Remembering the great Quaid.

• Author: Butt, Imtiaz Rafi
• Position: Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Byline: Imtiaz Rafi Butt

On 11th September, 1948, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah left us at the age of 71. He was an exceptional lawyer, a remarkable statesman and a one of a kind leader of his people. His life, vision and achievements continue to shine and enlighten our paths even today. The Quaid made possible the miracle that is Pakistan. Unfortunately, the future that he chalked out for Pakistan has not been realized but it is never too late.

As of 2020, the guidance of the Quaid and his impressions are all we need to get back to the way of prosperity and progress. On the day of his death anniversary, the nation should give thanks to the great man that and recall his ideals of unity, faith and discipline. The answers to all questions and tribulations of Pakistan, both internal and external, lie in the life and work of Quaid-e-Azam.

After the death of the Quaid, regrettably, there was no one to take his place. The socio-political organization that he initiated began to slow down and came to halt after a few years. On the political side, Quaid-e-Azam was a democrat to the core. His speeches and quotes emphasize the importance of institutions. After a thorough analysis, we can safely conclude that he believed in the maxim, "the worst form of democracy is better than the best dictatorship".

In his era, the modern development to the idea of democracy was the Islamic idea of welfare state. In view of the Quaid, there exists a phenomenal combination between the concepts of Western democracy and Islamic values. A rule of the people guided by the Holy principles of Quran and Shariah law was and still remains the only governance model for Pakistan. Autocracy, aristocracy, elitism, feudalism, capitalism and dictatorship have no place in Quaid's Pakistan. He believed in collaborative effort. Never in his life, did he resort to violence and the use of force. Dialogue, negotiations, argument and natural justice were his style.

He believed in the will of the majority from the lowest to the highest echelons of governance. After over seven decades of existence, the answer is still the same; democracy is the only way forward for Pakistan. After multiple military dictatorships, corrupt governments and violent socio-political movements, redemption still lies in the simple solution; a corruption free country where the leadership is honest and a true representation of majority of the population.

Another aspect of the great Quaid was his love for modernity...