Reema Shaukat
69th death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam will be observed on 11th of September, 2017. This day is observed with due solemnity and reverenceto pay rich tribute to the Quaid for rendering valuable services for the Muslims of the sub-continent.Quaid-e-Azam passed away on this day in 1948 shortly after achieving independence for the nation in August, 1947. While paying homage to the exceptional efforts in getting independent homeland for Pakistanis, we today are in dire need of a leader like him who can work selflessly day and night for Pakistan. We have many people and Pakistanis who are doing outstanding work in different fields of life and they can keep model of Quaid-e-Azam in their forefront to follow his vison by his statements. Quaid-e-Azam was a man of character, mount of pride, a freedom fighter and a great visionary leader. His role in the establishment of our beloved country Pakistan can never be forgotten. He is the man who’s dedication and love to the Muslim end in the establishment of our beloved country.
A quote by Douglas Arthur describes; “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent”. Thoughtfulness on these words suggest that we indeed are a blessed nation to have Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as a great and visionary leader who not only paved way to establish concept nationhood for the Muslims of Subcontinent but his farsightedness to have separate homeland named Pakistan proved true as Hindus are still not prepared to digest and accept the Hindu-Muslim separation and creation of a separate homeland for Muslims, even after many decades.
Quaid-e-Azam had the power to win hearts through pen, speech and vote and that’s how he achieved the dream of one nation come true. Quaid-e-Azam was honoured as “Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity” when he used to practice law in subcontinent and where he was regarded as most honest and dedicated in his decisions. But working in different capacities with Hindu authorities and Nehru report swayed him to have an idea of Two-Nation Theory, which suggested partition on the basis of two separate ideologies of Hindus and the Muslims.The political struggle, led under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah along with many other prominent front runners of freedom movement, helped them to get a separate country on the name of Islam. Because of his continuous struggle, outstanding leadership, wisdom and sagaciousness and dynamic personality Pakistani nation titled him as Quaid-e-Azam, meaning a great leader. Max Weber’s theory of the ‘Charismatic leader’ truly fits into the person and character of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s struggle for the creation of Pakistan. Jinnah’s persona was a composite of all the key features of a charismatic leader, particularly the ‘personality and situation factor’, which enabled him to achieve his goal. In a very short time Jinnah gained popularity among masses
because of his visionary approach and perceptiveness. Today if we look back and think what kind of power Jinnah gave us in the form of an independent country, we cannot thank enough for such blessing as nations which are striving for their identity are suffering badly in dominating hands and those who have freedom must acknowledge this great gift as Quaid said that “Pakistan not only means freedom and independence but Muslim Ideology which has to be preserved, which has come to us as a precious gift and treasure and which, we hope other will share with us”. Quaid-e-Azam always felt proud of youth and believed that they can do miracles with their strength and togetherness. Now today youth of Pakistan must realize their potentials and contribute more towards Pakistan’s stability. Undoubtedly youth has all capabilities to make Pakistan as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam but they should not fall prey to hostile elements to let down their country on any forum. People responsible to run affairs of state must keep in mind that this country was raised on world map after many sacrifices and struggle. It’s extremely unfortunate that we all hang picture of our great Quaid in our offices, schools or other places but we hardly bother to follow the principles and his wisdom for Pakistan. We want public holiday on his death or birth anniversary but how many of us in real sense even take a minute out to think about his vision or remember his quotes for Pakistan and its people. Today when Pakistan is in the clutches of ethnicity, regionalism, theocratic forces, fundamentalism and corruption, it is more important to recall the vision of the founder of the nation.
We must ask ourselves that whether he dreamt of a progressive and modern Pakistan, or he desired a regressive, theocratic and fundamentalist state. While marking the death anniversary of our great Quaid on 11th of September, we should not leave it to some media shows or tributes. He should remain alive in hearts and actions of every Pakistani and we all must impede every threat which targets our country and Quaid’s Two-Nation Theory. We must disregard provincialism, ethnicity and prejudice and never lose sight of Quaid’s guiding principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline. Let’s pay real tribute to Quaid-e-Azam by making Pakistan as per his dream and vision. May God shower his countless bounties on his soul and guide us to become true Pakistanis by following his principles. Stanley Wolpret in his book “Jinnah of Pakistan” paid tribute to our Quaid as: “Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world, hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three.”
