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    Jinnah's Home

    Written by: Marzia Bilwani
    Posted on: February 01, 2019 |

    Located right in the heart of Karachi, near the busy streets of Saddar, is the Quaid-e-Azam House, also known as the Flagstaff House, the last abode of the founder of the nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Constructed in 1868, the limestone structure is more than 100 years old, and stands out amidst the hustle and bustle of the traffic on Fatima Jinnah Road.

    Veranda

    Veranda

    The drawing room

    The drawing room

    Jinnah's dressing table

    Jinnah's dressing table

    The historic house comprises of gorgeous semicircular balconies, carved pillars, arched openings and red Mangalore tiles on the roof top. With six large rooms, the structure is supported by wooden trusses. The Jewish architect, Moses Somake, who designed the house, is also known for designing other famous buildings in Karachi, such as Bai Virbaijee Soparivala Parsi High School and Mules Mansion. Like many other buildings, Flagstaff House is a remnant of colonial architecture, and one can easily spot the similarities between structures from this era, such as the arched entrances of the Parsi High School and the Flagstaff House. In terms of material, the Frere Hall, located just a short distance away, has also been built in yellow limestone and has a similar façade.  However, in contrast to structures built two decades earlier, like the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, local elements have found their way into the design of Flagstaff House such as the characteristic red rooftop.

    In 1943, Muhammad Ali Jinnah purchased the house for the then large sum of Rs. 115,000 from its previous owner, the mayor of Karachi, Mr. Sohrab Kavasji Katrak. Earlier, it had been used as residential quarters for senior officers of the British Indian Army and was thus given the name of Flagstaff House. While Jinnah only lived there occasionally, Fatima Jinnah spent considerable years residing here after his death.

    The living room

    The living room

    After taking a copy of my CNIC, the guard directed me to the rear garden of the house. A shaded entrance from the back side is now used as the main way to enter the building. A sign outside prohibits the possession of any weapons and all photography. Upon noticing my disappointment about the latter, the guide allowed me to take a few photographs of the inside. 

    The dining room

    The dining room

    On the ground floor of the house, we visited the drawing room, dining room, study and breakfast room.  After purchasing this house, its furniture was especially transported from Jinnah’s house ‘South Court’ in Bombay, and showcases his sophisticated taste. Tables, chairs, beds, cabinets and sofa sets have all been preserved. Photographs of him with his sister, Fatima Jinnah, adorn the walls. Gifts from foreign dignitaries can also be seen. For instance, the guide told us that the crockery in the dining hall was gifted to the Quaid by the Chinese government.

    The staircase

    The staircase

    We then walked upstairs via a wooden staircase, covered by a scarlet carpet. Family pictures of the Quaid’s daughter, Dina Wadia and Fatima Jinnah are displayed on the walls. Dina last visited the house about 14 years ago, in 2004, when President Musharraf invited her.

    Fatima Jinnah's dressing table

    Fatima Jinnah's dressing table

    Upstairs, there were two bedrooms, each with its own set of unique possessions. Quaid’s room has a framed photograph of his wife, Rattanbai Jinnah, on the side table next to his bed. A copy of the Holy Quran, gifted to him by the Aligarh Muslim League, also lies on the bookshelf. On the other hand, Fatima Jinnah’s room has a large election poster put up with the symbol of a lantern.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021