THE recent show by disgruntled politicians and activists inside the Quaid’s mausoleum was shocking. It was strange that when one person got carried away, the other party members present there did not stop him; in fact, they joined him in sloganeering. It was a sad day for Pakistan. When foreign dignitaries are taken to the mausoleum, the atmosphere is always serene and sombre as an expression of respect to the Father of the Nation.

Even politicians from arch-foe India, such as Attal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani and Jaswant Singh, paid glowing tribute to the Quaid-i-Azam while visiting the mausoleum. American historian Stanley Wolpert paid tribute to the Quaid saying, “Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three.”

And it was at the same mausoleum where a bunch of politicians and activists lost their composure. No words of condemnation and punishment are enough for the disrespect that was on display on that sad day. The most distressing part of the episode is that there have been no apologies from anyone concerned for the reprehensible conduct.

Safir Siddiqui
Karachi

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THE unfortunate events that transpired during the opposition leaders’ visit to the Quaid’s mausoleum recently have raised many an eyebrow. Not only was the sanctity of the mausoleum was jeopardised, but certain politicians incited the masses against a state institution. This is not the first time the PML-N leadership has taken a thoughtless action that may have dangerous repercussions for the country. One very well remembers the attack on the Supreme Court in November 1997.

The people are greatly hurt, and the party and its central leadership should tender an unconditional apology to the nation.

Aamir Aqil
Lahore

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2020