JULY 9, 2019 marked the 52nd death anniversary Fatima Jinnah, an iconic yet underappreciated figure of our history. She helped in running the affairs of the All India Muslim League and set up the Pakistan Women’s Association to resettle women refugees from India.

She also championed the causes of democracy by fearlessly challenging Field Marshal Ayub Khan’s rule. Ms Jinnah contested in the presidential election of 1965 but was defeated in the indirectly held elections.

She is a role model for many young women. More research needs to be done on her life. She broke conventions, challenged existing norms and defied a military dictator. Her rebellious side must be organised in any recounting of her life, as it contains invaluable lessons for us today.

Naveed Abbas Maitlo

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2019