Editorial
By Dr. Busharat Elahi Jamil
The Quaid was born in December. He offered the Muslims of the Sub-Continent a unique identity in addition to a separate Muslim-dominated state. Without a doubt, his instructions, statements, and narratives as the first Governor General and leader will serve as the Pakistani people’s entire constitution for all eternity. Here are a few of the tenets he outlined that we might use to steer Pakistan toward wealth and growth. As April 20, 1948 he stated “we have still a long way to build up Pakistan…but I have no doubt that by the grace of God, by adopting right methods and the right course we shall march along to make it one of the greatest states of the world”.
Since Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim nation, Quaid-i-Azam gave Islamic values and customs particular attention saying, “Islam is not only a set of rituals, traditions and spiritual doctrines. Islam is also a code for every Muslim which regulates his life and his conduct in even politics and economics and the like. It is based on the highest principles of honour, integrity, fair play and justice for all, one God and the equality of one God is one of the fundamental principles of Islam. The qualities of equality, liberty and fraternity are the fundamental principles of Islam”. (January 25, 1948).
Regarding relations with India in an interview he explained his vision, “… The Indian Government will shed the superiority complex and will deal with Pakistan on an equal footing and fully appreciate the realities… personally I have no doubt in my mind that our own paramount interests demand that the dominion of Pakistan and the dominion of India should coordinate for the purpose of playing their part in international affairs and the development that may take place and also it is of vital importance to Pakistan and India as independent sovereign states to collaborate in a friendly way”. (March 11, 1948).
Concerning tiny communities and non-Muslims of Pakistan MR. Jinnah also put the responsibilities on the state of Pakistan as, “We stand by our declarations that members of every community will be treated as citizens of Pakistan with equal rights and privileges and obligations and the minorities will be safeguarded and protected”. (March 22, 1948).
He also had an eye on the machinery to run the system of the new born state, “No doubt, we have got men who are selfish. I know we have men who are guilty of jobbery, bribery and nepotism. I know all this is going on. I do not say that the Government is perfect, but now we have got the reins of the Government, believe me, we are wide awake we are watching your Government, your Province, your ministry, your civil services and what is generally happening…”. (April 20, 1948). He articulated his findings regarding Frontier Province; yet, these remarks reflect his perspective, which pertains to the administrative framework of the nascent state of Pakistan.
There is no doubt that Quaid-i-Azam was paying a special attention to everything from basic human rights to administrative structure and international affairs. His vision encompassed a prosperous future for Pakistan, with the objective of establishing it as a welfare state capable of leading the Islamic world through its autonomy and competencies, thereby fostering a unique identity within the region.
