Islamabad, Dec 25 (IANS) The 133rd birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, was celebrated across the country Friday.
The day began with special prayers in mosques for the founder of the Pakistan. The change of guard ceremony was also held at Jinnah’s mausoleum in the southern port city of Karachi, Xinhua reported.

Cadets from the Pakistan Military Academy mounted the guard at the mausoleum.

President Asif Ali Zardari urged the country to unite and reclaim the values which Jinnah bequeathed to the nation as his heritage.

“I wish to felicitate the nation on the Quaid’s birth anniversary and urge the people to forge unity in their ranks to preserve and protect their democratic and political rights and thereby make Pakistan a shining example of prosperity and progress,” Zardari said in his message to the nation.

Separately, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said the best tribute the country could pay to Jinnah was allegiance to the principles that he had espoused in his life and the values which he had promoted throughout his career.

The Pakistani government had declared a public holiday on the occasion. National flags were hoisted atop all government buildings.

Jinnah was born Dec 25, 1876. He died Sep 11, 1948.