LAHORE, DEC 25 (DNA) – The nation is celebrating 142nd birth anniversary of father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on Monday with renewed commitment to work hard for realization of the ideals he envisioned for Pakistan.

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born on December 25, 1876 in Karachi. He served as leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan s independence on 14 August 1947.

Quaid-e-Azam, literally ‘the great leader’, heroically fought for the right to self determination for Muslims of the subcontinent. His leadership, advocacy and faith led to the creation of what was deemed impossible at the time, Pakistan.

Special programmes are scheduled to be held across the country to shed light on the Quaid’s struggle for creation of Pakistan and to highlight his guiding principles of unity, faith and discipline. It is a public holiday and national flag will be hoisted atop all public and private buildings.

Quran Khwani will be held at the Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi while change of guards ceremony will also be conducted. A large-number of people from all walks of life will visit the tomb to pay tribute for the services he rendered for the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Sub-continent.

Public and private organizations and educational institutions will hold functions to highlight different aspects of the life of Quaid-e-Azam.

President Dr Arif Alvi in his message on the occasion of the Quaid’s birth anniversary said that since Quaid-e-Azam’s vision and thoughts were as relevant today as they were seven decades ago, there was a need to follow his principles of “Unity, Faith and Discipline”, wholeheartedly.

“On this day, let us also pledge that we shall work tirelessly individually as well as collectively, in the service of our great country, in line with the Quaid’s vision,” he said in his message on the occasion of birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the best way to pay homage to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah was to adhere to his vision and follow his guiding principles of unity, faith and discipline, in our individual as well as collective lives, towards making our country a truly welfare, progressive and prosperous state.