Quaid-e-Azam Day 2026 is Friday 25 December. It is Jinnah's birthday and a national public holiday in Pakistan. The main events take place in Karachi, where officials and visitors lay wreaths at his mausoleum, and schools and government offices close for the day.
When is Quaid-e-Azam Day 2026
Quaid-e-Azam Day 25 December falls on Friday 25 December 2026. The date never moves, since it marks Jinnah's birthday. It is a national public holiday in Pakistan, so schools, government offices, and many businesses close. The same date is also Christmas Day, which is a public holiday for Christians in Pakistan.
Who was Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born on 25 December 1876 at Wazir Mansion in Karachi. He trained as a barrister at Lincoln's Inn in London, then returned to practise law and enter politics in British India. He led the All-India Muslim League from 1913, and his work led to the creation of Pakistan on 14 August 1947. He served as Pakistan's first Governor-General until his death on 11 September 1948. Read the life of Muhammad Ali Jinnah for the full story of his career.
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1876 | Born 25 December at Wazir Mansion, Karachi. |
| 1913 | Became leader of the All-India Muslim League. |
| 1940 | Lahore Resolution called for a separate state for Muslims. |
| 1942 | Public marking of his birthday began, during his lifetime. |
| 1947 | Pakistan created on 14 August. Jinnah became its first Governor-General. |
| 1948 | Died 11 September in Karachi, aged 71, after a long illness. |
What the day means
Quaid-e-Azam means Great Leader. It is the title Pakistanis use for Jinnah more often than his full name. The day honours the founder and the founding story of the country. Jinnah's motto was unity, faith, and discipline, and school events on the day often return to those three words. Note on the country's name: Pakistan became an Islamic Republic in 1956, when its first constitution took effect. In 1947, it began as a Dominion, not an Islamic Republic.
How Pakistan marks the day
Flag-hoisting ceremonies open the day at government buildings and schools, with the national anthem. Special prayers are held in mosques for the nation. At the Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi, officials lay floral wreaths, and the honour-guard ceremony takes place through the day. Schools hold essay competitions, debates, and quiz contests about Jinnah's life and speeches. Television and radio run documentaries and talks about his part in founding the country. Quaid-e-Azam Day Pakistan events are centred on Karachi, but flag ceremonies and school programmes take place across the country. See the full list of national holidays in this category.
Visiting the Mazar-e-Quaid
Mazar-e-Quaid is Jinnah's mausoleum in Karachi, at the end of Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road. The white marble building was designed by architect Yahya Merchant, with curved arches and copper grills, and a four-tiered crystal chandelier from China hangs inside. The complex also holds the graves of Fatima Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Khan, and other leaders. Read the official description of the Quaid's Mausoleum before you go. A small museum in the complex shows some of Jinnah's belongings.
If you want the other great national day of the year, read the Pakistan Independence Day story and ceremonies for 14 August.
Visiting tips
- Dress: smart and modest. Cover your shoulders, and wear shoes you can walk in around the complex.
- Shoes: remove them before entering the tomb area, as visitors are asked to do.
- Timing: go early in the day for a quieter visit. The mausoleum draws its largest crowds in the late morning and afternoon.
- Hours: check opening hours locally before you go, since they can change on public holidays.
- Photos: ask before you photograph people. Keep voices low inside the tomb area.
- Getting there: ride-hailing and taxis reach the mausoleum. Allow extra time for traffic on the holiday.
For the full list of festivals across the world, go back to the World Festival and Holiday Calendar.