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.

Editorial

Ominous demands
Updated 18 May, 2024

Ominous demands

The federal government needs to boost its revenues to reduce future borrowing and pay back its existing debt.
Property leaks
18 May, 2024

Property leaks

THE leaked Dubai property data reported on by media organisations around the world earlier this week seems to have...
Heat warnings
18 May, 2024

Heat warnings

STARTING next week, the country must brace for brutal heatwaves. The NDMA warns of severe conditions with...
Dangerous law
Updated 17 May, 2024

Dangerous law

It must remember that the same law can be weaponised against it one day, just as Peca was when the PTI took power.
Uncalled for pressure
17 May, 2024

Uncalled for pressure

THE recent press conferences by Senators Faisal Vawda and Talal Chaudhry, where they demanded evidence from judges...
KP tussle
17 May, 2024

KP tussle

THE growing war of words between KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi is affecting...