On this occasion of Pakistan’s birthday, many are reflecting on its progress. Despite being an octogenarian, the nation still faces challenges on the global stage. As I write this, I’m reminded of the vision of the Father of our Nation and how far we have strayed from his dream. In his inaugural speech, he expressed gratitude for achieving a separate homeland where we could practice our faith freely, emphasizing that what aligns with Islam is good, and what does not is not. Our beloved Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was the Messenger of the Almighty, and as a leader, one must follow his example. In Islam, a ruler should act as a father to his people and must adhere to the same laws as ordinary citizens. A ruler should not enjoy special privileges or opulent residences but should embody austerity and humility.
In Islamic law, a head of state wields power, but the polity is organized in such a way that power does not lead to corruption; it serves as an instrument of service. The national coffer is the property of the people, and every member of the commonwealth is entitled to have an allowance out of the income of the state. There is no place for feudalism; the actual tillers deposit half of their income in the state treasury. Night watches and patrolling systems in the state are part of the ruler’s duty to inquire about the conditions of the country and its people. All activities of an Islamic ruler are based on righteousness and consciousness.
Today, on Pakistan Day, I have set up a utopian symbolic courthouse in which Quaid-i-Azam will appear to contest a case related to his successors. We all know that he was a very competent and learned lawyer. He was considered a guarantor in legal affairs at a very young age. He always viewed his work in legislation as a moral obligation rather than for personal glory. Therefore, he will plead the case of his successors very successfully, hoping to awaken the conscience of Pakistan’s lawyers (though this may seem improbable).
“My name is Muhammad Ali Jinnah. I am a pleader by profession, which is why I want to plead my case myself. Sir, I am a father of a Nation and want to plead the case of my children. We were living in a joint family system in a region, and my children were not comfortable living with alien people. There was a clear discrepancy between both families, so I decided to give them a separate homeland to live independently. I was an old and ailing person, but like a mason, I constructed a home for them, Me Lord. However, my children did not regard my labour and became entangled in conflict, scattering the building into pieces. Me Lord, in terms of biology, I am a demised soul, but spiritually I remain around them. I have a long list of charges against my successors, which I will narrate to you. To begin with, I will portray the conditions of my country and the plight of my people. They have all brought loss to my legacy and instability to my inheritance. The third-fourth of the century is drawing to a close, yet no ruler has discharged their duties in accordance with their oath. The Parliament Houses present scenes of theater; members, adorned with high perfumes, enter, exchanging pleasantries and engaging in petty criticisms. They often come to blows. Political leaders have supported constitutional abrogation and military intervention. Immoral values are flourishing and social and economic evils have gripped the country. In foreign policy, they have failed to distinguish between friends and foes.”
Reflecting on these challenges, it is imperative that we, as a nation, revisit the core principles that guided our founding. The principles of justice, equality and integrity must be reinvigorated in every facet of governance. The spirit of unity, which was the cornerstone of our independence, needs to be revived to address the pervasive issues that have impeded our progress. Our leaders must embody the values of humility and service, embracing their roles as stewards of the public good rather than agents of personal gain. By aligning our actions with the true essence of our founding ideals, we can aspire to rebuild a nation that truly reflects the vision of our forefathers.
As we mark this day, let us pledge to uphold the values that were intended to guide our journey. Let us renew our commitment to a Pakistan that honours its history by striving for a future defined by fairness, prosperity and a deep-seated respect for the principles of justice and integrity. May the spirit of our founder’s vision guide us in the pursuit of a better, more unified nation.
