| Jinnah's birthday | |
|---|---|
 Statue of Jinnah atYork University, Toronto[1] | |
| Official name | Quaid-e-Azam Day |
| Also called | Quaid Day |
| Observed by | Pakistan |
| Type | National |
| Significance | HonoursMuhammad Ali Jinnah, founder and the firstgovernor-general of Pakistan |
| Date | 25 December |
| Frequency | Annual |
Jinnah's birthday, officiallyQuaid-e-Azam Day and sometimes known asQuaid Day, is apublic holiday in Pakistan observed annually on25 December to celebrate the birthday of the founder ofPakistan,Muhammad Ali Jinnah, known asQuaid-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 thenational flag is hoisted at major architectural structures such as private and public buildings, particularly at the top ofQuaid-e-Azam House inKarachi.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876–1948) was the founder and firstgovernor-general of Pakistan.[2][3] He is among the most revered leaders in the country's history, and often referred to asQaid-e-Azam, meaning "Great Leader".[3] In 1942, numerous events commemorated Jinnah on his birthday, 25 December: theAll-India Muslim League organised a fund for the poor andLiaquat Ali Khan held a reception for the leader.[4] At the Wellington Pavilion in Delhi, Muslim citizens also held a reception for Jinnah.[4] 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.[4]
A majorholiday in Pakistan,[3] it is celebrated conventionally across the country.[5] Since 25 December is coincidentally alsoChristmas, Pakistani citizens observe both holidays on 25 December.[6][7][8]
The unifiedritualistic event, usually attended by prominent leaders, military commanders and citizens, is organised atMazar-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 inoffice management.[9]
The event's security arrangements are handled by thePakistan Army. This is also assigned to thePakistan Air Force.[11][12] Aguard mounting is also held in the country to perform ceremonial guard duties on Jinnah's Day.[13]