Pakistan stands united in reverence as it commemorates the 147th birth anniversary of its visionary founder, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. This momentous occasion is observed as a public holiday, with the nation engaging in various state-level activities to illuminate Jinnah’s enduring political legacy and the timeless principles of unity, faith, and discipline that he bestowed upon the country.
The day kicked off with special prayers resonating across the nation, seeking divine blessings for the security, progress, and prosperity of Pakistan. A solemn change of guards ceremony at Jinnah’s mausoleum in Karachi, an annual ritual, served as a poignant reminder of the solemnity of the occasion.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, born on December 25, 1876, into a prosperous family in Karachi, is hailed as the founding father of Pakistan. His multifaceted persona, encompassing roles as a distinguished lawyer, seasoned politician, and visionary statesman, continues to be celebrated. Above all, Jinnah is revered as the architect of Pakistan, guiding the nation through its tumultuous journey to independence in 1947.
Jinnah’s leadership, pivotal in the All-India Muslim League from 1913 to Pakistan’s historic liberation, saw an evolution in vision, embracing the Two-Nation Theory. His unwavering dedication was evident in the visionary fourteen-point constitutional reform plan, aimed at safeguarding the political rights of Muslims. The principles of unity, faith, and discipline, advocated by Jinnah, continue to shape Pakistan’s identity, underscoring their significance on this anniversary.
As the nation reflects on the life and contributions of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, his legacy endures as a source of profound reverence, both within Pakistan and beyond its borders. In the words of biographer Stanley Wolpert, Jinnah undeniably remains Pakistan’s greatest leader—a guiding force who secured a distinct and cherished place in history.
