Pakistani nation observes death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam
Pakistan Times Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Nations observes the 57th death anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah today, Sunder with a renewned pledge to follow his message for making Pakistan a strong and prosperous country with full sincerity.

A large number of residents of twin cities of Rawalpindi-Islamabad will participate today (Sunday) in the Mehfil-e-Quran Khawani being held by the Nazriya Pakistan Council at Faisal Mosque, Islamabad, soon after Asr prayers to seek blessings of Almighty Allah for the departed soul of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Federal Ministers, senior government functionaries, parliamentarians and representatives of various walks of life will also participate in the Quran Khawani.
This year separate arrangements for ladies participation in the Mehfil-e-Quran Khawani has also been arranged.

Pir Naqib-ur-Rehman, Aastana-e-Aalia, Eidgash Sharif, Rawalpindi will lead the collective Dua after Quran Khawani.

Governor, Sindh CM visit Mazar-e-Quaid

Governor Sindh Dr. Ishratul Ibad, Sindh Chief Minister Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim and members of Sindh cabinet here paid homage to the Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah on his death anniversary today by visiting the Quaid’s mausoleum and laid floral wreaths on the ‘Mazar’. Governor and chief minister also penned down their sentiments on the visitors’ book over there.

Governor Sindh, Dr. Ishratul Ibad and Sindh Chief Minister, Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim on this occasion said that by adhering to the golden principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline of the Quaid, the nation should pledge on this day to eradicate terrorism and extremism and put the country on the path of moderation and advancement.

Message of President

President General Pervez Musharraf has called upon the nation to adhere unflinchingly to Quaid-e- Azam’s principles of unity, faith and discipline to make Pakistan a dynamic and forward-looking Islamic welfare state.

In a message on the death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the President paid rich tributes to the founder of the country, urging the people to demonstrate their adherence to his principles both to grasp bright prospects for development and overcome challenges of extremism and terrorism.

“Pakistan, today is passing through a unique phase of its history. It is capable of grasping the bright prospects for development. On the other hand, it is confronting challenges in the form of extremism and terrorism,” he pointed out.

Continuing, the President said “while striving to lead our country to socio-economic development befitting its tremendous potential, we need more than ever before to adhere to the ideals and teachings of the Quaid-e-Azam.

“Particularly, we need to demonstrate in letter and spirit an unflinching commitment to the principles of unity, faith and discipline to fight off challenges of extremism as well as make Pakistan a truly progressive, dynamic and forward looking Islamic welfare state as envisioned by the Quaid-e-Azam.”

“Therefore, while paying tribute to the great leader and his followers, who turned Allama Iqbal’s dream of an independent Islamic state into a reality, let us pledge to uphold his golden principles and carve out a splendid future for our posterity, that will judge our performance in the light of Quaid-e-Azam’s teachings and Islam’s accent on moderation, enlightenment, tolerance and unity.”

President Musharraf said, on the occasion of the Quaid’s death anniversary today the nation pays homage to the great leader and recalls the epic struggle of the Muslims of South Asia under his leadership, which led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

“It was through his untiring leadership and unswerving commitment to the values of unity, faith, and discipline that the Quaid-e-Azam overcame all odds in establishing an independent homeland for the Muslims, where they could live their lives as a progressive and dynamic people.”

In-depth

Meanwhile, the nation will observe Quaid-e- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s 57th death anniversary on Sunday with a pledge to follow in his footsteps and transform Pakistan into vibrant, progressive and enlightened country as envisioned by him.

The day will dawn with special prayers in mosques for Quaid- e-Azam’s soul and progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

Various organizations have chalked out programmes to highlight different aspects of Quaid’s life.

Television and radio channels will broadcast special programmes to apprise the public, specially the younger generation about the struggle he made for Pakistan.

Newspapers will bring out special supplements on the occasion.

Born on December 25, 1876 at Wazir Mansion Karachi, Jinnah had a vision for the problems which Pakistan would face in the years to come.

Though he lived slightly over a year after the creation of Pakistan, the Quaid wanted to see his country become a role model for other nations - free from corruption, nepotism and hypocrisy.●