By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership on Thursday paid glowing tributes to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his 149th birth anniversary, reaffirming their commitment to his guiding principles of democracy, constitutionalism, equality and religious harmony, while also extending Christmas greetings to the Christian community.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said the occasion offered an opportunity for collective reflection and renewal of commitment to Quaid-e-Azam’s ideals of democracy, social justice, constitutional rule and a welfare state grounded in equality and the rule of law.

 

He said the Quaid’s enduring principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline remain the foundation of national strength and a guiding light for future generations.

"This day offers an opportunity for collective reflection and renewal of our commitment to the Quaid’s guiding principles - democracy, constitutionalism, social justice, religious harmony, and the vision of a welfare state grounded in equality and the rule of law," Sharif said and adding "Quaid-e-Azam’s enduring ideals of Faith, Unity, and Discipline remain the foundation of our national strength and a guiding light for future generations."

 

The prime minister termed Quaid-e-Azam a visionary leader and statesman of global stature whose wisdom and unwavering struggle made possible an independent homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a message marking both Quaid-e-Azam’s birth anniversary and Christmas, highlighted the inclusive vision on which Pakistan was founded.

 

He said Quaid-e-Azam envisioned Pakistan as a democratic state based on equality, pluralism and respect for fundamental rights without distinction of religion, race or ethnicity. Extending warm Christmas greetings, he paid tribute to the contributions of Christian citizens in education, healthcare, public service and national defence, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to religious freedom and interfaith harmony.

 

Separately, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the armed forces, led by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, paid rich tribute to the Father of the Nation.

 

The armed forces reaffirmed their resolve to uphold Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a strong, sovereign, democratic and prosperous Pakistan, and reiterated their commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty, stability and development, while also extending Christmas greetings to the Christian community.