Today, on the solemn occasion of the death anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the entire nation of Pakistan stands in respectful tribute. It is a day of remembrance and reflection on the extraordinary life and unparalleled legacy of a man who, through his unwavering determination and visionary leadership, carved a sovereign homeland for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. His profound statesmanship and moral courage laid the foundation for a nation rooted in principles of justice, equality, and tolerance.
The Architect of a Nation
Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s journey to becoming the Quaid-e-Azam is a testament to his intellect and political acumen. Born on December 25, 1876, in Karachi, he rose to prominence as a brilliant barrister and a leading figure in Indian politics. Initially an ardent advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity, Jinnah’s political philosophy evolved as he witnessed the growing communal divide and the inherent challenges faced by the Muslim minority in a Hindu-majority subcontinent. His foresight led him to the conclusion that a unified India would not guarantee the political, social, and economic rights of Muslims, prompting him to champion a separate state.
In the 1940s, Jinnah’s role became seminal. He masterfully articulated the “Two-Nation Theory,” a foundational principle positing that Muslims and Hindus were two distinct nations with separate cultures, histories, and aspirations. This theory became the ideological bedrock for the demand for Pakistan. As the President of the All-India Muslim League, he galvanized millions of Muslims and rallied them under a single banner, transforming a political dream into a tangible reality. His legal and political brilliance was instrumental in negotiating with the British and the Indian National Congress, ultimately leading to the Partition of India and the birth of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.
The Guiding Principles: Ideology of Pakistan
The ideology of Pakistan, as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam, was meticulously laid out in his speeches and public addresses. He championed a modern, democratic, and progressive state where citizens, regardless of their faith or ethnicity, would have equal rights. His most cited quotes serve as guiding lights for the nation:
- Unity, Faith, Discipline: “We are now all Pakistanis, not Pathans, Punjabis, Sindhis, Baluchis, and so on and as Pakistanis we must behave as citizens of a united and a good nation. My message to you all is of unity, faith, and discipline.” This quote, delivered on December 28, 1947, in Karachi, emphasizes national cohesion and the importance of a singular, collective identity.
- Equality for All: “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed—that has nothing to do with the business of the State.” This excerpt from his famous address to the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, unequivocally establishes Pakistan as a secular state in its governance, committed to protecting religious freedom and minority rights.
- Democracy and Progress: “Democracy is in our blood. It is in our hearts. We believe in equality of human rights and justice.” Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan was of a democratic country where power would be vested in its people, and governance would be based on constitutional principles rather than communal or religious lines.
The Final Journey, and Eternal Rest
The immense strain of the independence movement and the arduous task of nation-building took a severe toll on Quaid-e-Azam’s health. He had been suffering from tuberculosis for years, a fact that was kept a secret from the public and his political rivals. Despite his declining health, he continued to work tirelessly for his nation until his last breath.
On September 11, 1948, just thirteen months after the creation of Pakistan, the Father of the Nation passed away at the age of 71 at the Governor-General’s House in Karachi. His death plunged the young nation into profound mourning. His funeral was a massive public event, with millions gathering to pay their last respects to the man who gave them a country. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was laid to rest in Karachi, his birthplace. His final resting place is the Mazar-e-Quaid, a magnificent mausoleum that stands as a symbol of national pride and a pilgrimage site for all Pakistanis.
As we commemorate this day, the nation reaffirms its commitment to his timeless principles of unity, faith, and discipline. Quaid-e-Azam’s legacy continues to inspire the people of Pakistan to strive for a progressive, prosperous, and peaceful nation.
