September 11: A nation mourns the legacy of its visionary founder

ISLAMABAD: September 11 marks the 76^th anniversary of the passing of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of our country.

September 11 is an occasion that should be commemorated with deep reverence and dedication throughout the country.

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A variety of public and private gatherings are planned to honour his enduring legacy and significant contribution to the establishment of Pakistan.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah earned the title of “Quaid-e-Azam’ (the Great Leader) from Maulana Mazharuddin in 1937. He was instrumental in the quest for a distinct homeland for Indian Muslims in the British-ruled subcontinent.

Through his persistent efforts, the Muslim community in India successfully gained independence from the British colonial rule and founded Pakistan as an independent country.

Born on December 25, 1876 in Karachi at the height of British raj, Jinnah began his early education in 1882. He later moved to England in 1893 to further his studies.

In 1896, the Quaid passed his bar examination and returned to India, where he initially embarked on a legal career. He quickly established as one of the leading jurists in the region.

Jinnah’s political journey began in earnest when he became a member of the Indian National Congress in 1906. However, it soon dawned on him that the Congress was inadequate to advocate for the diverse communities of the subcontinent.

The realisation led him to join the All India Muslim League in 1913, where he aimed to champion the rights of Indian Muslims,.

Despite his association with the Muslim League, the Quaid continued to collaborate with the Congress for several years. It wouldn’t be long before he would grow disillusioned though. He ultimately quit the party in 1920.

Jinnah then wholly devoted himself to the Muslim League cause. Under his charismatic leadership, the League soon emerged at the principal platform advocating for the political rights and interests of Indian Muslims.

With Jinnah’s guidance, the Muslim League effectively campaigned for the creation of Pakistan, culminating in the establishment of the new state on August 14, 1947.

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was appointed as the country’s first Governor-General, a role he held until his demise shortly after Pakistan was born.

Jinnah passed away on September 11, 1948, a great blow to the young nation that desperately needed his guidance. Pakistan has yet to recover from the leadership gap the Great Leader left behind, with subsequent leadership barely holding a candle to the brilliance that burnt within the Founder of Pakistan.

Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan was anchored in the ideal of democracy, religious freedom and and social justice. He worked diligently to establish the foundations of a state that would serve as a sanctuary, not only for Muslims but other religions, as well.

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Unfortunately, the Great Leader’s health declined and many of his ambitious initiatives remained incomplete at the time of his death.

Even decades after his passing, Jinnah’s legacy continues to resonate deeply with the people of Pakistan. The huge turnover of the public at memorial events and the numerous tributes paid to him across the country shows the lasting respect and admiration the nation holds for its founder.