MNA Ms Farrukh Khan, writer FarheenChaudhry, Sen Razina Alam Khan, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer and vice chairman of NPC, Mr Faisal Zahid Malik at a seminar organized on the 131st birthday of Ms Fatima Jinnah at the Aiwan-e-Quaid, NPC.— PO photo by Sh Arif
Zubair Qureshi
Speakers at a seminar held in memory of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s sister Madr-e-Millat Ms Fatima Jinnah (July 31, 1893-July 9, 1967) and called her a multi-dimensional personality—a prominent woman leader of the Pakistan Movement, a role model particularly for the women of the subcontinent and above all a devoted and loyal sister who stood by her brother the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah till last day of his life.
The event was organized by the Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) to mark the 131st Birthday of Ms Fatima Jinnah at the Aiwan-e-Quaid, Fatima Jinnah Park.
A large number of intellectuals, scholars, students of the Pakistan Movement and researchers spoke on the occasion and highlighted various aspects of Ms Fatima Jinnah’s eventful life.
Chief Guest on the occasion, well-known fiction writer and playwright Farheen Chaudhry held that Ms Fatima Jinnah was a woman of principles who could never come to terms with dictatorship. All her life she stood by her brother and organized the women under the All India Muslim League for the achievement of a separate country. Quaid, too, valued her advice and trusted her as his close aide.
As a sister too, she took care of his health and made it a point he took meals and medicines regularly and on time during his busy political engagements. In short, Ms Fatima Jinnah should be a role model for the women of the modern day, said Farheen Chaudhry. She also referred to her education (Ms Fatima Jinnah was first female dentist in undivided India) and said the Pakistani female students should take inspiration from her life.
Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer and Senior Vice Chairman of the NPC, Mr Faisal Zahid Malik also paid glowing tributes to Ms Fatima Jinnah. Ms Fatima Jinnah’s personality was such a mirror in which we could realize the difficult days of the Pakistan Movement. She was the real strength behind her brother, said Faisal Malik.
The NPC since the day 1 has taken on itself the noble cause of highlighting the role and achievements of the Leaders of the Pakistan Movement. The Founder Chairman of the NPC, Zahid Malik (late) believed in following the footsteps of the leaders of the Pakistan movement and among the NPC various activities, it is a regular feature to remember the stalwarts of the Pakistan Movement, said Mr Faisal Malik.
Former Senator and senior member of the NPC Executive Committee, RazinaAlam Khan said Ms Fatima Jinnah was a courageous politician who stood by her brother in the face of the worst odds of the day. She was firm like a rock and never let her brother feel alone.
SenRazina said women should follow Ms Jinnah’s example and learn not only conventional education but also skills for a respectable life.
MNA MsFarrukh Khan called Ms Fatima Jinnah a beacon of light. She particularly highlighted Ms Fatima Jinnah’s vision and foresight.
DrAfzal Babar, another member of the NPC EC said MsFaima Jinnah was a towering figure in the Movement for Pakistan. Prof Inayat Ali said Pakistan was facing difficult times and every citizen should perform his duties with responsibility, passion and devotion as did Ms Fatima Jinnah.
Dr Mehnaz Anjum said Quaid-e-Azam called Ms Fatima Jinnah his adviser. For the sake of democracy, she stood fearlessly before the Dictator of the day. According to the writer FareedaHafeez, Ms Fatima Jinnah devoted her entire life for Pakistan and its uplift. After Pakistan came into being she worked hard for the welfare of the refugee women and girls and also founded the Pakistan Girl Guide Association which is functional even to this day.
