The 45th death anniversary of Madar-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was observed today (Monday) with great respect and reverence. Various political organisations, schools and colleges held special activities to mark the day in a befitting manner.
Fatima Jinnah was born on July 31, 1893. She was a dental surgeon, biographer, stateswoman and one of the leading founding mothers of the modern state of Pakistan and was also the younger sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
After obtaining the dental degree from Kolkata University, she accompanied Muhammad Ali Jinnah actively participating in politics. During the transfer of power in 1947, Jinnah formed the Women’s Relief Committee, which later formed the nucleus for All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA). She played an active role in national politics after announcing her presidential candidacy, running against Ayub Khan in the 1965 elections and travelling West Pakistan and East-Pakistan during the election campaign. She conceded her defeat in the elections with many experts believing that the ballots were forcefully rigged by Ayub Khan and his son.
After the death of her brother, she continued to work for the welfare of Pakistan’s people through charities and the institutions. She also played a significant role in the settlement of Muhajirs in the new state of Pakistan. Fatima Jinnah died in Karachi on July 9 1967.
