Govt to probe why Quaid-e-Azam’s picture was left out of Aug 14 ads: Minister

The Senate on Friday took up the issue of the government’s Independence Day advertisements that failed to feature the picture of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

During the session, chaired by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, PTI Senator Faisal Javed raised strong objections over what he termed a “disrespectful omission” of Pakistan’s founding father. 

He demanded an explanation, warning that the House would not be allowed to function if the federal ministers failed to respond.

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar clarified that the advertisements had highlighted national leadership, martyrs, ghazis, and families affected by the struggle, as well as senators honored for their diplomatic services. 

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He assured the House that the matter fell under the jurisdiction of the relevant institutions and that an inquiry would be conducted, with findings shared in the Senate.

The controversy had already sparked outrage on social media, with many users questioning the government’s intent.

While political and military leaderships were prominently featured in the advertisements, there was no mention, symbolic or otherwise, of Quaid-e-Azam, leading to criticism that the government was prioritizing self-promotion over honoring the nation’s founder.