I AM not the one who feels comfortable in sharing my thoughts publicly. Yet when my son brought me Dawn’s supplement on my father’s (Allama Iqbal’s) 140th birthday (Nov 9), I was overwhelmed with emotions and gratitude, hence this letter.

While the supplement focuses on my father’s political thoughts and opinions for a separate Muslim homeland, I remember him as an endearing and protective father. In spite of his undaunting and relentless struggle to motivate and awaken the Muslims of the subcontinent he devoted as much of his limited free time to my brother Javid and I as he could.

Having lost my mother when I was four, I struggle for memories of her. However, of the extra three years that I had with my father, for he died when I was seven, I do have some memories which I cherish dearly.

In particular, I remember the day when he called me to his room and placed a portrait of my mother in front of me and asked me if I knew who she was. My silence disturbed him and to ensure that I do not ever forget my mother’s face, he firmly told me to always remember that this was my mother.

This incident stemmed from the fear that he was unwell and was uncertain as to how much time he had left with us.

Today, at the age of 87, as my time draws nearer to meet my parents, I am frequented with visions of my father. I cannot help but often question whether today’s Pakistan is what my father had envisaged it to be.

The plight of the poor and their constant struggle depress me. With these thoughts I constantly pray for my country, Pakistan, and its people.

I wish you the best always. May you always carry forward the true message of my father and the Quaid-i-Azam!

Munira Salahuddin
Lahore

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2017