The glorious day of December 25 is all about celebrating Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ. But the people of Pakistan have got double the reasons to celebrate this holiday. Why? Because December 25 also commemorates the birthday of the Founding Father of Pakistan – Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah!
About Quaid Day
Celebrated annually on December 25, QUAID DAY is a public holiday in Pakistan that commemorates the birthday of Muhammad Ali Jinnah – who was a politician, lawyer, the founder of Pakistan, and the first governor-general of the country.
Also known as Quaid-e-Azam’s Birthday, the day is marked with celebrations like wreath-laying ceremonies at Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and seminars, speeches, and special programs to honor Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his independence struggle for Pakistan.
| Quaid Day | |
| A public holiday in Pakistan that marks the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah – the father of the nation. | |
| When Celebrated: | 25th December |
| Upcoming Date: | 25 December |
| Significance: |
Birth Anniversary of Pakistan’s Founding Father
|
| Celebrations: |
Change of guard ceremony, tributes, flag hoisting, speeches
|
| Which Birth Anniversary: |
145th Birth Anniversary
|
| Where Celebrated: | Pakistan |
| Holiday Type: |
Public – National Holiday
|
| Also Called: |
Jinnah Day, Quaid e Azam Day, Quaid Birthday
|
Quaid Day
Quaid Day falls on Saturday, 25 December. It will mark Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s 145th Birth Anniversary. Is Quaid Day a public holiday? Yes. As per the notification issued by the Government of Pakistan – schools, offices, and banks will observe a day off.
Quaid Day Celebrations
Quaid Day, observed annually on 25th December, is one of the nation’s most beloved public holidays with every Pakistani coming together to mark the birthday of their country’s founding father. Every Pakistani’s heart beats with a sentiment of utmost love and honor for Muhammad Ali Jinnah – one of the greatest leaders in the modern Muslim history – who made it possible for the Indian Muslims to live independently in a separate homeland, today called Pakistan.
Here’s how Quaid-e-Azam Day is celebrated in Pakistan:
The day dawns with an impressive change of guard ceremony at Quaid’s Mausoleum in Karachi. High-profile government and military officials are present at the time of the ceremony.
People from various walks of life visit Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi to pay homage to the founder of Pakistan and make prayers to Allah to bless Quaid with the highest ranks in Jannah.
A flag hoisting ceremony takes place at Quaid’s residency in Ziarat, the place where Jinnah spent the last days of his life.
Every year, a grand ceremony takes place in connection with Quaid Day. Artists, writers, journalists, and versatile personalities belonging to different segments attend the ceremony. The speakers talk about different aspects of the life, ideology, political services, and struggles of the founder of the nation and pay rich tributes to him. They shed light on how Jinnah won a separate state for Muslims with a political and unarmed struggle.
In separate messages and speeches – the President, Prime Minister, and Army Chief of the country – pay tribute to Quaid shed light on Jinnah’s teachings, and urge people to adhere to his vision.
Several political, social, and academic departments hold Quaid Day ceremonies to mark Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s Birthday in a befitting manner. Cakes are cut and free meals are distributed.
Schools and colleges organize Quaid Day functions, where students present their speeches and essays on Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Awards are presented to the top performers.
Since it’s a day off from school and business activities, many families head out to recreation spots for a picnic.
National television channels broadcast special programs, interviews of Quaid’s relatives, and reports to highlight the life of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his struggles for independent Pakistan.
Quaid Day Sales in Pakistan
Every year on Quaid’s Day, top Pakistani fashion brands and eCommerce stores celebrated Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday by setting up Quaid Day Sales & Promotions. This year in , you can enjoy Quaid Day sales on the following brands:
- Al Karam – Flat 25% OFF Discounted Deals on entire collection available in outlets and online store
- J. by Junaid Jamshed – Avail 20% OFF on J. collection
- Khaadi – Avail 30% to 50% Off on all items
- Daraz PK – Enjoy discounts on several brands and items
Celebrate Jinnah’s Birthday with Happy Quaid Day Wishes
- Happy Jinnah Day. We are indebted to Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who got us separated from Hindu Supremacist India. We reaffirm that Kashmir is an unfinished agenda of the partition. Kashmir Banega Pakistan.
- Nothing is more precious than Independence & Liberty. We thank Jinnah for gifting us with Pakistan. May he is blessed with the highest ranks in Jannah. Happy Quaid Day!
- Life without liberty is like a body without spirit. Ask worth of independence from Kashmiris and pray for the maghfirat of Quaid e Azam.
- Happy Quaid Day, Pakistan! Undoubtedly, we are one lucky nation to have one of the greatest political leaders of the human race, as OUR Quaid!
- A leader like Muhammad Ali Jinnah isn’t born in decades.
Honoring Quaid with Happy Jinnah Day Greetings
- Here’s to a true hero, one of the finest lawyers ever and a great inspiring leader. Happy Jinnah Day!
- Happy Jinnah Day. Happy Birthday to Man of Actions, not Words! Pay Tribute To The Man Who Taught Us The Meaning Of Freedom… JINNAH…! Tuje Salam.
- Merry Christmas and happy Jinnah Day from our hearts to yours. Let’s assure the minority rights to be protected and Jinnah s vision to be promoted throughout the year and so.
- Happy Jinnah day! May we have the strength and perseverance to make Jinnah’s dream and vision for Pakistan a formidable reality.
- Forever we shall remain indebted to you. The Father of Our Nation. Happy Birthday, Quaid
Best Inspiring Quotes for Jinnah Day
- “Gandhi died by the hands of an assassin; Jinnah died by his devotion to Pakistan.” ― Lord Pethick Lawrence
- “Although without Gandhi, Hindustan would still have gained independence and without Lenin and Mao, Russia and China would still have endured Communist revolution, without Jinnah there would have been no Pakistan in 1947.” ― John Biggs Davison
- “Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three.” ― Prof. Stanley Wolpert
- “He was the originator of the dream that became Pakistan, architect of the State and father of the world’s largest Muslim nation. Mr. Jinnah was the recipient of a devotion and loyalty seldom accord to any man.” ― Harry S Truman, US President
- “Democracy is in the blood of the Muslims, who look upon complete equality of mankind, and believe in fraternity, equality, and liberty.” ― Muhammad Ali Jinnah
- “You will have to make up for the smallness of your size by your courage and selfless devotion to duty, for it is not life that matters, but the courage, fortitude, and determination you bring to it.” ― Muhammad Ali Jinnah
- “You are free; you are free to go to your temples. You are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste or creed—that has nothing to do with the business of the state.” ― Muhammad Ali Jinnah
- “Pakistan is now a fait accompli and it can never be undone, besides, it was the only just, honorable, and practical solution of the most complex constitutional problem of this great subcontinent. Let us now plan to build and reconstruct and regenerate our great nation…” ― Muhammad Ali Jinnah
- “God has given us a grand opportunity to show our worth as architects of a new State; let it not be said that we did not prove equal to the task.” ― Muhammad Ali Jinnah
- “Come forward as servants of Islam, organize the people economically, socially, educationally and politically and I am sure that you will be a power that will be accepted by everybody.” ― Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Quaid Day Speech & Essay (300 Words)
December 25th is a day of nationwide significance for Pakistanis since it marks the birth anniversary of the Father of the nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. With his profound vision, indomitable will, intelligence, commitment and courage, Jinnah whom every Pakistani calls Quaid-i-Azam (the great leader), combined the Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent under the Muslim League. Following a very long unarmed struggle under his direction, Pakistan came into being on August 14, 1947.
It was Jinnah’s dream to see Pakistan appear as an independent democratic country, where the legislation could reign supreme, the politicians could work with dedication and honesty for the nation, Muslims can openly practice Islam, all citizens including women would play an essential role in the progression of the nation, human rights could be safeguarded, quick justice to all, poverty and illiteracy will be eradicated, and non-Muslims will be handled with respect and dignity.
Quaid Day is the best opportunity for us to ponder over the teachings laid by Jinnah and get united as one nation by firmly holding to the Jinnah’s principles of unity, faith, and discipline. This public holiday reminds us of the sacrifices made by Jinnah for the creation of Pakistan and how he neglected his own personal care to win a separate homeland for Muslims.
If Quaid had not been there, today Muslims of Pakistan would be living as a minority in Hindu-majority India with a lack of respect, no proper rights, and restrictions on practicing the Islamic faith. Today we live in an independent country, we are free to go to our mosques, we are free to openly practice our religion, we are free to openly eat beef. We are not oppressed by the Hindu ideology, neither we are subject to the ill-treatment as the Muslims living in India are. Therefore, we should be thankful to Jinnah for gifting us with this blessed land.
On this Quaid Day, let’s pledge to invest in this beautiful country with all the more zeal and make Pakistan… the “Pakistan” of Quaid’s dreams.
“Pakistan is a land of great potential resources. But to build it up into a country worthy of the Muslim nation, we shall require every ounce of energy that we possess and I am confident that it will come from all whole-heartedly.” – Quaid-e-Azam
Interesting Facts about Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah
- Jinnah was an avid fashionista. He possessed over 200 A-class suits, which he wore with heavily starched shirts. Even on the death bed, he insisted on being dressed formally.
- As a reputed barrister, Jinnah never wore the same silk tie twice.
- In 1896, Jinnah was the youngest Indian to pass the law exam in England. He was also the only Muslim Barrister at Bombay while he was 20 years old.
- At one stage, Jinnah attempted a career change and joined a theatre group in London. But instantly gave up acting on receiving a stern letter from his father.
- Jinnah’s’ daughter Dina, was born at the night between 14 August and 15 August 1919. When the very first day dawned on the baby Dina, it also was a Friday. 28 years later, Pakistan was born on the exact same day and dates!
- Pakistan’s Independence Day and Quaid-e-Azam’s birth and death anniversaries, always fall on precisely the exact same day of the week. For example, Independence Day of Pakistan and Quaid Day – both fell on Wednesday this year!
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a second-generation Muslim. His grandparents were Hindus.
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s real name was Mahomedali Jinnahbai. While studying law in England, he dropped the term “Bai” from his name and also made some adjustments in the spelling. After the creation of Pakistan, he came to be known as Quaid-e-Azam (Great Leader) and Baba-i-Qaum (Father of the Nation).
- Ankara, the capital of Turkey, has a road named after Jinnah – called the Cinnah Caddesi. It is one of the longest streets of Ankara. “Jinnah” is spelled “Cinnah” in the Turkish language.
- London has a Blue Plaque dedicated to Jinnah.
- In various pictures, Jinnah is seen wearing a sherwani with a Qaraquli cap (called the Jinnah Cap). This specific outfit, worn by Jinnah in 1937 through a session of the All-India Muslim League at Lucknow, was supposed to signify his devotion to Allama Mohammad Iqbal’s dream of a separate country for Muslims of British India.
- Jinnah was among the priciest and most sought-after attorneys of the time, making about Rs1,500 per case. He, however, fixed his salary at Rs 1 a month as the Governor-General of Pakistan. This is because he did not wish to indebt the newly born state with a financial burden.