President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif renewed on Thursday the pledge to follow in the footsteps of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. As the nation celebrated 149th birth anniversary of the ‘Father of the Nation’ Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah today, the day dawned with 31-gun salutes in the federal capital and 21-gun salute at  provincial capitals. A change of guard ceremony was also held at Mazar-i-Quaid in Karachi. Meanwhile, in his message, the president paid tribute to Jinnah, saying that he was a champion of democracy, justice, and equality, as per a statement by the Pakistan Peoples Party. “He gave us the message of unity, faith, and discipline, which provides clear guidance for our nation. These principles remain indispensable today for our progress, social harmony, and the strengthening of trust,“ the statement quoted the Quaid as saying. “Remembering Quaid-e-Azam’s guiding principles, I invite all Pakistanis to work together for a future that reflects his vision of a just, democratic, and confident nation. Our strength lies in unity and in a shared commitment to serve Pakistan with integrity, purpose, and mutual respect.” Moreover, PM Shehbaz said that the day offers an opportunity for collective reflection and “renewal of our commitment to the Quaid’s guiding principles - democracy, constitutionalism, social justice, religious harmony, and the vision of a welfare state grounded in equality and the rule of law”. Quaid-e-Azam’s enduring ideals of Faith, Unity, and Discipline remain the foundation of our national strength and a guiding light for future generations, the PM said. “Today, we reaffirm our collective resolve to follow in the footsteps of Quaid-e-Azam and to carry forward his enduring legacy, in the service of Pakistan’s honour, security, progress, and prosperity.” Similarly, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, also paid rich tribute to the Father of the Nation. “The Armed Forces reaffirm their unwavering commitment to Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a strong, sovereign, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan, founded on the principles of faith, unity and discipline,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release today. They emphasized that Quaid-e-Azam’s exemplary leadership, constitutionalism, and steadfast resolve continue to guide the nation and its Armed Forces in confronting contemporary challenges, said the statement. “The Armed Forces of Pakistan reiterate their resolve to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to contribute wholeheartedly towards national stability, peace, and development, in line with the ideals and aspirations of Quaid-e-Azam.”