Malik Javaid
Prof. Stanley Wolpert in his book “Jinnah of Pakistan” while introducing the towering personality of Muhammad Ali Jinnah stated that “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”.
Fatima Jinnah in her biography “My Brother” (written by Surat Chandra Bose) stated that “Mr Jinnah, was great as a lawyer, once great as a Congressman, great as a leader of Muslims, great as a world politician and diplomat, and greatest of all as a man of action, By Mr. Jinnah’s passing away, the world has lost one of the greatest statesmen and Pakistan its life-giver, philosopher and guide”. Remember, these are comments of a sister who remained with Jinnah throughout her life and knew him inside out.
25 Decenber 1876 is the day when Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born in Karachi. He was a lawyer and politician and served as the leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan’s independence on 14 August 1947, and then as Pakistan’s first Governor-General until his death on September 11, 1948. Today whole nation is celebrating the 145th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah with a renewed pledge to follow his vision and work hard for progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
Jinnah is one of the most extraordinary men in history. Although without Ghandi, Hindustan would still have gained independence and without Lenin and Mao, Russia and China would still have endured Communist revolution, without Jinnah there would have been no Pakistan in 1947. Jinnah contributed more than any other man to Pakistan’s survival. He is an outstanding figure of this century not only in Pakistan, but in the whole world and is also considered as one of the greatest leaders in the Muslim world.
He was truly a man of principles. Throughout his life, he remained a law abiding citizen. He always spoke in favour of equality, fraternity, human rights, rights of minorities, justice, freedom, integrity and fair play. He clearly stated that Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic state as Islam demands from us tolerance of other creeds and we welcome the closest association of all those who are willing and ready to play their part as true and loyal citizens of Pakistan.
Jinnah always emphasized on faith, unity and discipline. On 23 March 1945, he said: “In Pakistan lies our deliverance, defence and honour…In our solidarity, unity and discipline lie the strength, power and sanction behind us to carry on this fight successfully. No sacrifice should be considered too great. I can assure you that there is nothing greater in this world than your own conscience and, when you appear before God, you can say that you performed your duty with the highest sense of integrity, honesty and with loyalty & faithfulness.”
Being endowed with qualities, such as a heart fired up by great fervour and sincerity, a clear vision and intellect, he was destined to play a prominent part in politics. With unusual powers of persuasion, luminous exposition, searching arguments and a sound judgment, he earned for himself an enviable reputation as a great debater.
He was a very hardworking man, who worked until his last breath. He was a towering personality and a true leader that is why he is still regarded as one of the best nationalist and political influencers, who reshaped the map of the world. The nation being one of the most resilient on the face of earth lacks nothing but selfless leaders. A leader and statesman of the Quaid’s stature can steer the nation to glory.
At present we need to develop leadership in all spheres of life keeping Jinnah as our role model. Nations that forget or ignore the teachings and guidelines of their founding fathers are often doomed to disaster and end up as failed states. There is an urgent need for our youth to read and understand the principles, ideals, values and vision of our founding father, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
That is very unfortunate considering the current state of the Pakistani leadership. Leadership qualities are limited to two main virtues; power and corrupt practices. Since its founding, Pakistan has not had any kind of political institution to recruit and train its political leaders. The main political parties have transformed into family dynasties, thus acquiring the status of absolute monarchy, where no political formation or activity exists nor is supported.
Pakistani politics revolve around strong electable families, horse trading and pol alliances to gain personal favours. Any sort of comparison of present leadership traits with Quaid i Azam would be criminal and highly unjustifiable. The present system of govt is considered to be impotent to deliver, Pakistan must develop a system of government which can steer the nation in right direction and prevent highly incompetent leaders to be stake holders.
