SEPTEMBER 11 marks the anniversary of the death of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. On this day, the nation honours the founding father’s profound legacy, and reflects on how Pakistan has diverged from his vision.

The Father of the Nation was a visionary leader, a brilliant lawyer and a staunch advocate for the rights of the Muslims in British India. During his involvement with the All-India Muslim League, Jinnah emphasised equal rights and political representation for the Muslims. This led to the Pakistan Resolution of 1940.

Once Pakistan came into being, the Quaid’s unwavering determination and leadership were instrumental in navigating the challenges of the newly-formed state, such as a huge influx of refugees and division of military and financial assets.

During his brief tenure as governor-general, Jinnah faced a lot of issues, but remained steadfast in his commit-ment to Pakistan’s development.

The Quaid was an extraordinary leader whose vision and determination laid the foundation for a prosperous as well as justice-oriented nation. Had he lived longer, there is every reason to believe that he would have realised his dream of a thriving country free from poverty and injustice.

Sadly, his untimely demise dealt a profound blow to the nation’s progress, leaving an enduring void in the hearts and hopes of its people.

After the Quaid passed away, no leader could match his unparalleled capabilities, and in due course of time the country saw the rise of dictatorship and political instability. Inequality, injustice and dictatorship also led to the tragic events of 1971, and, unfortunately, the downward slide has continued to date.

Undoubtedly, implementing a few strategic measures can still revive Jinnah’s vision and steer the nation towards success and prosperity. It is imperative that all provinces receive their rightful share of resources. The ongoing issues of missing persons, systemic injustices, and rampant corruption must be addressed on a rather urgent basis.

Moreover, those accused of crimes must be held accountable through lawful and transparent processes. As such, respect for minorities must be upheld, ensuring that they have equal opportunities and rights, not being subjected to further discrimination. Besides, elections must be conducted fairly, with democracy as our top priority.

Finally, we must harness our vast talent pool and ensure that it contributes to the betterment of the nation. Through our dedicated efforts and a return to the core values espoused by the founder, we can aspire to join the ranks of developed countries and achieve lasting success.

Hussain Aaquib Rajpar
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2024