MINGORA: Hundreds of people from different walks of life witnessed a holographic speech of Quaid-i-Azam at the Grassy ground here on Saturday evening, which quoted excerpts from speeches of Jinnah dating back to the time of partition and the creation of Pakistan.

The event was organized by HIVE Pakistan, a social development company, in collaboration with Rangoona, a local youth organisation. Such events also took place on 9th and 10th of November at White Palace in Marghuzar valley, Mingora Hostel and various schools where hundreds of students and people from different parts of Swat witnessed the holographic technology that projected Jinnah and his messages of peace and social cohesion.

The event at Grassy ground kicked off with musical performances by local musicians, mesmerising the crowd. A hologram of Jinnah addressed the audience, reminding the nation of the values of brotherhood and tolerance that seem to have been forgotten.

Jinnah zeroed in on the social ills plaguing the society i.e. the violation of minority rights, sectarian violence, terrorism, and ignorance.

The screenings witnessed thousands of people. Moreover, there were college students who were immensely fascinated by the holographic technology.

“I remember watching Jinnah’s biopic as a child. But today when I watched his holographic speech, I feel that it is totally different experience. It feels more real to watch something using 3D technology,” said Alina Hassan, a student.

The messages of peace and tolerance were well-received by the audience who said that in the times of political instability around the country, something truly amazing came to Swat -- a hologram of the founder of this land, Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

“Even though we have studied about our leader in textbooks, his speech tells more about his vision of Pakistan.

He dreamt of a country where his nation could live peacefully without any fear of any religious or sectarian labels,” said Shah Bakht Raza, college student.

The event organisers said after incredible success in Kasur, the hologram screenings of Jinnah were brought to Swat to restore and reawaken the values that the Quaid wanted to instill in his nation.

HIVE Pakistan has launched the campaign titled AIK – Better Together -- to re-invigorate a sense of social cohesion among Pakistanis beyond religious divides. It has researched over a 100 speeches of Jinnah and created a master-speech using his own words.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2018