Overview
- The public holiday opened with a 31‑gun salute in Islamabad, 21‑gun salutes in provincial capitals, special prayers, and national flags hoisted on public and private buildings.
- A Pakistan Military Academy contingent took over guard duties at Mazar‑e‑Quaid in Karachi, where Commandant Major General Iftikhar Hassan Chaudhry served as chief guest and laid a floral wreath.
- President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged renewed commitment to Jinnah’s principles of democracy, justice, equality, and the motto of faith, unity and discipline.
- The armed forces, via ISPR, reaffirmed their resolve to safeguard sovereignty and contribute to stability and released a tribute song titled Paigham‑e‑Quaid.
- Officials underscored 2026 as the declared Year of the Quaid ahead of the 150th anniversary as provinces, cultural bodies, and schools held seminars and events and editorial voices pressed for reforms beyond ceremonies.