KARACHI:
Yet another birth anniversary of the Quaid-e-Azam has passed as Pakistan continues on its destructive path. Instead of following the Quaid’s vision, we have created a country that is hostage to the greed of a few who continue to create differences. He warned us about the consequences of intertwining religion with politics, but unfortunately every dictator and politician has exploited this with disastrous consequences for the country. The speeches in which the Quaid envisioned Pakistan as a modern democratic welfare state were neither highlighted nor broadcasted this time around.
The Quaid’s 11th August 1947 address used to be covered by the media, but now there seems to be a deliberate attempt to distort his vision and replace it with the doctrines of usurpers and politicians. Since 1954, there has been a deliberate attempt by men without vision and intellect to do the exact reverse of what Jinnah wanted Pakistan to be. Ever since we as a nation have failed to follow the vision laid down by our Quaid and other pioneers of our freedom struggle, Pakistan has suffered from one crisis after another — from the 1971 debacle to our present situation where the lives of citizens are threatened by extremists and fundamentalists. Moreover, a financial crisis threatens our existence as a sovereign viable state.
Jinnah clearly stated that there is no role in politics for the paid civil and uniformed bureaucracy, while addressing them in Quetta on 14th June 1948, and reminded them of the significance of the oath they have taken. Yet they have all abused their powers and led the country astray.
Malik Tariq Ali
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, December 29th, 2021.
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