Staff Reporter
Peshawar
Former Ambassador Manzoorul Haq said on Tuesday that people of merged districts (erstwhile Fata) has served as front-line force in completion of the challenging mission of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for a separate homeland for the Muslims of subcontinent.
‘Quaid-e-Azam had an immense love for the tribesmen of merged tribal districts for their strong loyalty, supreme sacrifices and consistent support to him during Pakistan Movement,’ Ambassador Manzoorul Haq told media.
He said Quaid e Azam had considered tribal people as a frontline force during his struggle for Pakistan as well as their strong loyalty, sacrifices and determined support was highly praised by the legendary leader during his visits to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including the merged tribal districts. Quaid e Azam had visited KPK at several occasions and commended the strong commitment, support, loyalty and love of tribal people for Pakistan, he maintained.
Despite hectic engagements after Pakistan came into being, Quaid-e- Azam visited Peshawar where he addressed a Grand Tribal Jirga on April 17, 1948 at Governor House. The Quid highly praised the strong commitment, patriotism and support of tribesmen of merged tribal districts in completion of his mission for Pakistan in his landmark address, he added.
During his inclusive and farsighted historic address to tribal jirga with overwhelming representation of tribal people, chieftains and maliks from all tribal districts, Quaid-e-Azam emphasized on education and social economic development of tribesmen. Addressing the Jirga Quaid i Azam emphasized on tribesmen to equip themselves with ornament of education to compete at national and international level, the ambassador added.
In 1948, Mr Jinnah had visited historic Islamia College, Peshawar where he addressed the students of KP including merged tribal districts in these words. ‘I am indeed very happy to be present here today and to have the privilege of addressing the students of this great Darul Uloom, who are the future builders of Pakistan.’ He reminded the students that now we had achieved the national goal of Pakistan and it was our collective responsibility to work hard in our respective professions with high-level of dedication, commitment and sincerity to make it one of the greatest country of the world.
Quaid-e-Azam advised students to develop a sound sense of discipline, character, initiative and a solid academic background and devote wholeheartedly towards their studies. The Quaid said, ‘Now we had our own government, therefore, we must be constructive in criticism and students can make a big contribution towards promotion of harmony, unity, discipline and development of Pakistan.’