Throughout the rather brief history of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah has been celebrated as a visionary leader and the Pakistani nation has always paid tribute to him for his never-ending struggle to make Pakistan a reality, and then to ensure its survival for years and decades to come. He is the father of the nation.

Each year, December 25th, the day Quaid was born, is celebrated with zeal across the country. His quotes are displayed in print and electronic media, and his efforts towards gaining a separate homeland for the oppressed Muslims of the Subcontinent are highlighted.

While celebrations are important, probably the best way to show sincerity to a leader is to follow in his footsteps, and to consider his advices as guiding principles. In other words, a single day in each year may be celebrated as the birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, however, we should endeavour each day to practically follow the teachings of Quaid-i-Azam, particularly those regarding patriotism, fair play and the goals for the youth.

Quaid-i-Azam was always particularly concerned about the young generation, who he believed would be the leaders of tomorrow and whose shoulders would bear the responsibility of steering the entire nation in the right direction. Therefore, many of the sayings of our Quaid revolve around the responsibilities of the youth of this nation. His sayings cover a wide range of subjects, some of which are mentioned in the following paragraphs.

Hard work is important

Almost all the teachings of the Quaid can be summed up in a single word: ‘Hard work’! This word is all-encompassing in itself. For instance, a student can work hard to excel in his studies or to win laurels in sports, and even to be good in public dealing. Moreover, a number of different targets can be achieved alike by making a proper routine that utilises the available time efficiently.

Regarding hard work, there are numerous quotes of Quaid-i-Azam, but probably the most famous is the advice he gave to the new-born nation via radio on 30th October, 1947.

The Quaid said: “Work, work and work and we are bound to succeed.”

Many people misunderstood the concept and considered fighting on the battlefield is only the ‘actual’ hard work. In the afore-mentioned quote, Quaid-i-Azam did not specify any specific field in which the hard work of the masses was desired. Not only this, but when he was questioned about the role of the young Muslim students in the Pakistan Movement, he asked them to focus on their studies. Never did he ask them to leave aside everything else and join the campaign. He knew that once Pakistan was achieved, an educated youth was required to run the affairs of the country.

Consequently, it is high time that all of us set our direction right and, once we have determined our target, do all in our might to achieve it.

Sense of duty

An important driving factor for hard work is a sense of duty, accountability and responsibility. Just as we have rights over other people and other people have rights over us, we also have a duty to serve our people, our country and our nation.

This duty might seem an arduous task at the start, but once you think about it, you will realise that just by doing what is required from us in the best possible way we can, this duty can be fulfilled easily. Obviously, studying is the main target of a vast majority of the youth. So, in other words, by focussing on our studies and by endeavouring to excel in them, we can fulfil this seemingly difficult task.

The Quaid also stressed on this in the following words while addressing the students of Islamia College, Peshawar on 12th April, 1948: “You must devote yourself whole-heartedly to your studies, for that is your first obligation to yourselves, your parents and to the State.”

To achieve the target of excelling in studies, side-lining all types of distractions are the pre-requisite. These distractions can range from spending long hours on the mobile phone, frequently going out to watch movies or playing video games. They stand as the biggest hurdle between hard work and need to be avoided, particularly in student life — an ideal time that once gone will never come back!

Love for the homeland

There are many people who work diligently only to go abroad, and then forget their relation with Pakistan. Many students studying in Pakistan intend to go abroad for higher studies, get jobs and settle in foreign countries permanently. It is no wonder that today, many young ones have so much to say about the short-comings of Pakistan. However, when they are asked about their contribution towards the betterment of this country, they have nothing to answer! With this attitude, not only are we neglecting our sense of duty towards our country, but we are also not being patriotic.

On the other hand, in the years surrounding the adoption of ‘Pakistan Resolution’, the leaders of the then Muslim League made all kinds of sacrifices just to ensure that Pakistan becomes a reality.

Allama Iqbal returned to the sub-continent after completing his higher studies abroad to steer the Muslims towards the right path and to highlight their target for them. All of us know that Quaid-i-Azam was a highly successful lawyer enjoying all kinds of luxuries in England before returning to the subcontinent and striving day and night to achieve a separate homeland for the Muslims. Liaquat Ali Khan was a rich landlord in the subcontinent. However, he migrated to Pakistan leaving all his riches behind, only to serve this country.

There is nothing wrong with going abroad in the quest for higher education or to get a better job and business opportunities. Foreign remittances have a large share in Pakistan’s budget. Nevertheless, going abroad simply on the pretext that there are so many short-comings in Pakistan is unjust. We should always remember that Pakistan is our country of origin. We have been favoured by it for years and it is our responsibility to repay some of the favours.

It is important to remember Quaid’s teaching that “Every Muslim should serve Pakistan honestly, sincerely and selflessly.”

Unity, faith and discipline

These three words were Quaid’s guiding principles; he believed that these were also the motto of the entire nation when he said that “Never forget our motto: Unity, Faith and Discipline.”

Unity is not only required between nations, rather, it starts from among family members and goes on to include society at large, countrymen and nations. It is only by creating unity among ourselves that we will be able to achieve greater targets and be able to compete with our foes. Otherwise, all our energies and time would be spent quarrelling over petty issues; nothing productive would be achieved.

Secondly, faith means having belief in oneself. Being pessimistic and having an inferiority complex would do no good. It would also hinder a person’s progress in utilising his skills.

Thirdly, being disciplined is the pre-requisite in all fields and all activities. One should have full control over his desires, listen to the instructions of his elders and follow an organised routine. Assignments should not be done randomly; there should be a plan of how to proceed, covering all related aspects.

In conclusion, there is no harm in celebrating the birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam. However, keeping in mind the instructions and advices he gave to us are more important. It is only by acting upon his sagacious sayings, we can make his dream to “look forward to Pakistan becoming one of the greatest nations of the world” come true!

Long Live Pakistan!

Published in Dawn, Young World, December 24th, 2022