ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah on his 78th death anniversary, which falls on Sept 11 (today), lauding his visionary leadership, political acumen and lifelong struggle for the constitutional, legal, religious, cultural and human rights of the Muslims of the subcontinent that culminated in the creation of Pakistan.

In a statement, the president urged countrymen to embrace the Quaid-i-Azam’s core virtues of discipline and perseverance as guiding forces for national cohesion and institutional stability.

Reaffirming the necessity of the democratic process, the president highlighted that sustainable national development was impossible without ensuring that all citizens stood equal before the law. He called upon all political forces to look beyond their immediate differences and rely on dialogue, the rule of law and constitutional mechanisms to address the country’s pressing issues.

“Quaid-i-Azam’s life offers an enduring lesson in perseverance, discipline and confidence in one’s purpose,” President Zardari said.

Mr Jinnah’s qualities offered a great vision for handling all challenges, crises and opportunities, Mr Zardari said. From security, political, social, cultural and economic challenges to climate emergencies, the life of the Quaid stood as a radiant lighthouse and a guiding compass for meeting all challenges.

PM Shehbaz, in his message, said the Quaid-i-Azam was an eminent leader who changed the course of history and, against the most challenging odds, paved the way for the establishment of an independent state for the Muslims of the subcontinent.

PM Shehbaz said building Pakistan into a developed and welfare state remained the foremost objective of Quaid-i-Azam’s political legacy.

He said the best way to pay tribute to Quaid-i-Azam’s enduring legacy was to work together for the promotion of national unity, social harmony and economic stability, so that a country truly reflecting the vision, ideals and principles of the great leader could be bequeathed to future generations.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2026