KARACHI, DEC 25 (DNA) – The 142nd birth anniversary of the father of nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, is being celebrated today across the country with due respect and enthusiasm.

Jinnah was born on Dec 25, 1876 in Karachi. The day has been declared as a public holiday.

The day began with Quran Khawani at the Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi. A spectacular change of the guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum. A smartly dressed contingent of Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) assumed guard duties at the mausoleum.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Governor Muhammad Zubair paid a visit to the Quaid’s mausoleum to pay respects.

In their separate messages on the occasion, President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi have urged the nation to be united for the noble cause of national progress and prosperity.

The president said the ideal way to pay tribute to the great Quaid-e-Azam is not to hesitate from any sacrifice for the development and prosperity of the motherland.

He said the relevance of Quaid’s teachings and thought is increasing with every passing day as he had given us the golden principles of unity, faith and discipline using his foresight and political acumen.

PM Abbasi in his message said this day has a special significance for the whole nation because besides paying tributes to the great leader, it is a day to reiterate the resolve for reviving Quaid’s thoughts and move forward with his ideas.

He said on this day, the nation should retrospect how much we have succeeded in achieving the highest objectives set by our great Quaid for which the state of Pakistan was created.