The day dawned across Pakistan with ceremonial gun salutes marking the 149th birth anniversary of the nation’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, with the country observing a public holiday to commemorate the occasion.
A 31-gun salute was fired in the federal capital, while provincial capitals were honoured with 21-gun salutes. Following the Fajr prayer, special prayers were offered in mosques for the departed soul of the “Father of the Nation” and for the continued peace, prosperity, and development of the country.
As a sign of respect, the national flag has been hoisted atop all public and private buildings. A change of guards ceremony and Qur”an Khawani are also scheduled to take place at the Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.
Born in Karachi on this day in 1876, Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the pivotal leader of the Pakistan movement, which resulted in the establishment of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Sub-continent. The anniversary is being celebrated with a renewed pledge to uphold Jinnah”s guiding principles of Faith, Unity, and Discipline.
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori on Thursday declared that under President Trump’s new foreign policy, Pakistan has emerged as a ‘winner’ while India has been positioned as a ‘loser,’ asserting that the balance of power in Washington has decisively shifted in Islamabad’s favour.
This he said while paying homage at Mazar-e-Quaid on the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He was accompanied by Sindh Chief Minister and the provincial cabinet members. The governor laid a floral wreath, offered Fateha, and prayed for the country’s progress, prosperity, and stability. Chief Secretary Sindh, the Inspector General of Sindh Police, and other senior civil and military officials were also present. The Governor Sindh recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book.
Speaking to the media, the governor remarked that Pakistan has achieved a significant strategic comeback during President Trump’s second term and noted that the nation’s success against a major power has been acknowledged globally.
He stated that clear and decisive policies regarding Afghanistan had been implemented under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, adding that Pakistan’s firm and unambiguous stance against extremism is receiving worldwide recognition.
On the economic front, Tessori emphasised that the country is taking difficult but necessary decisions for an economic takeoff, suggesting that the privatisation of PIA could be a “game changer.” He added that following the ‘Marka e Haq,’ the nation is now prepared for the ‘battle for the economy.’
The governor also highlighted that crucial strategic agreements have been finalised with Saudi Arabia, Trkiye, and China. He mentioned that Pakistan is fulfilling a key regional role as a guardian of the Two Holy Mosques and that the global demand for Pakistani defence equipment is a source of national pride.
Tessori, accompanied by the Chief Minister of Sindh and the provincial cabinet, paid homage at the mausoleum. He laid a floral wreath, offered Fateha, and prayed for the nation”s progress and stability. Chief Secretary Sindh, the Inspector General of Sindh Police, and other senior civil and military officials were also in attendance.
In his address, the governor said Quaid Day serves as a reminder of national unity and sacrifice. He stressed that Pakistan can become a stable and developed country by adhering to the golden principles established by its founder. He also paid tribute to the unparalleled sacrifices of the armed forces for the defence and security of the country.