By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: Sindh chief minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, along with Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, paid tribute at Mazar-e-Quaid on the occasion of the Quaid’s 149th birth anniversary. He said Pakistan’s progress was only possible by adhering to the principles of its founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Speaking to the media after laying a floral wreath and offering prayers at the mausoleum, Shah said Jinnah’s life continued to offer enduring lessons in public service, justice, constitutionalism and the rule of law. “We are committed to building a strong, just and prosperous Pakistan in line with Quaid-e-Azam’s vision,” he said.
The chief minister was received at the mausoleum by members of the provincial cabinet, advisers, special assistants, the chief secretary, the inspector general of police and other senior officials. He also recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book.
Shah said Jinnah’s message of unity, faith and discipline remained as relevant and practicable today as it was at the time of independence. He described the visit to Mazar-e-Quaid as a renewal of the government’s pledge to serve the people with honesty and sincerity, adding that the Sindh government was continuing its welfare agenda in the light of the founder’s ideals.
Calling it an honour to pay homage on Jinnah’s birth anniversary, the chief minister said the Quaid’s principles of constitutional rule, equality, social service and the supremacy of law provided the clearest guidance for governance. He stressed that the country must be run in accordance with these values and extended greetings, on behalf of his cabinet, to the nation on the occasion. He also conveyed Christmas greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world.
Reflecting on national developments, Shah said that after the achievements of 2025, Pakistan was entering 2026 with renewed hope and determination. He paid tribute to key figures of the independence movement, including Liaquat Ali Khan, whose final resting place lies close to Mazar-e-Quaid. He also recalled the contributions of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, crediting him with making Pakistan a nuclear power, and praised Benazir Bhutto for strengthening national defence through the acquisition of missile technology.
The chief minister lauded the president, the prime minister and the chief of defence forces, and said Pakistan Peoples Party chair Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was a guarantor of the country’s future. He claimed that Pakistan had countered India not only on the battlefield but also on diplomatic and political fronts, frustrating what he described as hostile propaganda.
Reaffirming support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, Shah expressed concern over challenges facing the Muslim world, particularly mourning the deaths of thousands of Palestinians as a result of Israeli military action. He underlined the need for unity within the Muslim world.
Outlining development initiatives, Shah said electricity was being generated using locally mined coal from Thar, and that a water supply project from Nabisar to the Thar coalfields had been launched to support power plants. He added that a technology park was being established at NED University, stressing that national unity was essential for sustainable development and stability. The ceremony at Mazar-e-Quaid was held in a dignified and simple manner, attended by senior government officials and other distinguished guests.
