Quaid-e-Azam Day in Pakistan
Quaid-e-Azam Day is Pakistan’s public holiday on December 25, the birth date of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the country’s founder and first governor-general. It honours his leadership in the Pakistan Movement and is marked by ceremonies at his mausoleum in Karachi and events elsewhere in the country.[1][2][3]
A day for Pakistan’s founder
Jinnah was born in Karachi on December 25, 1876. He led the Pakistan Movement, which resulted in the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent, and served as Pakistan’s first governor-general. Pakistan’s National Assembly records him as the founder of the country and preserves his address to the Constituent Assembly in August 1947.[2][4]
The day’s meaning is closely tied to Pakistan’s founding and Jinnah’s political legacy. In his address to the Constituent Assembly, he called for attention to the people’s welfare and described equal citizenship and freedom of worship as principles for the new state. These themes inform the day’s public tributes to him.[4]
Ceremonies and observances
A recurring focal point is the change of guard at Mazar-e-Quaid, Jinnah’s mausoleum in Karachi. Pakistan’s state news service has reported military academy cadets taking ceremonial guard duty there, with officials laying floral wreaths and offering fateha. The Associated Press of Pakistan describes the guard ceremony as an annual feature marking Jinnah’s birthday.[3][5]
Observances have also included Qur’an recitation at the mausoleum, prayers for the country, flag hoisting and public programmes about Jinnah’s life and political work. Reports from different years describe events in Karachi and other parts of Pakistan, but specific programmes can vary; there is no single set of activities that applies to every city.[3][5]
Public holiday and practical effects
The Cabinet Division includes December 25 as Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas in its list of Pakistan’s public holidays. Its published calendar does not name a substitute day for this entry. Check the official notice for the relevant year for any additional or local closure announcements.[1]
Banks should be expected to close for public dealing: the State Bank of Pakistan has issued notices confirming closure on December 25 for the public holiday. The national holiday listing does not specify whether individual shops, restaurants or transport services will operate, so visitors should check locally before making plans.[1][6]
Frequently asked questions
When is Quaid-e-Azam Day?
Is Quaid-e-Azam Day a public holiday?
Yes. Pakistan’s Cabinet Division lists it as a public holiday.[1]
Are banks open?
Banks close for public dealing on the holiday, according to State Bank of Pakistan notices. Check with your bank for any service-specific arrangements.[6]
Sources and references
Sources used for Quaid-e-Azam Day in Pakistan:
- Public and Optional Holidays for the Year 2025- Cabinet Division, Government of Pakistan
- Birth anniversary of Founder of Pakistan celebrated- Radio Pakistan
- Guards mounting ceremony held at Mazar-e-Quaid- Associated Press of Pakistan
- Address of the Founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on 11th August, 1947 to 1st Constituent Assembly- National Assembly of Pakistan
- Nation marks 149th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam- Radio Pakistan
- Public Holiday- State Bank of Pakistan