Summary
Jinnah's Birthday, officially Quaid-e-Azam Day and sometimes known as Quaid Day, is a public holiday in Pakistan observed annually on 25 December to celebrate the birthday of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, known as Quaid-i-Azam ("Great Leader"). A major holiday, commemorations for Jinnah began during his lifetime in 1942, and have continued ever since. The event is primarily observed by the government and the citizens of the country where the national flag is hoisted at major architectural structures such as private and public buildings, particularly at the top of Quaid-e-Azam House in Karachi.[2]
| Jinnah's Birthday | |
|---|---|
 Statue of Jinnah at York University, Toronto[1] | |
| Official name | Quaid-e-Azam Day |
| Also called | Quaid Day |
| Observed by | Pakistan |
| Type | National |
| Significance | Honours Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder and the first governor-general of Pakistan |
| Date | 25 December |
| Frequency | Annual |
History edit
Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876–1948) was the founder and first governor-general of Pakistan.[3][4] He is among the most revered leaders in the country's history, and often referred to as Qaid-e-Azam, meaning "Great Leader".[4] In 1942, numerous events commemorated Jinnah on his birthday, 25 December: the All-India Muslim League organised a fund for the poor and Liaquat Ali Khan held a reception for the leader.[5] At the Wellington Pavilion in Delhi, Muslim citizens also held a reception for Jinnah.[5] From then on, numerous events were held yearly on 25 December to honour Jinnah during his lifetime; this included receptions, parades, commemorations, speeches and recognition from other world leaders.[5]
Observance and traditions edit
A major holiday in Pakistan,[4] it is celebrated conventionally across the country.[6] Since 25 December is coincidentally also Christmas, Pakistani citizens observe both holidays on 25 December.[7][8]
The unified ritualistic event, usually attended by prominent leaders, military commanders and citizens, is organised at Mazar-e-Quaid, and while it is aimed at to highlight the life of Jinnah, all public and private sectors,[9] including schools, colleges and universities[10] remain closed to organise multiple events such as debates, seminars and exhibitions at respective locations without being involved in office management.[9]
Security arrangements edit
The event's security arrangements are handled by the Pakistan Army. This is also assigned to the Pakistan Air Force.[11][12] A guard mounting is also held in the country to perform ceremonial guard duties on Jinnah's Day.[13]
See also edit
Citations edit
- ^ Siddiqui, Latafat Ali (1 February 2007). "Quaid's statue at Canada's university". Dawn. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ "Quaid-e-Azam Day in Pakistan in 2021". Office Holidays. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
- ^ Ahmed 2005, p. 239.
- ^ a b c "Quaid-e-Azam Day – December 25, 2021". National Today. 4 November 2021. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
- ^ a b c Abro, Zahid Hussain (25 December 2021). "Quaid's birthday celebration in his lifetime". The News International. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
- ^ "Quaid Day: Celebrities honour Jinnah on his birth anniversary". The Express Tribune. 25 December 2019.
- ^ "Quaid-e-Azam Day in Pakistan". timeanddate.com.
- ^ "Quaid-e-Azam Day – Pakistan Girl Guides Association". Pakistan Girl Guides Association.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b "Nation celebrates Quaid-e-Azam's birth anniversary". radio.gov.pk.
- ^ "Students performing national song regarding Quaid-e-Azam Day in Islamabad". The Nation. 24 December 2017.
- ^ "Nation celebrates 143th birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam". geo.tv.
- ^ "Nation celebrates Quaid's 143rd birthday". Dawn. Pakistan. 25 December 2019.
- ^ "Watch: Change of guard ceremony held on Jinnah's birthday". SAMAA TV.
General sources edit
- Ahmed, Akbar S. (2005) [First published 1997]. Jinnah, Pakistan, and Islamic Identity: The Search for Saladin. London: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-134-75022-1.