KARACHI: President Dr Arif Alvi, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, caretaker Sindh Chief Minister retired Justice Maqbool Baqar, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and people from all walks of life paid tribute to the father of the nation, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, on his 147th birth anniversary on Monday.

President Alvi visited the Quaid’s mausoleum along with Governor Tessori and CM Baqar and laid wreaths at the grave and offered fateha.

They also recorded their impressions in the book of visitors.

In the visitor’s book, CM Baqar wrote: “Today, as we stand here at the birth anniversary of the great Quaid, we would be remiss to not acknowledge that his vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and secular state has become submerged amidst dogma, extremism, and radicalism.

“Let us strive to work towards a Pakistan where people, irrespective of their religion, class, or gender are allowed to actualise their potential. A Pakistan where the rule of law reigns supreme, a Pakistan where Jinnah’s vision truly comes to life,” he added.

Mayor Wahab, meanwhile, also visited the mausoleum, and offered fateha.

“Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah is our great leader who realised the dream of a separate state for Muslims and today we are living in our country with complete religious freedom,” he said, adding: “Hope, courage and self-confidence was the message of Quaid-i-Azam who said that no power can ever eliminate Pakistan. We should build our lives according to his principles, as this city, this province, this country is ours.”

‘Change of guards’

The day dawned with gun salutes at the provincial capital. Special programmes were arranged by various social, political, governmental and non-governmental organisations and forums to celebrate the birthday of the founder of Pakistan.

In Karachi, special prayers were held at the Quaid’s mausoleum.

A ‘change of guard’ ceremony was also held there during which a smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul assumed the guard duty.

PMA Commandant Major General Iftikhar Hassan Choudhry inspected the guard of honour, laid a floral wreath at the Mazar and offered fateha. He also recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2023