The federal government has declared a public holiday across the country on Thursday, December 25. This holiday is being given on the occasion of the birthday of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the religious festival of Christmas of the Christian community, which has a unique symbolic status in the history of Pakistan.
According to government sources, an official notification of the decision of the public holiday will be issued soon, after which instructions will be issued to all federal and provincial institutions to implement it. According to the announcement, government offices, semi-government institutions, educational institutions, banks and most private offices will remain closed on December 25.
Due to this holiday, the public will get a day off from office work; however, banking and financial transactions will remain suspended. Authorities have advised citizens to settle their important official and financial matters before the holiday to avoid any kind of trouble.
December 25 holds special significance in Pakistan’s national calendar because on this day in 1876, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born. The leader who gave the Muslims of the subcontinent the dream of a separate homeland and brought Pakistan into existence through political insight, principledness and tireless struggle.
Every year, on the occasion of Quaid-e-Azam’s Day, events, seminars, speeches and ceremonies are organized across the country at the government and private levels, in which tribute is paid to the leadership, constitutional thinking and democratic struggle of the Quaid-e-Azam. Special programs are also organized in various educational institutions.
On this day, the Christian community celebrates Christmas in Pakistan, as it does around the world. Special prayer services in churches, illuminations in homes and markets, and messages of goodwill are the special aspects of this day. Christmas is considered a symbol of peace, love, and brotherhood.
According to sociologists, the December 25 holiday reflects Pakistan’s multicultural identity. According to a social analyst,
“This day is a reminder that Pakistan was founded on tolerance, equality, and respect for the rights of minorities, which is clearly exemplified in the speeches of the Quaid-e-Azam.”
Experts say that the common significance of this day can play an important role in promoting national unity.