ISLAMABAD, Sept 10: The nation observes Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s 59th death anniversary on Tuesday with a pledge to transform Pakistan into a vibrant, progressive and enlightened country as envisioned by the great leader.The day will dawn with special prayers for progress and prosperity of the country.

Various organisations have chalked out programmes to highlight different aspects of the life of the Father of the Nation.—Staff Reporter

APP adds: President General Pervez Musharraf said in a message on the occasion that the government was endeavouring to make Pakistan a modern and progressive Islamic state as envisaged by the Quaid.

He said the comprehensive reforms undertaken by the government in all vital sectors of national life were testimony of “our sincere commitment to the ideology of Pakistan.”

The president said: “We must not lose sight of his unrivalled qualities of leadership and character, which include impeccable integrity, incorruptibility and a truly remarkable capacity for hard work.” He said the greatness of the Quaid’s achievements had been very aptly summed up in the words of his biographer Professor Stanley Wolpert, “Few individuals alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Muhammad Ali Jinnah did all three.”