ISLAMABAD: Pakis­tan will declare 2026 as the “Year of Quaid-i-Azam” to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the nation’s founder, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, with befitting and dignified commemorations at the national level, a federal minister announced on Monday

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal made the announcement while chairing a meeting of the National Committee, which also deliberated on proposed events to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of poet-philosopher Allama Iqbal.

Addressing the meeting, the federal minister said a sub-committee was being constituted to finalise the programme of events and would submit its recommendations within five days.

He emphasised the need for a coordinated strategy to ensure the commemorative activities were “meaningful, impactful and memorable”.

Plans to produce drama series to chronicle leader’s independence struggle

He said Quaid-i-Azam’s vision continued to provide comprehensive guidance for the nation, noting that the founder’s principles of “Unity, Faith and Discipline” would be highlighted in an integrated manner throughout the celebrations.

During the meeting, the minister also announced that a high-quality drama series would be produced on the life of Quaid-i-Azam. The series will focus on his political struggle, leadership during the independence movement and his historic role in the creation of Pakistan.

While describing Mr Jinnah’s ideas as a guiding light for contemporary Pakistan, the minister said, “The Uraan Pakistan vision was firmly rooted in the founder’s ideals and aspirations for the country.”

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2025