Today’s Pakistan and Quaid’s Legacy

Seminar highlights how today’s policies take the opposite route

Quaid’s foreign policy was based on peace, equality and the vibrant role of the United Nations, vitality of the right to self-determination, friendly relations with neighboring countries and with the Muslim world’s adoption of the policy of neutrality.

Moreover, today’s Pakistan is facing grave challenges and water crisis is at the top which needs to be dealt with, with a sense of national unity. This is due to the view that by the year 2035 Indus water system will face a severe shortfall which can potentially create national food insecurity. These were the views shared by speakers in a seminar organised by Muslim Institute entitled “Today’s Pakistan and Quaid’s Legacy” at the National Library of Pakistan.



Speakers highlighted that Quaid always wanted to explore the true potential of this country. Quaid dreamt of a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.  He was well aware of the geo-strategic significance of Pakistan and also about the perils it is going to face due to this significance.

He stressed the need of social justice based on the principles of equality. He was a staunch advocate of peace. He propagated the notion of peace within and peace without. Soon after getting independence, Quaid sped up the process of joining United Nations. He always endorsed the reality that there should be a unanimous international body in the world which can mediate between two countries in case of any conflict. He advised that UN should learn by the mistakes committed by the League of Nations.



He was very concerned regarding the cause of both, Palestine and Kashmir due his belief in the right to self-determination. He believed in having brotherly relations with other Muslim countries. He also stressed the need of good relations with regional countries. He prioritised regional trade over foreign trade.

He was very clear in relationship with India. He was of the view that India should shed over its superiority complex in the region and behave on the principles of equality and justice. There is dire need to revisit the practical application of above principles in our foreign as well as domestic policy.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2018.