protection of life and property of the people and complete implementation of the plan devised for the security of December 25 should be ensured, he added.
He directed that police and other law enforcement agencies should remain fully vigilant and active to fail the nefarious designs of the enemies. Similarly, effective monitoring of the security plan should also be conducted and police officers should remain in the field, he added.