The nation of Pakistan came together on December 25, 2023, to celebrate the 148th birth anniversary of its founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, with deep patriotic fervor and reverence. Events across the country included special prayers held at mosques, signaling national hopes for progress, prosperity, and unity. A 21-gun salute echoed in provincial capitals, and the national flag was hoisted at major government and private buildings, marking this significant occasion.
Among the most poignant tributes was the change of guards ceremony at Jinnah's mausoleum in Karachi, where dignitaries paid their respects to the visionary leader. Special ceremonies included seminars, conferences, debates, cultural events, and exhibitions focusing on Jinnah's struggles and achievements. Schools and colleges also participated, organizing art competitions and essay writing contests centered around his principles of unity, faith, and discipline. Meanwhile, television and radio channels featured documentaries celebrating Jinnah’s pivotal role in the creation of Pakistan.
Messages from President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted their commitment to building a Pakistan reflective of Jinnah's vision as a democratic, inclusive nation. President Alvi emphasized the principles of religious harmony, mutual respect, and minority rights as foundational elements of the country's agenda. He urged everyone to embrace tolerance and to respect the diverse fabric of Pakistani society, noting, “The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the fundamental rights of all citizens, irrespective of their faith.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments, reminding the nation of Jinnah’s extraordinary vision and the values he stood for: unity, justice, and equality. He stated, “Today, as we celebrate the 148th birthday of our founding father, we are reminded of his extraordinary vision, unwavering courage, and unparalleled determination.” This day, he asserted, should inspire Pakistanis to work for peace, prosperity, and communal harmony.
Significantly, the Prime Minister also addressed the importance of recognizing and supporting minority communities, particularly the Christian population, especially on such an important date also coinciding with Christmas. He said, “...the protection and promotion of minorities’ rights has been our top priority.” Emphasizing Jinnah’s belief in inclusivity, he noted the need for Christians and Muslims to unite against violence and promote peace, especially highlighting the current struggles faced by Christians worldwide.
At the Punjab Arts Council, another notable event—the photo exhibition titled “Quaid Kay Shab o Roz”—was inaugurated, featuring over 150 rare photographs of Jinnah. The exhibition aimed at educating younger generations about the monumental struggles faced during Pakistan's creation, with dignitaries like Tahira Aurangzeb remarking on Jinnah’s status as “a symbol of hope and determination.” She emphasized the importance of adopting his principles to inspire collective national progress.
Later, at the Prime Minister House, sculptures of Jinnah and Chinese leader Mao Zedong were unveiled, emphasizing the strong ties between Pakistan and China noted by Prime Minister Shehbaz. He regarded the relationship as “an anchor of regional stability” and asserted the shared values binding the two nations. The sculptor of the statues, Yaun Xikum, shared his admiration for both leaders, underscoring the commemorative importance of Jinnah's anniversary.
Throughout Pakistan, the Armed Forces also reaffirmed their commitment to the principles set forth by Jinnah. They reiterated their resolve to uphold the values of justice, equality, and harmony, linking these ideals back to Jinnah’s vision for the nation.
Finally, as Pakistan celebrated Jinnah’s legacy, the lessons learned from this moment were clear: the importance of unity, the reaffirmation of minority rights, and the necessity of working collectively toward the nation’s progress and harmony. The day served as both a tribute to the founder and as a renewed call for all Pakistanis to strive for the inclusive, modern society he envisioned.
