Syeda Mazhar
Jinnah, the most revered leader of the Muslims of the Subcontinent was a man having inter alia a strong moral character unmatched by any other contemporary leader of those days. He is quoted as an example of impeccable integrity on which he never compromised. His personal character is as important as other necessary inherent qualities of leadership caused large number of people to be inspired by him. The radiation of inspiration was more or less appreciated looking at and emulating the outshining traits. History never tires of eulogizing the services and examples set by Jinnah in contrast to the other foreign leaders, many of whom considered personal conduct not a matter of public scrutiny and took pride in their adventures which were frequently based on unaccepted social norms
In the context of prevailing political situation in Pakistan where there are serious problems of internal security and country is facing foreign pressures it is all the more important that inspiration should be drawn from examples set by the Quaid in dealing with internal dissidents and outsiders. The nation is to seek guidance from the lifestyle and upright character of Jinnah and transform Pakistan into a model state with prevalence of peace, brotherhood, moderation, patience and protection to minorities’ rights. He had taught us to follow the democratic norms as he himself led a life replete with untiring struggle within the confines of law and constitution.
As a visionary statesman, Jinnah created this nation state of Pakistan by legal and constitutional means, with the power of the pen, speech and vote. To understand Pakistan, the reasons which led to its creation, what Pakistan stood for and was intended to accomplish, one has to understand Jinnah.
The overall picture of Jinnah as reflected by leaders of the subcontinent reveals that he was a man of unquestionable integrity, honesty, honour and unwavering belief in principles. His commitment to a cause he took up was definite and permanent. He spoke openly and fearlessly against discrimination, communalism, sectarianism, parochialism and believed in the separation of religion from the affairs of the state. He was formal and reserved in his dealings and never gave into emotions or sentiments. Jinnah placed great importance on the youth and gave his advice to students on several occasions. At a public meeting in Dhaka on March 21, 1948, he said
“My young friends, students who are present here, let me tell you as one who has always had love and affection for you, who has served you for ten years faithfully and loyally, let me give you this word of warning you will be making the greatest mistake if you allow yourself to be exploited by one political party or another…. Your main occupation should be – in fairness to yourself, in fairness to your parents, in fairness to the state – to devote your attention to your studies.”
He stressed greatly on the importance of education. He would advise the students to go to their educational institutions and devote time to their studies and acquire knowledge which he explained was their best weapon. As against this it is shocking to note the actions of governments when terrorism has been taking its toll in the country. As if gun running was not enough, in today’s Pakistan there is demand for more and more licenses of prohibited bore weapons
Placing great value on equality, education and moral and intellectual achievement he stressed on to advocate equality, fraternity, human rights, rights of minorities, justice, freedom, integrity and fair play. He very clearly stated that Pakistan was not going to be a theocratic state as Islam demands from us tolerance of other creeds and we welcome the closest association of all those who are willing and ready to play their part as true and loyal citizens of Pakistan.
In a reply to the civic address presented by the Quetta Municipality, Jinnah said
“We are now all Pakistanis – not Baloch, Pathans, Sindhis, Bengalis, Punjabis and so on, and as Pakistanis you must feel, behave and act and you should be proud to be known as Pakistanis and nothing else.”
It is in our hands to take Pakistan to such heights where we stand out and outshine the other nations. We undoubtedly have talents and are blessed with enormous resources and potential. Providence has endowed us with all the wealth of nature and now it lies with man to make the best of it. To become a nation which practices justice in its internal affairs with exemplary fairness and is ready to support justice anywhere on the planet is surely projecting a softer image.
Nations that forget or ignore the teachings and guidelines of their founding fathers are often doomed to disaster and end up as failed states. There is urgent need for our youth to read and understand the principles, ideals, values and vision of our founding father, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and ensure that we achieve and have for all times to come “Jinnah’s Pakistan”.
