ISLAMABAD: Expressing concern about the ongoing chaos in Pakistan’s political arena, President Mamnoon Hussain called upon the country’s political and non-political forces to have respect for law and ‘Rule of the Game’ to find solutions to the matters of national importance while speaking at a seminar held in connection with the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Friday.
“The issues we are facing today relating to politics, economy, society, religion and administration and even sensitive matter such as countering of enemy forces are rooted in disrespect for the law and violation of the rules of the game,” the President said. He warned that if things don’t change in this regard, it could lead to chaos which would be difficult to overcome.
“Setting aside mutual adversaries, the best way is to sit together and settle the issues with unity, patriotism and nationalism,” he said. President Mamnoon said such a situation could also affect the economic stability and progress envisioned for Pakistan. He advised all segments of nation, particularly the youth to focus their energies on achieving the national objectives of prosperity and development and refrain from indulging in political and non-political disputes including pointless discussions related to governance and politics.
He said celebrating the Quaid’s birth anniversary necessitated understanding his vision for the homeland, which he wanted to transform under the ideals of Islam. “Quaid-e-Azam was in favour of a country which ensures social justice in accordance with Quran and Sunnah and promotes the values of tolerance and forbearance,” he said.
He added that the founder of Pakistan also wanted to prepare educated professionals in all fields of life who through their expertise, skill and open-mindedness could effectively deal with the challenges of the contemporary world. “In view of the excellent strategic location of Pakistan, the Quaid desired for its fruits to reach beyond the region,” he said.
President Mamnoon mentioned the following quote by Quaid-e-Azam in response to an issue brought to his notice by the students of Aligarh Muslim University, “You cannot criticize a person unless you learn to respect the law yourself”.
He asked the youth to follow this small but significant advice by the Quaid which was a pearl of wisdom not only for the new generation of Muslims in everyday life but also for running the affairs of the State.
The Higher Education Commission Chairman, who was also present at the event, said the Quaid had defined the roles of each organ of the State and emphasized that the time had come for all to act like a united nation. He said the importance of dedication, rule of law and discipline were the guiding principles of Jinnah which needed to be followed in letter and spirit.
Professor Dr Khalil Tokar from Istanbul University, Turkey said Turk people had great respect for Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal for being men of character and for their great vision.Professor Tahir Masood, former head of the Mass Communication department at Karachi University said Quaid-e-Azam gave the Muslims of the Sub-Continent an identity and transformed a crowd into a nation. He said unless leaders and politicians developed the qualities of Jinnah within themselves, the dream of Quaid’s Pakistan would not become a reality.
Published in Daily Times, December 16th 2017.
