A brave and true leader

[Aragorn]

On the occasions of Mader-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatimah Jinnah’s 120th birth anniversary, thoughts inevitably turn to the remarkable role she played in the formation of Pakistan. The great respect that she continues to enjoy is because of her perseverance and unflinching belief in the idea of Pakistan unlike the leaders of today who have risen to fame through fraudulent means. She became the Quaid’s closest companion who confided in her in matters both personal and of political importance. This is a resounding proof of her high intellectual calibre. An indefatigable individual with a vision of a progressive and prosperous Pakistan, her activism did not end with the departure of the British; she got down to building the country’s institutions almost from scratch.
Among her endeavours, she co-founded the All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA) with Begum Rana Liaqat Ali Khan, which is emblematic of her attempts at the empowerment of women. Likewise, her concern for the left-out mujajirs and welcoming them generously in the newly formed state will be remembered. Her electoral clash with Ayub Khan in the general elections of 1965 — though people literally rushed to greet her wherever she went — did not translate into electoral victory amid claims of rigging. Let us not forget that the nations who forget their heroes fail to produce any more of them.

A brave and true leader | The Nation