KARACHI, Dec 25: The 132nd birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah was observed on Thursday across Pakistan with the pledge that his ideals would be strictly adhered to in order to face the challenges of the present day.

The day started with Quran Khawani at the Quaid’s mausoleum followed by the mounting of the guard by a smartly turned out contingent of the Gentlemen Cadets from Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul.

The Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, has the singular honour of being the only military institution designated as “Quaid-i-Azam’s Own” by Mr Jinnah himself. He was the first and the only Colonel-in-Chief of the academy.

Since the day was declared a public holiday by the government, all public and private institutions remained closed and the national flag was hoisted at principal government buildings.

Acting Governor of Sindh Nisar Ahmed Khuhro and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, along with cabinet ministers, advisers, special assistants and Pakistan People’s Party leaders visited the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam in the morning, laid wreaths and offered Fateha.

City Nazim Mustafa Kamal, representing the citizens of Karachi, also laid a wreath at the Quaid’s mausoleum.

The deputy DG Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) Brig Mohammed Latif visited the Quaid’s mausoleum to pay homage to the founder of Pakistan. He was received by a contingent of the Pakistan Navy.

Thereafter the doors of the mausoleum were opened to the public and a large number of people from various walks of life from across the city poured into the mausoleum to pay homage to Quaid-i-Azam for carving out a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent.

The principal, teachers and students of the Quaid’s alma mater – Sindh Madressahtul Islam – also visited the Quaid’s final resting place and laid a wreath at his grave.

Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Television and private TV channels broadcast programmes highlighting the significance of the day as well as presenting programmes on the life and achievements of Mr Jinnah.

Newspapers also published special articles on the life, ideas and achievements of the father of the nation.

Various organisations arranged seminars and symposia to mark the birth anniversary of the Quaid-i-Azam.

The law-enforcement agencies had made elaborate security arrangements to maintain law and order and keep watch on mischievous elements.—APP