Quaid’s birth anniversary: calls for democratic, progressive Pakistan echo

The Pakistan Army assumed guard duties, with President Arif Alvi, the Governor and Chief Minister of Sindh, along with Corps Commander and Commander Karachi, laying wreaths and reciting Fatiha in commemoration of the 147th birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, a special ceremony marked the change of guards at Mazar-i-Quaid. Cadets from the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul took over guard duties from the personnel of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

Commandant PMA 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.

Notable figures, including Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar and Commander Karachi Rear Admiral Muhammad Saleem, expressed their devotion in the guest book at the founder's shrine.

The Changing of the Guard ceremonies occur thrice annually, with the Pak Navy on August 14, the Pakistan Air Force on September 6, and the Pakistan Army on December 25 at Mazar-i-Quaid.

"Quaid wanted a Pakistan where rule of law reigns supreme," Baqar recorded in the visitors' book opened at Mazar-i-Quaid to celebrate his birth anniversary on December 25.

Read Alvi, Kakar urge unity on Quaid's 147th birth anniversary

The interim CM 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."

The CM recorded that, 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.'

Mayor Murtaza Wahab pening his comments in the visitors' book at Quaid's mazaar wrote, "Quaidi-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah realized the dream of a separate state for Muslims and today we are living in our country with complete religious freedom."

The day dawned with gun salutes at the federal and provincial capitals.

Special programmes were arranged by various social, political, governmental and non-governmental organizations and forums to celebrate the birth day of the founder of Pakistan.