Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah was a revolutionary person. He significantly altered the course of subcontinents history. He gave birth to the alternative strategy of constitutional and political struggle instead of armed and violent struggle to achieve political ends. Quaid was a visionary person who perceived that the Muslims of India would confront ill fate when the British rule would expire. Demographic dominance of Hindus, myopic behaviour of Congress and poor social and economic condition of Muslims were the driving forces behind Quaid’s perception. Therefore, Quaid raised demand for a separate homeland for Muslims.
It was very difficult task but strength of Quaid’s character, his visionary strategy and his political sagacity made it a popular demand of 80 million Muslims of subcontinent. Quaid made Muslim League exclusive and largest platform in this sacred struggle and on 14 August 1947 Quaids dream transformed into reality despite immense opposition by Congress and many small Muslim political entities.
Quid was very clear about the future creed of newly erected state. On several occasions in meetings and speeches, he clearly discussed his opinion. One speech, which he made to First Constituent Assembly of Pakistan in Karachi, provides us with fundamental principles on which Quid wanted to lay the foundations of the nation. It provides that Quid wanted federal, pluralistic and a democratic welfare state where people from all communities, races, religions and cultures could live in peace and harmony without any discrimination. Quid insisted that state had nothing to do with the creed and religion of the people, its basic objective was to provide them favourable environment for social progress and economic well being.
Unfortunately, after the death of Jinnah his successors ignored his vision and pursued vested interests. Power fell into the hands of those people who were regarded spurious coins by Quaid. They became vigorous after assassination of Liaqat Ali khan because a huge leadership vacuum emerged in political arena. There was no charismatic and influential figure in political sphere to bring the house in order and drive Pakistan on track visualised by Jinnah. Feudals became the holders of reigns of power, later accompanied by the mullahs and military. They engrossed in power struggle with each others. Mess created by these forces drove Pakistan away from the ideology which was dreamed by Quaid. This created an ideological confusion among different communities which is yet evident. This ideological confusion raised bile among different fractions especially Bengalis, religious minorities and emigrants coming from India leading to widespread communal violence in country and ultimately resulted in the separation of East Pakistan.
Situation has worsened in the last 60 years and Pakistan is plunging into darkness day by day. Our economy is in the pits. Law and order is non-existent, corruption is at pinnacle, religious and sectarian harmony has faded away, communal and separatist elements are engulfing nationalistic sentiments, and there is a big question mark on the sovereignty of the nation. We have lost respect among international community. We are far away from the dream which Quaid saw about the future of Pakistan.
The overall condition of Pakistan is now so critical that there seems no hope and optimism. People are desperate, foreign analysts are predicting dates for demise of Pakistan, viewing it as a failed state.
It is time for us to wake up from ignorance and stubbornness. We should realise the delicacy of the time. If we want to survive, want to make Pakistan progressive, developed, peaceful and respectable, we have to encompass Quids vision, his golden principles – principles of federalism, pluralism, democracy and welfare state – into our political system and political culture.
AHMAD TAIMOOR RANJHA
Lahore