Founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah's 135th birth anniversary:

Promoter of prosperity, peace and harmony

The Pakistani nation commemorated the 135th birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah on Sunday (December 25) with reverence and solemnity. Born on December 25, 1876 at Wazir Mansion Karachi, Jinnah had a vision for the problems which Pakistan would face in the years to come. Though, he lived slightly over a year after the creation of Pakistan, the Quaid wanted to see his country become a role model for other nations - free from corruption, nepotism and hypocrisy. The day reminds about the Quaid' historic struggle for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Sub-continent where every citizen could live according to his faith and dignity. The celebrations took place both at public and private levels by holding befitting functions to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation for his heroic struggle for an independent homeland. A number of activities were arranged to highlight the Quaid's guiding principles of 'Unity, Faith and Discipline' for promoting prosperity, peace and harmony.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah

The Quaid-e-Azam was an 'ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity, a great constitutionalist, a distinguished parliamentarian, a top-notch politician, an indefatigable freedom-fighter, a dynamic Muslim leader, a political strategist and, above all one of the great nation-builders of modern times.

Foreign policy

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in his message on the135th birthday of Quaid-e-Azam said that "I want to reiterate the message of the Quaid-e-Azam in view of present-day global and regional situation. In a broadcast to the US in February 1948, the great Quaid said that "Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill towards all the nations of the world. We do not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation. We believe in the principle of honesty and fair play in national and international dealings and are prepared to make our utmost contribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations of the world. Pakistan will never be found lacking in extending its material and moral support to the oppressed and suppressed peoples of the world and in upholding the principles of the United Nation's Charter."

Sovereign nation

On this auspicious day, we should pledge and resolve to work whole-heartedly and dedicatedly to build a strong and prosperous Pakistan, the PM added. He further said that Patriotism, dedicated work and selfless service for the great glory of Pakistan could be the most befitting tribute to the memory of Quaid-e-Azam. Today the nation is celebrating the 135th birthday of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, whose exemplary courage, statesmanship, lofty vision and dedication to the cause of Muslims of South Asia made it possible for us to be citizens of a free, independent and sovereign Islamic country.

History fails to offer any other parallel to what the Quaid-e-Azam achieved.

Renowned historian Stanley Walport rightly paid a rich tribute to the leadership of the Quaid. He said, "Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Muhammad Ali Jinnah did all three."

Nature endowed the Quaid-i-Azam with exceptional qualities of leadership, integrity, determination and an indomitable will. He defied the mighty hostile forces that had joined hands to deprive the Muslims of the sub-continent of their political rights and liberties. No obstacle was too great to overcome, no odd was too formidable to surmount. It was due to his ceaseless efforts that the Muslims of Sub-continent were crowned with success and became sovereign nation on the world map.

The Quaid-e-Azam was a great and towering leader of South Asia. He was a staunch believer in the values of honesty, truthfulness and sublime human values. His actions and sayings only reflected his character and principles. He not only founded a democratic Islamic state but also spelled out guiding principles to run it successfully. The great Quaid was a true democrat and upholder of equality and social justice. At a speech he delivered at Kingsway Hall London on

December 14, 1946, he said, "Democracy is in the blood of the Muslamans who look upon complete equality of man." Addressing All-India Muslim League session, Lucknow in 1916, he said, "There are no people in the world who are more democratic even in their religion than the Musalmans." The Quaid-e-Azam thought that representative governments and institutions are essential part of the democratic system. He once said,"A good government is the one which is answerable to the representatives of people."

Developmental projects

The Quaid-e-Azam was a great advocate of social and economic justice. He wanted to construct a society where the rich could not exploit the poor. According to him, "Pakistan has come into being as a result of sacrifices of the poor and only the poor have a right to form a government." The government of Pakistan Peoples Party is the government of the people, which is representative of their aspirations. In order to bridge the gap between the rich and poor, the government has undertaken multifaceted welfare and developmental projects. BISP is a flagship social development programme of the government, which is geared towards helping the poorest of the poor through different ways. The empowerment of Parliament and the strengthening of institutions undertaken by the present government are in line with the vision of the Founding Father. The main event took place at the Quaid's Mausoleum in Karachi with the change of guard.

The Ministry of National Heritage and Integration specially designed colourful float to pay homage to the Father of the Nation on the day here.

The float, with the theme Unity, Faith and Discipline, represented culture of all the provinces and displayed photographic representation of Quaid-e-Azam and his unique belongings.

Folk dance groups like Dharees dance, Sammi dance and Khattak dance was performed all the way on the float and a special function comprising performances of folk artists was arranged on the day.

A documentary film on Quaid-e-Azam wias also shown on a large screen which was attended by a large number of diplomats, high ranking government officials, cultural personalities as well as general public. A number of social, cultural and educational programmes were also arranged in Peshawar, Quetta and other cities to pay tribute to the Quaid-i-Azam on Sunday.

Both private and state-run channels aired special programmes while national dailies including E-newspapers published special supplements to apprise the people about the Father of the Nation. APP