QUAID’S LEGACY AND PAKISTAN
Quaid A Great Leader:
Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah passed away at the age of 71, giving Pakistan and Pakistanis a scar of disharmony. He was a very intelligent lawyer, a strong statesman and a kind leader. His life, vision and achievements are worthy of emulation as well as numerous opportunities for guidance. Quaid made an incredible struggle like Pakistan possible, Quaid’s guidance and his thoughts can bring us back the lost goal of prosperity and development.
It is the duty of the nation to express its gratitude to this great man. Unity, faith and discipline are the best ways to do it. The way to deal with both internal and external challenges is hidden in the life and behavior of Quaid-e-Azam.
After the Quaid, unfortunately, there was no one to take his place. The political and social system he cultivated was reshaped and after a few years it was completely destroyed. Quaid-e-Azam was essentially a democrat. His speeches and edicts provide complete guidance regarding the usefulness and importance of institutions.
Quaid and Democracy:
He firmly believed that, “The worst form of democracy is better than the best form of dictatorship”. His concept of democracy was based on a modern developed welfare Islamic state. For the Quaid, there was a theory of a non-contradictory fusion between the concepts of Western democracy and Islamic values. Rules of governance that interpret the principles of the Qur’an and Sharia remain the best model for Pakistan.
There was no place for aristocracy, feudalism, capitalism and dictatorship in Quaid’s Pakistan. He believed in mutual development. He never supported the indiscriminate use of force. He strongly believed in positive dialogue, argument and natural justice. He firmly adhered to the principle of respecting the opinion of the majority.
Even today, decades later, democracy is the only way forward for Pakistan. Even after several military dictatorships, corrupt governments and violent socio-political movements, salvation lies in this simple solution. Real representation of the majority can lead to real progress.
Quaid-e-Azam loved modernization and reforms. He was the most famous in the subcontinent for modern ideas. When he returned to his homeland from London, he was the best dressed, the most famous and the most skilled lawyer. Not only in clothes, but also in his thoughts, he was extremely sophisticated.
In the 1920s and 30s, the world became aware of the injustices of colonialism. The chains of slavery were weakening. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah knew this and started the struggle for the freedom of the subcontinent. He believed in unity and harmony.
He was a true follower of his Eastern Islamic values but at the same time, his speeches and behavior reflected his modern identity. The Quaid believed in the reformation of the Muslim Ummah (Islamic Nation) and wanted Pakistan to become an enlightened nation among them, which would give a new meaning to the values of Islam and be far better than the West.
Many factions in Pakistan are still unable to understand that religion and our traditions are the only things that can move us forward. Without proper reform and innovation, the dream of a welfare state will always remain a dream.
The Congress leader became convinced of the demand for Pakistan as a result of atrocities on Hindus. The Quaid felt that after independence from the British, the Muslims of the subcontinent would be at the mercy of the dominant Hindu population, and might even be forced to bow down to the Hindu gods.
Thus, he became a staunch supporter of the “two-nation theory“. A theory which was vehemently denied and opposed by Hindus, is interpreted as a fabrication to this day. Today the fact has become clear that the Quaid was absolutely right, the Muslims of the subcontinent could never be free under the Hindu ideology.
The oppression of Kashmiris, the demolition of Babri Masjid, the suspension of human rights of Muslims, the anti-Muslim agenda of Delhi, the absurd minority status of the majority Muslims and the extremist attitude of the Narendra Modi government are living proofs of the truth of the “two nation theory”. . Gandhi’s version of the subcontinent exists only in the papers. The same situation is related to the Sikhs in India. We Pakistanis have a solid reason to be thankful to the Quaid and Allah Ta’ala and realize the importance of the blessing that we have in the form of Pakistan.
Quaid fully believed in religious freedom. Quaid formulated several plans for Pakistan’s unique identity before the world. His vision for Pakistan’s foreign policy consisted of ethics, justice and equality. What guiding principles did the leader leave for us
? He said on October 12, 1945: “I hope that the Jews will not succeed in their nefarious plans and I wish that Britain and America will give up their support and then I will see how the Jews conquer Jerusalem.” Already Jews, who number more than half a million, reside in Jerusalem against the wishes of the people. May I know which other countries have granted them residency? If there is domination and exploitation now, there will be no peace and no end to war.”
Power, wealth and influence cannot sabotage the ideals of faith, justice and brotherhood. Even in 1945, Quaid had an idea of the plight of the Palestinians. With each passing year, we are becoming more aware of the greatness of our leader and the golden principles he left us. May God rest the soul of our leader and enable us to fulfill the dreams he had for us.