Karachi : Pakistan observed the 139th birth anniversary of its founder, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, on Friday with both solemnity and enthusiasm.
Jinnah was born on December 25, 1876, in Karachi and his birth anniversary is a public holiday.
A change of guard ceremony was held at the Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi this morning, where the Commandant of the Pakistan Military Academy, Major General Nadeem Raza was the guest of honour.
A contingent comprising 180 cadets from the Pakistan Military Academy Kakul assumed guards’ duties at the mausoleum, the Dawn reported.
President Mamnoon Hussain, Sindh Governor Dr.Ishratul Ebad Khan and Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah also placed wreaths and offered Fateha at the mausoleum.
A military band played ceremonial and marching tunes, including the national anthem.
In their messages on the occasion, President MamÂnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif paid tribute to the Quaid’s leadership.
The president urged the nation to forge unity to defeat the forces of extremism and militancy and try to uphold the principles of democracy, constitution and the rule of law. “Let us dedicate ourselves, on this historic occasion, to keep the unity of the country and glory of Islam uppermost in our thought and deed.” (ANI)