ISLAMABAD: The 71st death anniversary of Father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah was observed on Wednesday.

Quran Khawani and Fateha were held at the Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi.

Educational institutions, political and social organisations organised functions to shed light on the personality and leadership of the Quaid.

Television and radio networks aired special programmes to highlight different aspects of the Quad’s life and his monumental political struggle.

Born on Dec 25, 1876, Jinnah served as leader of the All India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan’s creation on Aug 14, 1947. He then served as Pakistan’s first governor general till his death on Sept 11, 1948.

In his message, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said the dream of Indian Muslims for an independent homeland would not have come true without the Quaid’s dynamic leadership.

“We are living as an independent nation today because of Quaid-i-Azam’s untiring and courageous leadership.”

The chief minister said the nation can attain progress and prosperity by following the Quaid’s motto of “Faith, unity and discipline”.

Users of social media platforms paid tribute to the Quaid by sharing posts and pictures.

The hashtags #QuaideAzam and #Jinnah, were the top trends on Twitter, according to Usman Azeem, a social media user.

Hina Jabbar, a teacher, said in a post on Facebbok: “Today is the death anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Please do remember him in your prayers.”

Hassan Aftab said in his post on Instagram: “When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him lies on the paths of men.”

Sana Jaffery, in her Facebook post, said: Quaid-i-Azam changed the map of the world. May Allah grant you the highest ranks in Jannah (Paradise).”

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2019