Pakistan on Thursday observed the 149th birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, with the country’s civil and military leadership paying tribute to his vision of a sovereign, democratic and inclusive state, and calling for renewed commitment to his principles.
According to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan, the day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered after Fajr at mosques across the country for the Quaid’s soul and for peace, prosperity and development of Pakistan. A change of guard ceremony was also held at Mazar-i-Quaid in Karachi.
In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the birth anniversary provided an opportunity for collective reflection and recommitment to the Quaid’s guiding principles, including democracy, constitutionalism, social justice, religious harmony and the rule of law. He described Quaid-i-Azam as a visionary leader and a statesman of global stature, whose political wisdom and resolve altered the course of history and led to the creation of an independent homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent.
The prime minister said the Quaid’s ideals of faith, unity and discipline continued to serve as the foundation of national strength and a guide for future generations. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to follow the Quaid’s path in the pursuit of Pakistan’s progress, security and prosperity.
President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tribute, emphasising the enduring relevance of Quaid-i-Azam’s leadership in addressing contemporary challenges. In his statement, he said the Quaid exemplified conviction, perseverance and hard work, and that his principles of democracy, justice and equality remained central to Pakistan’s national journey.
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The president said the Quaid’s call for unity, faith and discipline provided clear direction for national cohesion and confidence. He urged citizens, particularly the youth, to uphold these ideals and contribute to building a peaceful, inclusive and forward-looking Pakistan.
Referring to the Quaid’s upcoming 150th birth anniversary, President Zardari said the government had decided to declare 2026 as the “Year of Quaid-i-Azam”. He noted that the milestone would offer an opportunity to reflect on the Quaid’s life and struggle, and to pass on his ideals to future generations with honesty and purpose.
The country’s military leadership also paid homage to Quaid-i-Azam. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chief of Defence Forces and Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu paid rich tributes to the founder of the nation.
Pakistan’s civil and military leadership highlighted Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a sovereign, democratic and inclusive nation as the country celebrated his 149th birth anniversary on Thursday.https://t.co/fsajTQsV80
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 25, 2025
The statement said the armed forces reaffirmed their commitment to Quaid-i-Azam’s vision of a strong, sovereign, democratic and prosperous Pakistan, founded on the principles of faith, unity and discipline. It added that the Quaid’s leadership and constitutionalism continued to guide the nation and its armed forces, and reiterated the military’s resolve to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national stability in line with his ideals.
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