As the country celebrates 148th birthday of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah today, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to build a Pakistan that reflects Jinnah’s vision of inclusivity and rights for religious minorities, according to Radio Pakistan.

The day dawned with gun salutes in the federal and provincial capitals followed by a change of the guard’s ceremony at Quaid-i-Azam’s mausoleum in Karachi, where
a contingent of Pakistan Military Academy Kakul assumed guard duties, Radio Pakistan reported.

Special programmes have been arranged during the day to pay tribute to the father of the nation.

In a statement, President Zardari reiterated his commitment to religious harmony, mutual respect, and protection of minority rights in the country.

He said, “[The] constitution guarantees the fundamental rights of all citizens, irrespective of their faith and our founding father Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah also envisioned a Pakistan where people of all religions could thrive as equal citizens.”

He added that upholding the rights of all citizens is essential for fostering national unity and progress.

The president also highlighted the occasion of Christmas being celebrated today and called for “ensuring that intolerance and discrimination are discouraged and everyone feels respected and safe in the country”.

Zardari appreciated the role of the Christian community in Pakistan’s development stating “they have excelled in education, healthcare, community service, social welfare, and public service and their contributions are a testament to our national diversity.”

He said, “Let us carry the spirit of Christmas throughout the year, working together to build a society rooted in peace, justice, and compassion.”

PM Shehbaz also reaffirmed his commitment to safeguard the rights of all religious communities and foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

In his message, he expressed heartfelt felicitations to the Christian brethren in Pakistan and around the world.

He also vowed to continue ensuring that “people of all faiths can practice their beliefs freely and contribute to the collective progress of our nation”.

More to follow