PAKISTAN and Sri Lanka, ever since both countries gained independence, have enjoyed a good relationship — save for one or two hiccups. On Sept 4, 1974, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Mrs Sirimov Bandranaike, came to Pakistan; and in the second week of the month landed in the capital of the province of Sindh. According to a story published in Dawn on Sept 9, talking about the experience Mrs Bandranaike said her visit had contributed to achieving a greater degree of understanding between the leaders of the two countries. Speaking at a luncheon hosted by Sindh Governor Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan, the distinguished visitor said the understanding would further generate goodwill and friendship among the peoples of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. She pointed out that her country had unwaveringly followed the path of neutrality in foreign relations. “Sri Lanka desires strong bonds of friendship with all the nations of the world on the basis of equality and mutuality of interests. Its foreign policy aspirations are fulfilled in totality in its relations with Pakistan.” She added Pakistan’s Prime Minister Z A Bhutto was a staunch friend of her country.

Speaking of leaders, on Sept 11, rich tributes were paid to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah for his supreme qualities of statesmanship, self-discipline and selfless devotion to the cause of the subcontinent’s Muslims. At a symposium arranged by the Pakistan National Centre at Hotel Metropole commemorating the Quaid’s 26th death anniversary, speakers highlighted the life and struggle of the Father of the Nation in creating a separate land for the Muslims of India. Prof A B A Haleem described him as a man of extraordinary character who succeeded in his mission because of his tremendous courage, dedication and power of persuasion. Matlubul Hasan Syed recalled the memories of his association with the Quaid as his private secretary pointing out that the real concept of democracy given by him was never practised in the country. Poet Shauq Badayuni spoke on the political life of Mr Jinnah and stressed the need for following the concept of democracy as advocated by the Quaid.

A day earlier, on Sept 10, Mohtarma Shireen Jinnah, the sister of Mr Jinnah, called upon the younger generation of Pakistan to follow in the footsteps of the Quaid and make sustained efforts for the glory of the country. In her message on the eve of his death anniversary, she said the nation had in the last 26 years faced innumerable trials, some of them of colossal dimensions; and it was heartening to note that the people faced them with courage, fortitude and with a determination required of a great nation.

In the modern world, infrastructural development is one of the signs of how far a nation has progressed. On Sept 10, it was reported that Karachi airport was undergoing expansion at an estimated cost of two million rupees. It included an extended arrival lounge, a new departure-cum-transit lounge, modern baggage handling facilities and other such facilities in its international wing. Ah, the good old days when the airport used to receive many an international flight on a daily basis!

Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2024