A true leader ruling the hearts of his followers as well as his rivals, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born on 25th December 1876. He was the founder of Pakistan, popularly known as Father of the Nation. His efforts and endless struggles turned a mere dream into reality.
He was a barrister, politician and leader of All India Muslim League. He was a man of principles who always took action while taking law into confidence. His determination and obsession made people go crazy for him. After completing his studies from abroad, he came back to India and joined Congress where he stood for Hindu/Muslim unity. Within a short span of time, occurrence of several events convinced him that the idea of unity was not a practical idea and two nation theory needs to be taken into consideration. Because of clashes in views, Quaid-e-Azam resigned from congress and joined All India Muslim league aiming to protect the rights of Muslims and the establishment of an independent state for Muslims of the subcontinent.
Quaid-e-Azam while democratically fighting for Muslims rights led a historic movement known as Lahore Resolution and with his continued struggle, on 14th August 1947, Pakistan came into existence. After the establishment of Pakistan, he was appointed as the first Governor General of Pakistan.
After the independence of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah stayed and lived in many cities around the country and owned multiple properties across Pakistan. Here is the compilation of all the properties owned or named after Quaid-e-Azam.
Wazir Mansion (Birthplace):
Wazir Mansion is the place / house where the parents of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah lived at the time of the birth of the nation’s Supreme Leader. This great leader lived his young age for almost 16 years in a rented house until he moved to England for studies. The house, known as Wazir Mansion situated in kharadar, Karachi. His parents moved to Gujrat when he left for higher studies.
Located beside Akhund Masjid, Wazir Mansion is most notable for its lime-colored façade that has been preserved to date. While there used to be a fountain at the entrance in earlier times, it was removed in later renovations as more focus was diverted to preserving the structure itself. The government preserved the place and now this place is officially tagged as Quaid-e-Azam Birthplace Museum, having library for the readers. Also, Quaid’s books, furniture and other belongings are preserved.
The museum is open for public six days a week and the timings are from 9 am to 5 pm. There is small entrance fee of Rs. 20 for adults and that can be received from the main gate before the entrance.
Quaid-e-Azam house:
Quaid-e-Azam purchased a house formerly known as Flagstaff house located at the crossing of Shahrah-e-Faisal and Fatima Jinnah road, Karachi, from a former Mayor of Karachi in 1943. He bought this 10241 square yard property for PKR 1 lac 16 thousand.
This house was beautifully designed by a British architect; the structure is alluringly built with limestone giving a ravishing look. Now if we enter the house, we will see three rooms in the ground floor and three rooms in the first floor. There were also numerous garages, guard rooms and a kitchen which are given the shape of adminstrative houses.
He shifted to this place from India after the establishment of Pakistan and it was his retirement plan to live in this house for the rest of his life but unfortunately, he didn’t get much to live in this place. Although he visited this house very often but he couldn’t live his last days in this house.
After demise of the great leader, Fatima Jinnah moved in the house and lived there for many years until 1964 and after that she shifted to her own place that is, Mohatta Palace.
The house was taken up by the government and they converted the Flagstaff house into The Quaid-e-Azam House Museum, which is now a tribute to the great leader with all his belongings preserved and intact. People can visit the Quaid-e-Azam house for free from 9 am to 4 pm and explore the lifestyle of the historic leader with his furniture, clothes, cars and other belongings being creatively featured. Along with a fine cigerrate box as one of the antiques is showcased. Library has also been made to encourage students.
If you are travelling to Karachi, Quaid-e-Azam house should be your top priority, validated by the fact that it’s one of the national monuments of Pakistan, making it an important landmark.
Governor House, Karachi:
After his appointment as the first Governor General of Pakistan, he was officially provided with the residency of Governor house until his death. His office is now open for tours, where people visit to feel the charm. The house is situated in Civil Lines on Aiwan-e-Saddar road and is known by many names, including Governor’s House, Governor General’s House, President’s House, and Government House, and it continuously changes hands, remaining the official residence of the Governor of Sindh.
The construction of the governor house in Karachi began in 1936 under the supervision of renowned and famous architect R.T Russel hence shows the exemplary architectural designs. The colonial era can be easily depicted from the interiors and exteriors of the designs, with a long driveway leading to imposing doors, and a spacious wraparound terrace giving amazing views of the lush greenery and gardens below.
As of recently, a rose garden has also been planted containing 36 kinds of roses, which provides fresh flowers at no cost to the Governor House. A walkway has been constructed for security purposes to protect the house from mushroom growth of high rise buildings. In keeping with the traditional concept of Islamic Gardens of Paradise, Chahar Bagh has been laid out replicating with four squares garden at the entrance of Jahangir’s tomb.
Ziarat Residency:
Quaid-e-Azam was severely ill in his last days and was advised to stay in Ziarat Residency situated in Baluchistan, where he spent his last two months. Located at an altitude of around 2,400 above sea level, upper parts of the valley are mesmerizing for their natural beauty, enchanting juniper forest, mountain peaks, springs and streams. The Quaid-e-Azam’s residency, spread over 8000 square feet in Ziarat, is a national monument of historic significance.
This place was like a medical care center and there he was provided with special care to recover him from illness. There were nurses, sisters and physicians in the residency who were actively monitoring his condition. With deep regret this residency became the death bed for the great leader and he died on 11th September 1948. This place has now become an important landmark and people never forget to visit Ziarat residency whenever they pay visit to Baluchistan.
Mazar-e-Quaid:
The mausoleum holds the remains of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. The mausoleum his remains now lie within was designed in the 1960s. The stoic white marble structure commands attention even from afar. Lines of bubbling fountains lead toward the building, which is a pleasingly simple and striking architectural beauty. The mausoleum also holds the tombs of his sister Fatima Jinnah, the Māder-e Millat. There is another museum within the Mazar-e-Quaid where the utilities of Quaid-e-Azam are displayed including his cars, shoes, clothes, furniture and his home interiors.
Quaid-e-Azam was a leader who is born once in a century, he is loved by people to such an extent that his birthday, that is, 25th December is celebrated as a national holiday in Pakistan, better known as Quaid-e-Azam day. The excellence of Quaid-e-Azam is also acknowledged by others. Prof. Stanley in his book, Jinnah of Pakistan states:
“Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Muhammad Ali Jinnah did all three”
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