Quaid Day on 25 December marks the birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. It is a public holiday, celebrated with ceremonies at his mausoleum in Karachi and events across the country. This guide gives a clear timeline of his life, with a countdown on our Days Until Quaid-e-Azam Day page.
Early life
Jinnah was born on 25 December 1876 in Karachi. He went to London in 1892 and was called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1896, becoming one of the youngest Indian barristers of his time.
Lawyer and politician
He built a successful legal practice in Bombay and joined politics, first in the Indian National Congress and later the All-India Muslim League. For years he was known as an “ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity”.
Leading the Pakistan movement
From the 1930s he led the Muslim League and argued that Muslims were a separate nation. Under his leadership the Lahore Resolution was passed in 1940, and Pakistan was created on 14 August 1947.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 25 December 1876 | Born in Karachi |
| 1896 | Called to the bar in London |
| 1913 | Joined the Muslim League |
| 23 March 1940 | Lahore Resolution |
| 14 August 1947 | Pakistan created; first Governor-General |
| 11 September 1948 | Died in Karachi |
He died at the age of 71, just over a year after independence. Check age calculations with the Age Calculator.
His message
His motto for the nation was “Unity, Faith, Discipline”. His 11 August 1947 address to the Constituent Assembly spoke of equal rights for all citizens.
How Quaid Day is marked
- Change of guard and wreath laying at Mazar-e-Quaid, Karachi
- Seminars and school programmes
- Television documentaries
25 December is also Christmas, so it is a holiday for both reasons; see Days Until Christmas and the Pakistan Public Holidays list.
Read Quaid’s principles for students for lessons from his life.
Frequently asked questions
When was Quaid-e-Azam born?
On 25 December 1876 in Karachi.
When did he die?
On 11 September 1948.
What was his motto for Pakistan?
Unity, Faith, Discipline.