Fatima Jinnah remembered as champion of democracy and women’s rights
Paying rich tribute to Madar-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah on her death anniversary, speakers at a commemorative ceremony on Thursday described her as a symbol of constitutionalism, democracy and women’s empowerment, urging the younger generation to follow her vision for a united and progressive Pakistan.
The event was organized by the Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) at Aiwan-e-Quaid in Fatima Jinnah Park. It was attended by parliamentarians, academics, writers, journalists and civil society representatives, who recalled Fatima Jinnah’s lifelong struggle alongside Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and her unwavering commitment to democratic values after independence.
The ceremony began with Quran Khawani, followed by speeches and poetic tributes highlighting the Mother of the Nation’s political and social contributions. Chief Guest Farah Naz Amber, MNA and Parliamentary Secretary for the National Heritage and Culture Division, said Fatima Jinnah’s calm leadership, resilience and commitment to public service made her an enduring role model. Referring to her participation in the 1965 presidential election at the age of 72, she said the Mother of the Nation demonstrated that courage and public service know no age. She urged young Pakistanis to contribute actively to the country’s development and remain mindful of the sacrifices made by the founding generation.
Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza announced that the university is establishing a Fatima Jinnah Museum to preserve the national leader’s legacy. She invited scholars and members of the public to contribute historical material and said the university had also produced an anthem dedicated to Madar-e-Millat.
Historian and columnist Dr. Farooq Adil said Fatima Jinnah consistently advocated the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law and national unity. He said she believed Pakistan could only prosper through constitutional governance and warned that disregard for constitutional principles weakens state institutions.
He said Madar-e-Millat envisioned a nation where citizens identified themselves first as Pakistanis instead of being divided along provincial, ethnic or linguistic lines. He added that the history of Pakistan’s independence movement remained incomplete without acknowledging Fatima Jinnah’s sacrifices and steadfast support for Quaid-e-Azam.
Guest of honour Razina Alam Khan, Chairperson of Taleem Network Pakistan (TNP), said Fatima Jinnah sacrificed her professional career as a dentist to dedicate herself to the cause of Pakistan and remained a pillar of strength for Quaid-e-Azam during the independence movement.
Fiction writer Rabia Khan described Fatima Jinnah as a pioneering leader who played a vital role in promoting women’s participation in public life. She said that despite being 18 years younger than Quaid-e-Azam, she remained his closest companion throughout the Pakistan Movement. She also referred to the political challenges Fatima Jinnah faced in later years, including restrictions on her political activities and public speeches.
Writer Afshan Abbasi said Fatima Jinnah confronted authoritarianism with courage and dignity while continuing to inspire the nation through her unwavering commitment to democratic ideals. She said her struggle remained relevant in contemporary Pakistan.
Journalist and fiction writer Farida Hafeez urged society to preserve the legacy of national leaders and pass it on to future generations. She said Fatima Jinnah’s contributions should receive the recognition they deserve in the country’s historical narrative.
In his concluding remarks, NPC Chairman Mian Muhammad Javed thanked the participants and said Fatima Jinnah’s services to Pakistan, democracy and nation-building would continue to inspire future generations.
Executive Secretary, NPC Mr Gauhar Zahid Malik, other NPC’s Senior Executive Committee Members Ambassador Salahuddin Choudhary and Mr. Manzoor Maseh has also attended the function. The ceremony concluded with poetic tributes presented by Farkhanda Shamim and Rabia Khan, while Hameed Qaiser moderated the proceedings.
