ISLAMABAD (National Times) – The 146th birth anniversary of the father of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is being celebrated on Sunday full zeal and with renewed pledge to uphold his guiding principles of unity, faith, and discipline.

The change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi, during which a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army assumed the ceremonial guard duty from Pakistan Air Force cadet guards. Major General Umar Aziz was the chief guest on the occasion.

Fateha Khwani and Quran Khwani were also be held at the Mazar for Quaid and other leaders of Pakistan Movement.

Special events will be arranged today to highlight and promote the ideals and views of the father of the nation, particularly with regard to rule of law, supremacy of the constitution, and upholding of democracy.

Public and private departments will hold a variety of events including seminars, conferences, competitions and discussion programs to highlight the messages and vision of Quaid-e-Azam.

President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in their separate messages in connection with birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam, have urged the nation to follow the guiding principles of the father of the nation to ensure progress and prosperity of the country.

They expressed gratitude to Quaid-e-Azam for carving out a separate homeland for Muslims of the sub-continent where they are free to realize their dreams.

The president in his message renewed Pakistan s pledge to continue its moral, diplomatic and political support to Kashmiris of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in realizing their dream of self-determination in line with the UN Security Council resolutions.

The prime minister in his message said the best way to pay tribute to Quaid-e-Azam is to make Pakistan an Islamic welfare state. He stressed the need to put an end to internal differences and work tirelessly for progress of the country.