THIS is in response to Abdul Nabi Soomro’s letter ‘Naming airport after Liaquat’ (April 23). Mr Liaquat Ali Khan, an Oxford educated barrister, with his intelligence, insight and wisdom had helped the Quaid to muster up courage in 100 million Muslims of the subcontinent and achieved Pakistan. During the last decade of his struggle with an adversary, he tried his best to carry on in the footsteps of the Quaid.

He drafted the Objectives Resolution that was accepted by the Constituent Assembly in early 1949. The resolution stated that the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice, as enunciated by Islam, should be observed. However, it is such a pity that none is being now.

The man with determination, courage and vision gave the symbol of a “raised clenched fist” to one of the strike forces of the Pakistan Army.

The first prime minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan rose to address a mammoth crowd in Company Park in Rawalpindi when he was assassinated. Company Park, a small piece of barren land, was named after him. None of the conspirators was ever arrested or charged for the public murder, as is being done now.

Liaquat Ali Khan, despite his stature and caliber, has a few minor localities and institutions named after him in Karachi and Hyderabad. The leader who commanded and led the nation before and after the creation of Pakistan was later disgraced by being seated in the rearmost bench. He was never given his due as the second-most important leader. He, unlike many others, has never been honoured that an important institution be named after him.

Quaid-e-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan stood well above his contemporaries and richly deserves being honoured by an airport or some other national institution named after him, as he was a beacon for the nation.

KHAN A. SHAMSHAD Karachi