The nation is celebrating 149th birth anniversary of the 'Father of the Nation' Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah today with renewed pledge to uphold his guiding principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline.

It is a public holiday today.

The day dawned with 31-gun salutes in the federal capital and 21-gun salute at  provincial capitals, while special prayers were offered at the mosques after Fajr prayer for the departed soul of the 'Father of Nation' and peace, prosperity and development of the country.

National flag has been hoisted atop all public and private buildings, while Qur'an Khawani and a change of guards ceremony will be held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.

Born on this day in 1876, in Karachi, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the Pakistan movement which culminated at establishment of a separate homeland for Muslims of the Sub-continent. 

An impressive change of guard ceremony was held at the Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam today in connection with the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation.

During the ceremony, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Military Academy Kakul assumed the ceremonial guard duties.

Commandant of Pakistan Military Academy Kakul, Major General Iftikhar Hassan Chaudhry was the chief guest on the occasion.

He laid floral wreath at the Mazar and offered fateha.

He also recorded his impressions in the book of visitors.

Earlier, Quran Khwani was also held at the Mazar for the departed soul of Quaid-e-Azam.