Islamabad (GNP): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif marked the 78th death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah with messages celebrating the Father of the Nation’s legacy and leadership.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Jinnah’s visionary leadership and political skill in leading the struggle for an independent homeland for the subcontinent’s Muslims against overwhelming odds.
He credited the Quaid’s foresight and statesmanship with steering the freedom movement to success and guiding the newly formed state through early challenges, including administrative and financial difficulties and the massive displacement of populations during Partition.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Pakistan was established on Islamic principles guaranteeing equal rights and freedoms to all citizens regardless of faith or background. He described building Pakistan into a prosperous, welfare-oriented state as the central goal of Jinnah’s political vision, one that requires the collective effort of the entire nation to achieve.
Shehbaz called on citizens to renew their commitment to the Quaid’s principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline, describing national unity, social harmony and economic stability as the truest tribute to his legacy. He closed by offering prayers for Jinnah’s eternal peace.
In a separate message, President Zardari reflected on Jinnah’s lifelong commitment to securing the constitutional, legal and human rights of the subcontinent’s Muslims, which ultimately led to Pakistan’s creation.
He noted that Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan was one where Muslims could live free from domination by a Hindu-majority state while coexisting peacefully with religious minorities — a vision the President said was clearly articulated in Jinnah’s address just days before independence.
Zardari described the Quaid’s life as a lasting lesson in perseverance and discipline, offering guidance for confronting today’s political, economic, social and climate-related challenges.
He emphasized that Jinnah taught the value of institutions built on public trust, constitutional stability and equal treatment under the law, and stressed that national disagreements should be resolved through democratic institutions and dialogue rather than division.
The President called for serious, responsible governance going forward, including the use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to strengthen the economy, expand opportunities for youth, and improve public services nationwide — while continuing to guard against terrorism, extremism and external threats.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and dialogue, urging citizens, especially young people, to draw inspiration from Jinnah’s example and face challenges with confidence rather than despair.
Zardari also highlighted Pakistan’s cultural diversity as a source of strength rather than division, likening the nation’s 250 million people to a vibrant bouquet of different colors and fragrances.
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He concluded by praying for Jinnah’s soul and for the wisdom to fulfill the vision behind Pakistan’s creation.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
