Pakistan Marks 149th Birth Anniversary of Nation’s Founder

Thu Dec 25 2025
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday marked the 149th birth anniversary of the ‘Father of the Nation’ Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah with a renewed commitment to uphold his guiding principles of Faith, Unity, and Discipline.

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday on December 25 coincides with Christmas, bringing double celebrations and adding extra cheer to the end of the year in Pakistan. The day is observed as a public holiday across the country.

The celebrations began with 31-gun salutes in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered at mosques after Fajr as well as for peace, prosperity, and development of Pakistan.

National flags were hoisted atop public and private buildings, while recitation of the Holy Qur’an and the traditional change of guards ceremony took place at the Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi.

Various cultural programmes, exhibitions, and educational events are also organised to honour Jinnah’s legacy and inspire the younger generation.

Born in 1876 in Karachi, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah played a pivotal role in the Pakistan Movement, ultimately leading to the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.

His vision of a democratic, inclusive, and progressive Pakistan continues to guide the nation, making his birthday a day of reflection on both national pride and the enduring values of Faith, Unity, and Discipline.

Civil, military leadership renew pledge

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed their commitment to follow in the footsteps of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, working for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

In their messages on the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, they described the day as a reminder of the conviction, dedication, and hard work that laid the foundation of Pakistan.

They said Quaid-e-Azam championed democracy, justice, and equality—values that remain central to the country’s development, social cohesion, and public confidence.

Both leaders called on all Pakistanis, particularly the youth, to uphold the Quaid’s ideals and contribute to building a peaceful, inclusive, and forward-looking nation.

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation.

On behalf of the armed forces, they reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to working tirelessly for national stability, peace, and development in line with Quaid-e-Azam’s vision.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah reflected Pakistan’s inclusive vision and strong moral foundations, rooted in equality, pluralism and respect for fundamental rights.

He said the Quaid had envisioned Pakistan as a democratic state based on equality, pluralism and respect for the rights of all citizens, without distinction of religion, race or ethnicity.

Pakistan military releases song

Meanwhile, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), released a national song titled “Paigham-e-Quaid.”

The song celebrates Quaid-e-Azam’s teachings, honours the sacrifices made during Pakistan’s struggle for independence, and chronicles the historic journey to nationhood.

It also underscores the country’s resilience against adversities while paying a heartfelt tribute to Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

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