ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s leadership has pledged to build a nation that reflects the founder of the country, Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of inclusivity and equal rights for religious minorities as the South Asian country celebrates his 148th birth anniversary on Wednesday, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
The day dawned with gun salutes in the federal and provincial capital cities followed by a change of the guard’s ceremony at Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum in Karachi. A contingent of Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul assumed guard duties at the mausoleum.
Special programmes have also been arranged during the day to pay tribute to the father of the nation.
Leaders pay tribute
In their separate messages, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Asif Ali Zardari has renewed the commitment to religious harmony, mutual respect, and protection of minority rights in the country.
In his message on the occasion of Christmas being celebrated today, the President called for ensuring that intolerance and discrimination are discouraged and everyone feels respected and safe in the country, Radio Pakistan reported.
He also extended his heartfelt greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world.
Equal rights irrespective of faith
The President said the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the fundamental rights of all citizens, irrespective of their faith, adding, “Our founding father Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah also envisioned a Pakistan where people of all religions could thrive as equal citizens”.
Asif Ali Zardari said on this Day, they acknowledge the role of Christian community in the country’s development. They have excelled in education, healthcare, community service, social welfare, and public service and their contributions are a testament to our national diversity.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the commitment to safeguard the rights of all religious communities and foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
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On the auspicious occasion of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birth anniversary, the chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the services chiefs and the armed forces of Pakistan also paid profound homage to the Father of the Nation.
Unity, Faith, and Discipline
The armed forces renewed their unwavering commitment to Quaid-e-Azam’s guiding principles of Unity, Faith, and Discipline, according to Pakistan’s military’s media wing.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said, “The Armed Forces honour the enduring vision and unparalleled leadership of Quaid-e-Azam, whose tireless efforts united our people and established the foundation for a sovereign and independent Pakistan”.
The armed forces also extended heartfelt greetings to the Christian community on the joyous occasion of Christmas.
The statement added that the armed forces celebrate the universal values of love, compassion, and peace in solidarity with Christian brothers and sisters.
“The armed forces reaffirmed their resolute dedication to safeguarding the nation and upholding the ideals of justice, equality, and harmony in the service of our people and our homeland,” the ISPR concluded.
