Homage paid to nation’s founder

Several events held in twin cities Covid-19 precautions

ISLAMABAD:

Residents of the twin cities of the federal capital and the garrison city on Friday came together with traditional zeal to pay homage to the founder of the nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his 144th birthday.

Several activities and seminars were held across Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Friday which not only eulogised his contributions to build a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent but also his vision for this new state. At the apex hub of arts and crafts in the federal capital, the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), cultural activities had been arranged under the banner of "Millat Ka Pasban" on Friday to pay homage to Quaid-i-Azam.

The celebrations were aimed at educating the youth about the Quaid's vision and ideology for Pakistan. A host of other events were also arranged on the day to highlight and promote Jinnah’s ideas and views, particularly with regards to the rule of law, the supremacy of the constitution and upholding of democracy.

Various colourful tableaus, patriotic songs were presented to commemorate the struggle of the Quaid for the creation of Pakistan. A photographic exhibition portraying the educational, social and political life of Quaid-i-Azam was also displayed.

A special event was also held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr (Presidency) to mark the Quaid's birth anniversary. The event was attended by children from the schools of the federal capital. ‘Quaid believed in equal opportunity for all’ Meanwhile, speakers at an online seminar organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), shared their views about the father of the nation.

Centre for Strategic Perspective (CSP) Research Director Najam Rafique stated that the Quaid granted us all the gift of freedom and it is incumbent upon us to remain committed to his ideals. ISSI Director-General Ambassador (retired) Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry stated that the Quaid foresaw what many could not predict at the time and fought for the preservation of freedom for Indian Muslims.

“He believed in equal opportunity for all,” the ambassador mentioned, adding that even in foreign policy, the Quaid advocated friendliness, fair play and justice with all. Ghazala Yasmin from the Centre for Arms Control and Disarmament said that Jinnah was arguably the greatest leader of the 20th century with a remarkable vision for defence and security of Pakistan. Arhama Siddiqa from the Center for the Middle East and Africa stated that Jinnah’s greatness lies in his genuineness of purpose, his charismatic personality animated by a brave conception of duty, a strict code of private honour and public integrity.

The China-Pakistan Study Centre Director Dr Talat Shabbir said that Quaid was the greatest influencer of his time. “He was an artist in his craft with impeccable dignity and respect,” he added. He further stated that today marks a day for both celebration and introspection for all of us. India Study Centre Director Dr Saif Malik stated that Quaid was the epitome of honesty, rationality, empathy and self-confidence. “He possessed all the traits of a great and charismatic leader,” he shared, adding that he presented a roadmap for Pakistan based on rule of law and anti-corruption policies.