Mazar-e-Quaid
National Mausoleum Of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Founder Of Pakistan; Designed By Yahya Merchant And Completed In 1970 · Karachi, Sindh
Mazar-e-Quaid is the tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Quaid-e-Azam or Great Leader, who led the campaign for Pakistan and was its first governor-general until his death in 1948. It is the national monument of Pakistan and the landmark of Karachi: a cube of white marble with tall curved arches on each face, designed by the architect Yahya Merchant and finished in 1970, standing on a raised platform in the middle of a large walled park. Under the dome hangs a crystal chandelier given by China; the actual grave is in a crypt below. Jinnah's sister Fatima Jinnah, the first prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan and other founding figures are buried in the grounds, and a museum displays Jinnah's clothes, cars and belongings, including the famously sharp suits of a London-trained barrister. On national days - 23 March, 14 August, 11 September and 25 December - cadets from the military academies take over the guard in a formal ceremony. The mausoleum is a calm island in a chaotic city, and at night it glows white under floodlights, visible from miles away.
M.A. Jinnah Road, Jamshed Town, Karachi, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
The grounds are open daily from morning to evening; the mausoleum interior and museum keep shorter hours and may close at times for official visits. Entry to the grounds is free or nominal; the museum may charge. Security checks at the gate. Photography inside the mausoleum is restricted. The changing of the guard is held on national days; confirm times.