Pakistan is currently commemorating the 147th birth anniversary of its esteemed founder, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, with an enthusiastic spirit that mirrors the nation’s profound respect for this visionary leader.
The entire country observes a public holiday, marked by various state-level activities designed to illuminate Jinnah’s enduring political legacy and the foundational principles he bestowed upon the nation: unity, faith, and discipline.
The day kicked off with special prayers resonating nationwide, seeking divine blessings for the security, progress, and prosperity of Pakistan. A poignant change of guards ceremony took place at Jinnah’s mausoleum in Karachi, a ritual annually repeated, emphasizing the solemnity of the occasion. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, born on December 25, 1876, into a prosperous family in Karachi, stands as the founding father of Pakistan.
His multifaceted persona encompassed roles as a distinguished lawyer, seasoned politician, and visionary statesman. Above all, Jinnah is revered as the architect of Pakistan, guiding the nation through its tumultuous journey to independence in 1947. Jinnah’s leadership was marked by his pivotal role in the All-India Muslim League from 1913 to the historic day of Pakistan’s liberation. Initially advocating for Hindu-Muslim unity, he played a crucial role in the 1916 Lucknow Pact and actively participated in the All India Home Rule League.
However, his vision evolved, embracing the Two-Nation Theory, advocating for a separate Muslim state, as articulated in the Lahore Resolution. His unwavering dedication was evident in the visionary fourteen-point constitutional reform plan, aimed at safeguarding the political rights of Muslims within a self-governing India. The Muslim League’s triumph in the 1946 elections underscored the resonance of his ideas.
Despite the failure of the Cabinet Mission Plan, Jinnah’s decisive call for Direct Action Day unfortunately sparked communal violence. This impasse between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League ultimately led to the historic decision for the independence of both Pakistan and India in 1947. As Pakistan’s inaugural Governor-General, Jinnah faced the Herculean task of laying the foundations of the nascent state, formulating national policies, and overseeing the rehabilitation of millions of Muslim refugees.
His passing in September 1948, a mere year after Pakistan’s liberation, marked the conclusion of a remarkable life dedicated to the pursuit of his vision. Jinnah’s legacy endures as a source of profound reverence in Pakistan, and opinions about him in India vary. In the words of his biographer, Stanley Wolpert, Muhammad Ali Jinnah remains undeniably Pakistan’s greatest leader—a guiding force who secured a distinct and cherished place in history. The principles of unity, faith, and discipline, advocated by Jinnah, continue to be celebrated on this anniversary, reinforcing their significance in shaping Pakistan’s identity.
