QUAID-I-AZAM Mohammad Ali Jinnah left us with a vision and lofty ideals after Pakistan emerged as an independent state on the world map, but unfortunately we have failed to keep his legacy alive. This is a sombre thought as we celebrate today the Independence Day.

Although he did not write a book in his lifetime, the Quaid delivered speeches on diverse topics, including the Kashmir issue, the protection of minorities, the state’s framework, education, regional ties, and the necessity of having faith, discipline and unity as a nation moving forward.

He also talked about national cohesion, responsibilities of the youth and selfless devotion to duty. This shows how his visionary leadership helped the Muslims of India in successfully creating a homeland to live as an independent entity with dignity and sovereignty.

His far-sightedness and vision were truly remarkable. More than 75 years ago, he could see that the Muslims would be victims of the Hindu majority if India remained undivided. Today, when we see the most brutal and fascist Hindu nationalist government in India, led by Narendra Modi, having unleashed a reign of terror against the Muslims, the Quaid’s views on having a separate homeland for the Muslims stands truly vindicated.

In a bid to change the demography of the occupied Jammu and Kashmir, India unilaterally scrapped the special status of the valley by revoking Article 370 of the constitution two years ago. This was followed by a brutal campaign by New Delhi against the Kashmiris as more

troops were sent into the valley to impose curfews and to cutt off the means of communication, including the internet.

Since then we have been hearing stories of bloodbath and oppression of the Kashmiris. And since then we have been ever more grateful to the Quaid for giving us Pakistan.

But the expression of our gratitude to the Quaid remains limited to feelings, emotions and words; not the deeds. The Quaid wanted to see the supremacy of the constitution and rule of law in the country. But today we see a gloomy picture, with the rule of law being virtually non-existent.

Had there been supremacy of the law, there would not have been poor governance, political and socio-economic instability, energy crisis, corruption, illiteracy, human rights violations, parochialism, the feudal system and discrimination in society on the basis of caste, creed, province, etc.

Moreover, the Quaid wished to see the supremacy of parliament and good governance. He desired a constitution which would be democratic in nature and would have all the essential tenets of Islam, such as justice, tolerance and honesty.

Sadly, however, Pakistan is still not a progressive state, with security concerns overshadowing everything else, like social, political and economic indicators.

Although the Quaid-i-Azam is not around, there are essential guiding principles to be learnt from the great leader. His vision is still relevant and as fresh as it ever was. Today, we should promise to follow the Quaid’s footsteps to make what he wanted Pakistan to be — prosperous, strong and peaceful.

Abdul Qadeer Seelro
Larkana

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2021