Time may carry away eras, but the imprints of golden history linger in places that continue to whisper tales of the past. In the bustling metropolis of Karachi – one of the world’s most populous cities – stands a remarkable heritage site that silently preserves the legacy of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Nestled at the junction of Zebunnisa Street, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Fatima Jinnah Road, and Club Road, directly opposite a towering five-star hotel, lies the residence once inhabited by the Father of the Nation. Today, it is known as the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum.

Located at Plot No. 241, Staff Lines, Karachi Cantonment, the house’s plaque states it was built in 1868, making it a 157-year-old structure in 2025. While the exact construction date lacks verified documentation, records indicate that the house belonged to Ram Chand Hansraj Kochi Lohana until 1922 – likely the one who commissioned its construction.

In 1940, the British Indian Army rented the house for its officers, renaming it Flagstaff House. On 14 August 1943, Muhammad Ali Jinnah purchased the property from Karachi’s then mayor Sohrab K.H. Katrak for Rs. 115,000, with Rs. 5,000 paid in advance. Despite the change in ownership, the British continued to refer to it as Flagstaff House and paid monthly rent of Rs. 435.50, as confirmed by historical receipts.

During the years 1943–47, General Douglas David Gracey resided here as well. He would later become the second Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army and is known for refusing Jinnah's command to send Pakistani troops to Kashmir, citing allegiance to the British Crown.

Following Pakistan’s independence in 1947, Jinnah’s belongings were relocated from his New Delhi residence on Aurangzeb Road to this house, which was then renamed the Quaid-e-Azam House. Although Jinnah spent little time here – primarily staying at the Governor General House and Ziarat Residency – the residence still offers a deeply personal glimpse into his life.

A Glimpse into Jinnah’s Personal World
As visitors enter the gates, they encounter a garden adorned with old trees and green landscapes, suggesting the Quaid’s appreciation for nature. The central building of the museum – a testament to 19th-century architecture – is spread across two floors, each featuring two spacious rooms that open onto wide verandahs.

The ground floor contains a drawing room, a study with an office, and showcases a preserved collection of original items including Jinnah’s furniture, telephone, carpets, and rare decor pieces. To one side, elegant crockery sets gifted by China and Japan are displayed, some adorned with gold embellishments and delicate artistic patterns.

The dining room, arranged with a 12-seat table, was once used to host important guests. A pencil sketch of Fatima Jinnah, gifted in 1963 by artist Sara Ikhlaq, hangs on its wall. In the adjoining study room, among various personal items, stands a striking mosaic map made of colored glass, gifted by Bombay merchant Rafiq Motiwala. The map vividly illustrates Jinnah’s broader vision of Pakistan, highlighting regions of India he believed should have been part of the new state.

Quaid’s Living Quarters
Upstairs, the museum preserves the bedrooms of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Fatima Jinnah, along with a large guest drawing room. The Quaid’s bedroom houses a single bed, side tables, a rocking chair, an almirah, and a table displaying a silver-encased Quran, gifted by the Aligarh Muslim League in 1943. Nearby sits a framed portrait of Ruttie Jinnah, his wife, which he always kept close.

Jinnah’s personal items include his monocle, a camphor wood chest where he stored important documents, and his stylish shoes – size LA-1, equivalent to a modern size 10. Known for his refined taste, Jinnah preferred British and French designer apparel. His room also includes a sandalwood cigar box and other refined accessories.

Fatima Jinnah’s bedroom remains modest, with her single bed, wardrobe, small table, and a few personal items preserved. The adjoining dressing area displays her vanity table and empty perfume bottles, maintaining her legacy.

Between their rooms is a cozy breakfast nook, with a small table and two chairs – emphasizing the simplicity of their daily lives. Throughout the house, there is no clutter; every item has a place, reflecting the Quaid’s minimalist and disciplined lifestyle.

Architectural Brilliance
The house was designed by Moses Somake, a prominent Jewish architect born in Lahore, known for several iconic buildings in Karachi, including the BVS Parsi School, Edward House, and Karachi Goan Hall. He passed away just four months before Partition in 1947.

Constructed from lime stone, the house features red ceramic roof tiles, wooden flooring, and interconnected rooms to allow light and airflow. Restoration efforts have preserved the original aesthetic, while modern reinforcements have ensured the building’s longevity.

Behind the main residence once stood the kitchen, now converted into an administration office. The adjacent guesthouse, stables, garage, and servant quarters have been restructured into a guest hall and auditorium.

From Residence to Public Trust

After Jinnah’s death in 1948, Fatima Jinnah moved into the house and lived there until 1964, after which she shifted to Qasr-e-Fatima (Mohatta Palace) in Clifton. Upon her passing, the property was taken over by the Quaid-e-Azam Trust. In February 1985, the Government of Pakistan purchased the residence for Rs. 5.1 million.

Following extensive restoration, it was opened to the public as the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum on 25 November 1993, inaugurated by then Governor of Sindh, Hakim Muhammad Saeed.

A National Legacy Neglected
Despite its historical and cultural significance, the museum sees alarmingly few visitors, especially from Karachi. Most guests are military personnel or students from armed forces schools. Public interest remains minimal, with many citizens unaware that such an iconic heritage site is open and free to visit.

The museum operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with shorter hours on Fridays and remains closed on Wednesdays.

This museum is more than just a building; it is a living testimony to the simplicity, vision, and discipline of Pakistan’s founding father. It is a call to every citizen, especially the youth, to reconnect with the ideals of Muhammad Ali Jinnah – not just through textbooks, but by walking the halls where he once stood.

If every Pakistani who proudly carries currency bearing Jinnah’s image took the time to visit this museum at least once, perhaps we could rediscover the spirit of unity, faith, and discipline he envisioned for the nation.