Today, we observe the 78th anniversary of the demise of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to pay tribute to the great leader who devoted his life to the constitutional, legal, religious, cultural and above all, the human rights of the Muslims of the subcontinent and eventually led us towards the creation of Pakistan.
Pakistan was envisioned as a country where the Muslims of the Muslim majority areas could live their lives in a country without the spectre of a Hindu majoritarian state, in harmony and peacefully with non-Muslim minorities so that the people of all faiths could live their lives according to their faiths and beliefs. This was amply reflected through the words and deeds of the great Quaid and brilliantly expressed in his speech on 11 August, just three days before the creation of Pakistan.
Quaid-e-Azam’s life offers an enduring lesson in perseverance, discipline and confidence in one’s purpose. These qualities offer a great vision to handle all challenges, crises and opportunities. From security, political, social, cultural and economic challenges to climate emergencies, the life of the Quaid stands as a radiant lighthouse and a big compass to meet all challenges.
On this day we must not forget that the Quaid taught us that durable strength comes from institutions that enjoy public confidence, constitutional continuity and equality before the law.
On this day, we need to realise that no matter what differences and polarisations we might have, our differences must be resolved through constitutional institutions, democratic processes, dialogue and the rule of law.
Today, the challenges before us require seriousness, hard work and responsible governance. By using new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, we must reform, restructure and strengthen our economy, create greater opportunities for our young people, improve public services and ensure that the benefits of development reach people across the country. At the same time, we must continue to protect Pakistan from external aggression, terrorism, militant ideologies and violent extremism.
We must continue to work for peace and stability in our region. Guided by the Quaid, Pakistan will continue to play its role in promoting dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes in the region and the world at large.
On this day, I call upon the people of Pakistan, particularly our youth, to draw strength from the Quaid-e-Azam’s example. We should face our difficulties with courage and confidence rather than despair and despondency and must remain committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan.
We must remember that no matter how big the challenges we may encounter, we can and we shall overcome them with our unity, firm resolve and strength.
The 250 million people of Pakistan with cultural diversity are like a big beautiful bouquet of all colours and fragrances. We must celebrate our diversity, which is our greater strength rather than a weakness.
May Allah Almighty bless the soul of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and give us the wisdom and the determination to fulfil the aspirations with which Pakistan was created. Amen.
Pakistan Zindabad
