KARACHI:
Commemorating Independence Day and resolution day is important, but we need to actively adapt and implement Quaid-e-Azam’s plan for the progress and prosperity of the country. In the last 75 years, different political leaders who did not have the same vision and intellect as Jinnah have thrust their plans and decisions on the country, which has had devastating consequences.
Jinnah knew exactly what the people wanted, which is why people had complete faith and trust in him. He formulated a plan for Pakistan just before independence and made it clear that the security and integrity of Pakistan were reliant upon the constitution. The constitution would ensure that Pakistan was a modern democratic welfare state, with the power vested in the people of Pakistan. Jinnah emphasised justice and equal opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of their caste, creed, ethnicity and gender. He chose Jogendra Nath Mandal as the first law minister of Pakistan to oversee the process of drafting a constitution, which serves as a learning lesson for all of us. According to Jinnah, Pakistan was never meant to be a theocracy, but a country where Muslims guided by Islamic Jurisprudence and teachings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) will live in peace and harmony with members of other faiths.
Unfortunately, after Jinnah’s death, the political process was derailed. All political parties were banned under Elective Bodies Disqualified Order, the rule of law was replaced, and religion was exploited to subvert the will of the people. When Fatima Jinnah stood up to restore Jinnah’s vision of a democratic welfare state, she was branded as a foreign agent. This betrayal of Jinnah’s vision caused much damage to the peace and solidarity of Pakistan. The country has suffered enough and instead of adopting failed hybrid systems of governance, it is time to adopt Quaid’s plan for Pakistan.
Malik Tariq
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, March 25th, 2022.
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