Monday 22 April 2013

Mazar-e-quaid

Quaid-e-Azam`s Mausoleum is a prominent and impressive landmark of Karachi. 

Designed by Architect Yahya Merchant, this white marble Mausoleum with its curved arches and copper grills was completed in 1970. Its cool interior reflects the green of a four-tiered crystal chandelier gifted by the peoples Republic of China.
There is a large park surrounding the mausoleum. It is a must place to be visiited. There are 

Graves of 5 prominent leaders of that period are also located near the mausoleum, namely: 
The “Quaid-e-Millat”. Liaqat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, 
Her wife and great woman leader Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan, 
Quaid`s sister Miss Fatima Jinnah, 
Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar & 
Mr. Noorul Ameen 

some more buildings which are connected to this great leader:

a. Wazir Mansion Quaid's birth place at Kharadar, M.A. Jinnah Road.
b. Sind Madressatul Islam (1885), first Muslim School in Karachi, located just behind Habib Bank Plaza, Second largest building in Karachi.

The Mazar-e-Quaid was built in honour of Mohammad Ali Jinnah. He was an Indian-Muslim politician & the leader of the "All India Muslim League" who went on to found Pakistan & served as its first Governor General. The Pakistani people lovingly refer to him as "Quaid-e-Azam" (Great Leader). In the 1940s Jinnah suffered from tuberculosis and on 11th September 1948 he finally succumbed to the disease & also lunge cancer.

This masterpiece of white marble was completed in the 1960s & is located in the centre of the city ontop of a small hill, surrounded by well-pruned & lush gardens. It's a very calm & tranquil place that we indeed didn't expect to find in the middle of such a hectic & noisy city. There were families having picnics & couples going for a walk.

Enter the hall that is guarded at all times & feel the understated serenity & quiet admiration of Pakistan's people. The coffin is surrounded by a fence and his actual grave is a few meters below ground. The graves of his sister & also the 1st Prime Minister of Pakistan (Liaqat Ali Khan) are nearby. Unfortunately we missed the ceremonial changing of the guards as we were in a hurry, but if you have some time I definitely recommend spending about an hour here. 
Quote:
"No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you. It is a crime against humanity that our women are shut up within 4 walls as prisoners. There is no sanction anywhere for the deplorable condition our women have to live in." 



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