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The City of Lights is known for its ornate and elaborate historical sites, but nothing as significant as Mazar-e-Quaid, nearly 1.5 kilometres from Shahrah-e-Quaideen. Besides being another important landmark in the city, it is a marvelous archeological site in the region. In short, Jinnah Mausoleum is to Karachi what Royal Mausoleum is to Frogmore.
Anyone who has seen the tomb can appreciate its beauty and its simplicity, but not everyone knows about its history, its features, or facts about this magnificent site. This blog can serve as your personal guide to Mazar-e-Quaid. Bonus point: we’ll also share some information about Quaid-e-Azam.
Let’s get started!
History of the National Mausoleum
Mazar-e-Quaid also goes by the titles of Jinnah Mausoleum, Mazar-e-Quaid, and the National Mausoleum. These terms are used interchangeably for the same place – the final resting place of the Founder of Pakistan.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah died very shortly after the independence of Pakistan in 1948. A year after his death, the government built the Quaid-e-Azam Memorial Fund (QMF). The department was deemed responsible to establish a memorial in his honor.
Soon after the inauguration of the department, the plans to rebuild a memorial, which reflected the founder’s personality were made. Following the plans, an international contest was held in 1957 and many renowned architects submitted their design. All those designs were vetoed by Fatima Jinnah – the sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. She selected Yahya Merchant – a Bombay based architect – to design the final resting place of the Quaid or today what we see as Mazar-e-Quaid.
The Government of Pakistan decided that the tomb will be built on the highest place in Karachi. The mausoleum was officially inaugurated between 1970-1971.
Significance of the Tomb
The thing about visiting Mazar-e-Quaid is that the place holds great significance in the hearts of Pakistanis. Most of us have our sentiments attached to the place. Since Karachi [as a city] is often reflected by the photos of Quaid-e-Azam’s Tomb in the media [press, mass, or social], we can claim that it is a regional symbol.
In fact, the place is bustling with architectural wonders that it makes everyone marvel: how pure and simple it looks. Most of us take pride in visiting the final resting place of one of the greatest personalities in the world since Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the driving force behind the great independence movement.
Furthermore, visiting the tomb brings a renewed sense of patriotism. Standing near the grave of a man who was a celebrated scholar and renowned lawyer makes you believe that nothing is impossible if you’re passionate about a cause.
Architecture of the Mazar-e-Quaid
Who better to design an individual’s resting place than his friend Yahya Merchant – along with being an excellent architect, he was also a close friend of the Quaid.
Merchant’s design consisted of a cuboid structure with a dome on its top and covered in white marble. The cuboid structure reflects the disciplined part of Jinnah’s personality while the white colour symbolises purity and simplicity.
The design is deemed as a “traditional monument of a modernist period”.
The inside of Quaid-e-Azam mazar consists of five white marbled sarcophagus. The casket is placed in the middle.
Jinnah Mausoleum Location
The Tomb of Quaid-e-Azam is located near Numaish Chowrangi on M.A Jinnah Road. It is in close proximity with the Cosmopolitan Society and The Dawood Foundation ghar (TDF). The area is called Jamshed Town and a number of significant neighbourhoods of Karachi such as Sindhi Muslim Society, Tipu Sultan Road, Saddar Town, Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Soldier Bazaar, and Britto Road are nearby.
How to Get to the Tomb of Quaid-e-Azam?
Since the final resting place of Muhammad Ali Jinnah is situated in a well-populated neighbourhood of Karachi, the roads are well-paved and dotted with bus stops. If you’re taking your own vehicle, you will not have any trouble in completing the journey. Some visitors also utilise the facility of app-based hailing services. If you’re staying for long, it is best to book a rental and explore more places nearby including Mohatta Palace, TDF Ghar, National Museum, and even the Fortress of Pakistan.
Address: M.A Jinnah Road, Central Jacob Lines Ghm, Karachi.
Lesser-Known Facts about the Tomb of Quaid-e-Azam
If you want some more information about Mazar-e-Quaid, we’ve listed the lesser-known facts below:
- All the materials used during the construction were made in Pakistan.
- Construction started in 1960, and the inauguration happened in 1970, it took almost 11 years for the completion of the project.
- Foundation stone was laid by President Ayub Khan.
- The tomb is coupled with Jinnah Gardens and comprises over an area of 61 acres.
- The wood for the casket was given by the Government of Azad Kashmir.
- The sister of Quaid-e-Azam, Fatima Ali Jinnah is also buried here.
- The place also serves as the final resting place of Mr. Liquat Ali Khan, the first prime minister, and on his side, lies Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan, while on his other side is Mr. Nurul Amin, the eighth prime minister of Pakistan.
Opening Timings of Mazar-e-Quaid
Before planning a visit to the tomb, note down the timings to avoid any hassle:
Friday to Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday and Thursday: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Timings may vary on some special days, such as 23rd March (Pakistan Day), 14th August (Independence Days), 6th September (Defence Day), 25th December (Quaid-e-Azam’s date of birth), etc, as there are various heads of armed forces paying tributes.
Restaurants near the Jinnah Mausoleum
As mentioned above one of the areas near the tomb is the Sindhi Muslim Society. The S.M.C.H society is famous for its street food; you can find different types of cuisine from desi to continental.
Some of the most known eateries on the S.M.C.H.S street foods are:
- Royal Ice & Spice
- Hyder’s
- Foods Inn
- Vintage
- Eaton
- Al-Haaj Bundo
- Royals
- Café Zouk
- Sizzler’s,
- Del Frio
- Baskin Robbins
This was one of the most commonly visited places in Pakistan. Pakistan is filled with such tourist spots, and so is Karachi, take a look at some must-visit Picnic Points in Karachi. If you are a traveler and wish to explore Pakistan, then here are the top places to visit in Pakistan.
If you are planning a picnic, also added the farmhouses to your list as they are amazing picnic spots for Karachiite. There are lots of farm houses for rent in Karachi.
For more information about tourist spots in Karachi, follow the blog page, Jagah Online, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook.
