IT is but right that Pakistanis celebrate this historic day. It was a momentous occasion when Jinnah made a demand for Pakistan and to the astonishment of the world the train for Pakistan steamed off from Lahore and stopped at Karachi on Aug 14,1947, for the transfer of power. A new nation was born.

Before that historic day when Jinnah took the oath as the first Governor General of Pakistan, he had addressed the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan to make the most important speech of his career.

Trying to set aside the tumultuous past and conflict over the creation of Pakistan between the Hindus and Muslims — both Indians until then — he stated that with the creation of Pakistan the Muslims would cease to be Muslims and Hindus would cease to be Hindus not in the religious sense because that is their faith but as equal citizens of the state of Pakistan. There are many Christians, Sikhs, Parsis and Hindus and they will all play a part in Pakistan and enjoy equal protection and privileges as citizens of the state.

The Prime Minister has attempted to echo the same sentiments by use of a different expression but the issue here is not about one religion dominating or influencing other religions, but of equality of citizens of Pakistan without distinction by reason of faith, culture, colour, creed or provincial background.

We cannot and must not forget that Jinnah struggled to found a new state where its citizens could freely practise their own religious beliefs and achieve economic and political independence without domination or influence of the Hindus and the British.

This day must be celebrated each year with pride and joy by the civilians and the armed forces of Pakistan with a dedication to continue all efforts for nation-building to achieve peace and prosperity for the people.

Liaquat H. Merchant
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2017