LAHORE – It is not the Pakistan envisaged by the Founder of the Nation as the notorious, corrupt and fake degree-holders have become the decision-makers, while the Quaid wanted the country to be free from the evils of sectarianism, nepotism, terrorism and corruption.
People will reject such a democratic system where the poor have been left with little choice to lead better life, and the country cannot be transformed in accordance with the ideals of the Quaid and Allama Iqbal without supremacy of justice, elimination of corruption and bridging the gap between the rich and poor.
These views were expressed by the speakers while addressing a function held to commemorate the 134th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah Saturday under the aegis of the Nazria-e-Pakistan Trust (NPT) in collaboration with the Tehreek-e-Pakistan WorkersÂ’ Trust. The function was presided over by Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif while guest of honour was President Azad Jammu Kashmir Raja Zulqarnain Khan. Editor-in-Chief The Nation and Chairman NPT Majid Nizami, Senator SM Zafar, Justice (r) Nasira Iqbal, Zaid Hamid, Prof Humayun Ahsan and Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali also spoke on the occasion. Secretary NPT Shahid Rasheed conducted the proceedings.
Majid Nizami thanked all participants, and was of the view that the huge attendance verified the fact that people revered the Quaid. “I believe that without the Quaid, Pakistan would not have been a possibility. Allama Iqbal wrote a letter to the Quaid and invited the latter to lead Muslims. The Pakistan Resolution was passed in 1940, and the country gained independence in 1947, but we lost East Pakistan because of our incapacities, which happened because of the Generals. The Bengalis who were in majority thought that they would never get a chance to rule since the Army was ruling continuously,” he said, while mentioning that he wanted to see Pakistan as welfare state of the Quaid and the Allama.
Shahbaz Sharif averred that people had no concern with a democracy when hard-earned money of the poor was looted and even Hujjaj were not spared, while people were running from pillar to post for seeking justice.
The CM said Pakistan was achieved after innumerable sacrifices, and faced atrocities of Hindus and Sikhs during migration from India, while millions of Muslims from Chittagong to Karachi gathered under Quaid’s leadership. “Sacrifices were made to get such a land where justice prevails sans cruelty, excesses and corruption, and equal opportunities of progress are for every hardworking and able citizen, but despite the lapse of 63 years, we have failed in transforming Pakistan in accordance with the ideals of the Quaid and Allama Iqbal,” he deplored, adding that all social strata took part in removing dictatorship and restoration of democracy, but today there was plundering everywhere under the cover of this democracy.
“People’s hard-earned money was looted and deposited in Swiss banks, which is yet to be recovered. Moreover, a handful of people are provided with a profiteering opportunity by creating sugar crisis after billions of rupees were also looted and transferred to Dubai during the Musharraf era,” he added.
He also alleged that during the previous regime, machines worth billions were imported for rural and basic health centres which were without doctors and nurses. He mentioned that his government was utilising all resources in a transparent manner and providing education and health to the masses. “These are important steps towards materialising the dreams of Pakistan envisioned by the Quaid. The Punjab govt has promoted culture of austerity in the province and one-dish programme is being implemented strictly in all government functions. Use of sugar has also been prohibited in public offices,” he said.
Shahbaz was of the view that no nation relying on foreign aid could progress, and only those nations survived, which depended upon their own resources. “We are a nuclear nation, but still forced to beg foreign aid. If we make hard-work, honesty and passion our mottos, Pakistan can regain its lost status and join the ranks of dignified nations,” he suggested.
He said the Quaid had declared Kashmir as lifeline of Pakistan, and Kashmir could only be made part of Pakistan if its people would start depending upon their over own resources, getting rid of foreign aid and strengthening economy on sound footings.
Raja Zulqarnain Khan was of the view if Pakistan would not have been a separate country despite IndiaÂ’s independence the Muslims would have been living in subjugation of the Hindus.
While inviting the NPT to the AJK, he observed that Pakistan was incomplete without Kashmir’s liberation. “If it is not done, we will face more problems in the future. All rivers flow down to Pakistan from the Occupied Kashmir, and in an effort to strangulate Pakistan, India is in the process of tunnelling waters of Neelum, Jhelum and Indus rivers,” he pointed out.
He also mentioned that the Kashmiri elders had come to Lahore on the Pakistan Resolution Day and promised that Kashmir would be part of Pakistan. He wanted that the govt must revisit its Kashmir policy prior to the cooling down of liberation passion. “Today we understand why the Quaid called Kashmir as lifeline of Pakistan. We have to take a stringent stance now,” he demanded.
While asserting that the Quaid was the only role model so far, SM Zafar quoted various examples of the Pakistan’s Founder to bring home the point that the Quaid respected law at every cost. He also mentioned that the Quaid’s Muslim League should be united for materialising his dreams. “He must be feeling happy at Pakistan’s progress, but also sad at current scenario. Divided Muslim League should be united,” he stressed.
Nasira Iqbal said women were not being given representation as per Quaid’s thought. “His vision is not being put to practice. The Accountability and Local government bills are yet to be passed, while despite judiciary’s independence, its decisions are not being actualised,” she observed.
Religious scholar Zaid Hamid maintained that the Quaid was a ‘Wali’ and a soldier of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), and the former was destined to do the job of Pakistan’s creation since Allah wanted this to happen. He quoted Pir Jamaat Ali Shah and Allama Shabbir Ahmed Usmani in this regard.
He was of the opinion that the Quaid and the Allama could not comprehended completely separately. “Pakistan is the second Islamic state after Medina, which was created for put Islam into practice, which will be done one day since Allah is selecting people to do this job,” he maintained.
Sultan Ahmed Ali wanted diagnoses of the problems. He maintained that since the Pakistan Ideology was not being followed, it was adding to the problems and the gravity of the situation. “We have been defeated because we have quit the Ideology of Pakistan,” he concluded.
Col (r) Jamshed Ahmed Tareen demanded the government to initiate probe why an out of order ambulance was sent to carry the Quaid to a hospital.
Prof Humayun Akhtar asked the people to believe that they were a nation, which should follow the path of truth, as was done by the Quaid. “The nation has woken up and knows the difference between right and wrong,” he said.
Prof Rafique Ahmed was of the view that QuaidÂ’s vision was still applicable, and the Founding Father wanted Pakistan to be an Islamic state.
Speakers also paid glowing tributes to Majid Nizami for his contribution towards the Pakistan ideology, and were of the view that his struggle for strong Pakistan would bear fruit.
The AJK President, while thanking Majid Nizami for extending invitation, and seeing the success of the NPT, said TrustÂ’s responsibility was not only limited to Lahore. He invited the Trust and Majid Nizami to AJK.
‘It’s not Quaid’s Pakistan’