Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, on Monday addressed a distinguished gathering at Aiwan-e-Sadr (President House) on the occasion of the 149th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, under the annual tradition of “Quaid aur Bachay.”
The ceremony was marked by dignity, national spirit, and reverence for the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam. A cake was cut to commemorate the birthday of the Founder of Pakistan, symbolising unity, continuity, and collective commitment to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam.
In his comprehensive and inspiring address, Chairman Senate said it was a profound honour to speak at Aiwan-e-Sadr, particularly before the young students of the country, on an occasion that renews national resolve to uphold the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He observed that “Quaid aur Bachay” is not merely a ceremonial tradition, but a powerful reminder of the responsibility to transmit the values, vision, and principles of the Founder of the Nation to future generations.
Chairman Senate paid rich tribute to Quaid-e-Azam’s integrity, constitutionalism, democratic struggle, and unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law. Quoting renowned historian Stanley Wolpert, he remarked that Quaid-e-Azam was among the rare individuals in history who altered the course of events, reshaped the world map, and successfully created a nation-state through principled leadership.
Highlighting Quaid-e-Azam’s life journey, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani recalled that born on 25th December 1876 in Karachi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most influential leaders of the twentieth century. After qualifying as a barrister from Lincoln’s Inn, he distinguished himself through legal brilliance, honesty, and strict adherence to the rule of law—qualities that later defined his political leadership.
The Chairman Senate underscored that Quaid-e-Azam firmly believed in constitutional and democratic means, relying on reason, dialogue, and moral authority rather than agitation or populism. He stated that Jinnah’s political struggle, culminating in the Lahore Resolution of 1940 and the eventual creation of Pakistan on 14th August 1947, was a testament to sustained constitutional engagement and democratic resolve.
Referring to Quaid-e-Azam’s historic address of 11th August 1947, Chairman Senate reaffirmed that Pakistan was envisioned as a modern, democratic, and inclusive state, where equality, justice, religious freedom, and equal citizenship would be guaranteed to all. He noted that Quaid-e-Azam’s emphasis on eliminating corruption, nepotism, and injustice remains profoundly relevant today.
Chairman Senate also recalled Quaid-e-Azam’s tireless efforts during the formative year of Pakistan, when despite failing health, he worked relentlessly to consolidate state institutions, rehabilitate refugees, and secure Pakistan’s place in the international community. He said Quaid-e-Azam’s legacy of unity, faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty must continue to guide the nation.
Calling the anniversary a moment of reflection and responsibility, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani stressed that those in authority must place national interest above personal considerations, institutions must function with transparency and integrity, and the youth must dedicate themselves to learning, discipline, and service to the country.
The event was attended by a large number of parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps, senior officers of the Senate Secretariat including the Secretary Senate Syed Husnain Haider and Special Secretary Senate Hafeez Ullah Shaikh, Officers of the President House, teachers, students, senior media person and other prominent personalities from across the country.
The ceremony concluded with renewed pledges to follow the path laid down by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and to work collectively for a strong, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan.
Pakistan Paindabad!
Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad!
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