KARACHI, Dec 26: The 129th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, was celebrated on Sunday in a befitting manner and with the resolve to make Pakistan strong and prosperous as was desired by its founder.

The day began with special prayers for the progress and prosperity of the country and its people.

The cadets of the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, mounted the guard duty at the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation.

Earlier, a change of guard ceremony was held. The Commandant of Pakistan Military Academy Kakul, Maj-Gen Ahsan Azhar Hayat, was the chief guest on the occasion. He also offered fateha and laid floral wreath at the mazar.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, along with the members of the provincial cabinet visited the mausoleum of the Quaid, offered fateha and laid floral wreath.

A large number of people belonging to different walks of life also visited the mazar to pay homage to the great leader. Various academic, social and political bodies organized programmes to mark the birth anniversary of the Quaid.

Pakistan National Museum organized an exhibition, putting on display the personal belongings of Quaid-i-Azam and historic documents pertaining to the Pakistan movement.

Meanwhile, week-long celebrations to mark the occasion started here on Sunday under the auspices of the PIA Boy Scouts Association.

In this regard, an inaugural ceremony was held at the provincial headquarters of the association in which Provincial Secretary Rashid Amin Dar was the chief guest. The ceremony was attended by scouts from across the city.—APP