A visionary’s mission of nation building

This birthday of the Quaid-i-Azam, more than ever before, beckons us to reflect on his dynamic personality and statesmanship. At this point in time, the nation is grappling with myriad challenges in both the political and social domains. As the public feels dejected and demoralised on many fronts, the Quaid, once again, can lead us toward the goal of a prosperous country.

Different aspects of the Quaid’s personality-particularly as a leader who united the Muslims of India toward nationhood and then spearheaded the independence movement that culminated in the creation of a new Muslim state-are worth a closer study.

It is instructive to consider how the Quaid’s statements and the path he chose resonate in today’s Pakistan. His struggle as the leader of the Muslim League, particularly in confronting the uncompromising attitudes of both Congress and the British, is seen as part of history. However, his messages are often lost in the fog of political expediency and rhetoric. In the past, these were telecast on television more as a ritual and showcased at national events.

The strength and significance of the Quaid’s thoughts can be highlighted by the speeches he delivered in the year following independence. Despite his frail health, he toured the country and spoke to a wide cross-section of the public, including businessmen, armed forces personnel, and minorities, addressing various national concerns and interests.

The Quaid’s speech at a rally at University Stadium, Lahore, in October 1947, offers an interesting case study. It reflects his vision for nation-building and his caliber as the leader of a new country.

To quote the Quaid: “All I require of you now is that every one of us to whom this message reaches must vow to himself and be prepared to sacrifice his all, if necessary, in building up Pakistan as a bulwark of Islam, and as one of the greatest nations whose ideal is peace within and peace without.” These words clearly indicate what the Quaid wanted from the Pakistanis and the role he envisioned in nation-building. He also pointed toward a harmonious society built on peace, both internally and externally. There is much to be read between the lines. Phrases like “prepared to sacrifice,” “building up Pakistan,” “bulwark of Islam,” and “peace within and peace without” stand out as key themes.

Later, he said, “Remember that the scrupulous maintenance and enforcement of law and order are the prerequisites of all progress.” While law and order was not a pressing issue at that time, yet the Quaid seemed to be looking far ahead, anticipating a time when law and order would become a significant challenge for the state.

The Quaid’s speech also pointed to the civil and political rights of citizens. He said, “The tenets of Islam enjoin every Muslim to give protection to his neighbours and the minorities, regardless of caste and creed.” Here, the Quaid seemed to be foreseeing a time when minorities would face discrimination and problems from the public and their neighbours. He was also referring to the teachings of Islam about neighbours and minorities.

The essence of the Quaid’s thoughts highlights the dangers he foresaw in the years ahead-related to law and order, as well as the treatment of minorities. His statements have clear and deep messages for a multiracial, multicultural nation, coming just two months after independence. It was a call for sacrifice, for building a great nation based on justice and tolerance. Having passed through many periods of chaos and turmoil, the nation is now trying to adjust to a stable political order.

However, the message seems to have lost significance over time. The prevailing national scene presents a picture that starkly contrasts with what the Quaid had envisioned-attacks on polio teams, dacoit activity in the Kacha area, massive land scams, corruption, and a rising crime wave targeting women and children are all challenging the writ of the state. Questions are being raised about the credibility of the judicial process.

In politics, the country is experiencing a polarisation never seen before. Institutions like Parliament have not been able to check the slide toward chaos that seems to have become the new normal. This is not how the Quaid envisaged Pakistan. One reason for the social disharmony and political malaise is that the Quaid’s guidance and instructions have been relegated to history.

An important lesson from the Quaid’s role after Independence is how he engaged the nation—the stakeholders. Despite failing health, he held meetings with representatives of minorities, the armed forces, bureaucrats, students, businessmen, besides the politicians, all who had a role in nation building and to whom the Quaid had assigned a role. It is this sense of ‘leadership’ that is missing today, to take all stakeholders on board, and address the challenges.

The Quaid’s birthday reminds us of myriad aspects of his personality, particularly his role during the Independence movement. The short time he had after Independence exposes his role as head of a new state, and his role in building up the nation, in the face of daunting challenges. His vision, and vigour, and perseverance can guide us attain the objectives he had set for a progressive and prosperous Pakistan.

– The author is a former faculty member at the Quaid-i-Azam University and can be reached at pakirish@yahoo.com.