Who was Muhammad Ali Jinnah?
Muhammad Ali Jinnah (25 December 1876 – 11 September 1948) is the founder of Pakistan. Known as Quaid-e-Azam (Great Leader) and Baba-e-Qaum (Father of the Nation), he served as the leader of the All-India Muslim League and Pakistan’s first Governor-General.
Why is December 25 a public holiday in Pakistan?
December 25 is celebrated as a public holiday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The day is observed with national flag hoisting ceremonies on public buildings, change of guard at Mazar-e-Quaid, and special academic forums.
What was Jinnah’s vision for minorities?
Jinnah advocated strongly for the protection of minority rights. In his famous August 11, 1947 speech to the Constituent Assembly, he declared: “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan.” This vision forms the foundation of religious freedom in the country.
