What was the most iconic speech given in Pakistan?

Published January 24, 2014
(L-R) Zulfikhar Ali Bhutto, Muhammad Ali Jannah, Benazir Bhutto, Imran Khan, Parvez Musharrad, Altaf Hussain. - File Photo
(L-R) Zulfikhar Ali Bhutto, Muhammad Ali Jannah, Benazir Bhutto, Imran Khan, Parvez Musharrad, Altaf Hussain. - File Photo

Rhetoric is the art of ruling men’s minds, mused Plato — and indeed, since the wise philosopher’s time, countless men have cleared their throats, raised their voices, held forth and held sway over audiences large and small.

The history of Pakistan is replete with the rousing words of national leaders, indignant politicians, fiery clerics and the occasional sportsman; their speeches are now symbolic snapshots, capturing the spirit of a certain age and time. From Jinnah’s August 11 speech, the anthem of liberals nationwide, to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s performance at the United Nations Security Council in 1971; from that first public broadcast announcing martial law in 1958 to the now ubiquitous refrain of democracy is the best revenge, what, so far in Pakistan’s history, has been the most iconic speech ever made?

The Herald has posed this question to a number of writers and commentators. Dawn.com invites its readers to also give their views. Selected comments will be published in the upcoming issue of the Herald.

Opinion

Editorial

Strange claim
Updated 21 Dec, 2024

Strange claim

In all likelihood, Pakistan and US will continue to be ‘frenemies'.
Media strangulation
Updated 21 Dec, 2024

Media strangulation

Administration must decide whether it wishes to be remembered as an enabler or an executioner of press freedom.
Israeli rampage
21 Dec, 2024

Israeli rampage

ALONG with the genocide in Gaza, Israel has embarked on a regional rampage, attacking Arab and Muslim states with...
Tax amendments
Updated 20 Dec, 2024

Tax amendments

Bureaucracy gimmicks have not produced results, will not do so in the future.
Cricket breakthrough
20 Dec, 2024

Cricket breakthrough

IT had been made clear to Pakistan that a Champions Trophy without India was not even a distant possibility, even if...
Troubled waters
20 Dec, 2024

Troubled waters

LURCHING from one crisis to the next, the Pakistani state has been consistent in failing its vulnerable citizens....