During this year’s Independence Day celebrations on August 14, the federal government of Pakistan organized several events and placed advertisements in newspapers. However, the government has faced criticism for excluding the image of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, from official ads.

 

Social media users raised objections, pointing out that the advertisements featured the faces of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Asim Munir, while omitting Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

 

 

The matter also came under discussion in the Senate, where Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar announced an investigation into the matter. Some opposition senators brought photos of Jinnah with them during the session.

 

Opposition members criticized the government for leaving out images of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and national poet Allama Iqbal during the August 15 session. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf senator Faisal Javed was seen holding a picture of Jinnah. He said, "This advertisement was not funded by their personal money. It was paid for with taxpayers’ money and public funds, yet it does not include the image of the country’s founder."

 

He added, "We all brought the picture of Quaid-e-Azam to pay our tribute. On August 14, not a single documentary film was aired."

 

Senator Ali Zafar also objected, noting that, contrary to tradition, documents related to the August 14 resolution were not shared.

 

Responding to the criticism, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said, "There will be an inquiry regarding the omission of Jinnah’s image, and the House will be informed."

 

He added, "On Independence Day, various departments and organizations issue advertisements. If something like this happens, it is disappointing for all of us."

 

He further said, "We operate under the image of Quaid-e-Azam. We are the custodians of his political legacy and generations have remained associated with Pakistan Muslim League-N. No other opinion matters."

 

Tarar added, "The celebrations began at Jinnah Stadium, and we were all gathered there. I apologize if anyone was hurt. We are all followers of the founder. Pakistan is the gift he gave us."

 

He also emphasized, "We are not people who attack places associated with Quaid-e-Azam."

 

The issue has sparked widespread discussion on social media. Former federal minister Mushahid Hussain called it "ridiculous," saying, "The advertisements only feature those who temporarily held office."

 

What a Disgrace! Official advertisement of Government of Pakistan on Independence Day has No Photo of Founder of Pakistan & Father of Nation, Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, only temporary chair-occupiers, ALL of whom owe their high office to Struggle/Sacrifice of The Quaid! pic.twitter.com/7eRT9gIpzT

— Mushahid Hussain Sayed (@Mushahid) August 14, 2025

 

Former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar added, "The thoughts of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal have as much space in today’s Pakistan as they do in these government advertisements."