Javed Ullah Raja
Today 11th September, on the occasion of the death anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (ra), we should put forward the goals of our leader for a better future of the country and the nation, according to which he supported the creation of a separate state from the British and the Hindu empire for the Muslims in the most difficult moments, made it possible. It was such a great achievement that today’s leaders who have not played a positive role in making Pakistan stand on its own feet despite the passage of a long time. Our Quaid Muhammad Ali Jinnah (ra) was a forward-thinking selfless leader who not only played a key role in the creation of the country for the Muslims, but also guided us. The Quaid had a clear and unwavering intention for Pakistan, to build a strong, prosperous and progressive country. Their aim was to enable all the citizens of the country to live in peace, harmony and brotherhood. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah knew that the concept of establishing an Islamic democracy would give the people the full right to choose their leaders through free and fair elections. And he emphasized the importance of such a democratic system, who respects the rule of law, protect the rights of minorities and ensure the welfare of all citizens. Muhammad Ali Jinnah had a dream of a Pakistan where every individual, irrespective of his religious or ethnic group, would participate in the democratic process can contribute to the development of the country. Regarding the protection of the rights of minorities, they knew that Pakistan would be a diverse country in the region in which people of different religions would live. Therefore, he was trying to ensure the protection of the rights of religious and ethnic minorities. Quaid-e-Azam had a clear message for all religions that you are free, you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to mosques or any other place of worship, you are free to live in this state of Pakistan. Belong to any religion; caste or creed Muhammad Ali Jinnah believed that a strong and prosperous economic system is essential for the welfare of the country and its people. He always advocated economic policies that would promote industrialization, trade and investment because a strong economy would not only improve the standard of living of the people but also make Pakistan self-reliant and less dependent on foreign aid as will. Today, a long period of 75 years is passed, but we are dependent on others for each and everything. Quaid used to say about education that “without education there is complete darkness and with education there is light. Education is a matter of life and death for our nation.” “Next to men, women should have equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of life, including education, employment and participation in the political process.” Mother of the Nation Fatima Jinnah along with her brother encouraged women to actively participate in various fields. Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of Pakistan also included the importance of strong institutions and the rule of law. He stressed the need for a fair and impartial legal system that protects the rights of citizens and ensures that justice is delivered without discrimination. Quaid-e-Azam believed that a nation can develop only when its institutions are strong, accountable and transparent. Today, justice is limited only to the elite. There is a separate law for the poor and there is a separate law for the rich, than how we can say that we are following are implemented the vision of our Quaid. During the early years of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam’s leadership faced many challenges including the partition of India, the refugee crisis and the establishment of a new state, but he remained steadfast in achieving a strong and prosperous Pakistan within limited sources. His determination and decisive role in shaping the nation’s early years was crucial. Quaid as Pakistan’s first Governor-General and later its first President, despite his terminal illness, Quaid-e-Azam worked day and night to establish the foundations of the new state. In a short time, he focused on building the necessary infrastructure, making policies and developing a sense of national identity among the people. His leadership worked tirelessly for the future development of the nation. Dear readers: If we look at the time since independence, despite being in the realm of democracy, Pakistan has seen periods of military rule and constant political chaos. The people of Pakistan have always wanted a government that respects their rights and freedoms. If we examine the economy and development of the country today, we are years behind in the race for development due to our internal issues. Apart from challenges related to minority rights and religious freedom, communal violence, economic development, hyperinflation, corruption and governance, justice delivery, industrialization and self-reliance have adversely affected the Quaid-e-Azam’s vision. The moments when the life of the great leader, Quaid-e-Azam was cut short due to illness and he was reunited with his real creator on 11th September, 1948. His death was a deep loss for Pakistan. We should remember that Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a strong and prosperous Pakistan should not end with his death, as his ideas are a beacon of light and guidance for future generations. For decades, Pakistan has been facing multiple challenges including political instability, economic crisis and security threats. However, there is still time that the principles and values formulated by Quaid-e-Azam (ra) are the guarantee of a bright future for the nation, should be adopted. Let’s remember the sayings of our Great leader: “Remember, the establishment of Pakistan is an event that cannot be compared in history. It is the largest Islamic empire in the world and if we work with integrity, dedication and unselfishness, it will also grow magnificently year after year. I have full faith in my people. And I am sure that on every occasion they will act according to the history, glory and traditions of Islam. Nature has exalted you above everything. You have unlimited resources. The foundations of your kingdom are firmly laid. Now it’s your job to build it as fast and as good as possible. So go ahead and keep going.”