Bilawal Bhutto pays tribute to Quaid-e-Azam

Liaquat Ali

Islamabad: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday paid glowing tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

In a message, he said, “Today, on his 148th birth anniversary, we pay tribute to the Founding Father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. On this day, we honour the contributions of the Father of the Nation, who changed the course of history through a political struggle. Quaid-e-Azam’s vision, determination, and unwavering resolve led to the creation of an independent homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent.”

Quaid-e-Azam’s leadership during the most critical phase of our history demonstrates his extraordinary qualities. As a lawyer, a statesman, and the leader of the All-India Muslim League, he vehemently advocated for the rights of Muslims. He presented the case for Pakistan with clarity and conviction, emphasizing the need for a separate homeland where Muslims could freely practice their religion, safeguard their culture, and secure their political and economic rights.

His landmark address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, still serves as a guiding light for us. In it, he envisioned a Pakistan where the rule of law would prevail, the rights of minorities would be protected, and every citizen, regardless of their religion, caste, or creed, would be equal before the state. These principles of inclusivity, justice, and tolerance are not only the bedrock of Quaid’s philosophy but also the ideals towards which we must strive relentlessly.

Although we have made significant progress in different fields, the journey towards becoming a prosperous and equitable nation is ongoing. Jinnah’s vision for a democratic and self-reliant Pakistan calls upon us to work harder to uphold the values of social justice, economic equity, and the rule of law. To achieve Quaid’s vision, we must invest in the education of our youth, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead Pakistan into a brighter future. We also need to work for the uplift of downtrodden segments of society. Jinnah’s dream of a peaceful and moderate Pakistan obliges us to promote harmony within and beyond our borders.

As we commemorate this day, let us renew our pledge to embody Quaid-e-Azam’s ideals in our personal and collective lives. His principles of “Unity, Faith, and Discipline” should serve as our guiding light for national cohesion and progress. Let us reaffirm our commitment to building a Pakistan that truly reflects Jinnah’s vision—a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous nation where every citizen can achieve their full potential, he said.