Tribute to woman of substance and integrity, Ms Fatima Sughara, who emerged as a symbol of independence, after raising the banner of revolt against British imperialism at a tender age of 14. Sughra, the iconic figure of Pakistan Independence movement passed away on Sunday night at the age of 86. Sughra was one of those leading women activists who played crucial role in the independence movement and her courageous act of hoisting Muslim League Flag on Civil Secretariat Gate is a golden chapter of our freedom struggle that ultimately led to the successful culmination of Pakistan.
Amongst a galaxy of distinguished powerful women of Pakistan Movement, Sughra had a unique privilege and honour. She was just 14-year old when she pulled down the Union Jack from the Civil Secretariat Lahore and replaced it with a Muslim League flag. Born and brought up in Lahore, the city of gardens, Ms Sughara won acclaim for her courageous act of defiance. It was in recognition of her services towards Pakistan movement that Pakistan Movements Workers Trust and the government of Pakistan awarded her a gold medal and Life Achievement Award. She was an eye witness to the horrific incidents of violence and tragedies that unfolded in the aftermath of partition.
Like Fatima Sughra (May her soul rest in peace) there were countless women who dedicated their lives for the movement and rendered unprecedented services in galvanizing public support besides educating people about the aims and objectives of the movement. Although, legendary women including Fatima Jinnah, Begum Salma Tassaduq Hussain, Begum Fatima, Jahanara Shahnawaz., Shaista Ikramullah, Mumtaz Shahnawaz, Rana Liaquat and Begum Zari Sarfraz played a lead role in the movement but a cursory look into the history shows that the history of Pakistan movement is replete with stories of valor and courage of the women who fought alongside their men to take the movement to its logical end. They were truly the women of substance and integrity; we salute to these courageous patriotic women who played vital role in the creation of Pakistan. Their historic role would certainly be a source of inspiration for the coming generations.
We, as a nation, owe it all to our ancestors and our national heroes whose unprecedented struggle and matchless sacrifices culminated in a victory for the Muslims of the subcontinent. Pakistan came into existence after the great sacrifices of our forefathers and those who spearheaded the historic movement. While enjoying the liberties as a free-nation we must not forget the sacrifices of our forefathers and founders of the nation who sacrificed their today for our tomorrow.
