Jinnah no dictator
I refer to the article Azad Kashmir: A 'free' area in Pakistan-occupied territory. This article written by RK Dasgupta has been published in an Indian newspaper The Statesman and was reproduced by The Jakarta Post on Aug. 2, 2001. The article contains a number of inaccuracies and distorted facts.
The writer among other things referred to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah as Pakistan's first dictator in civilian clothes. However, as a matter of fact Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah was a person of humanity, justice and equality. While addressing the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on Aug. 11, 1947, Mr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah stated inter-alia that, "Today, you might say with justice that Roman Catholics and Protestants do not exist; what exists now is that every man is a citizen, an equal citizen, and they are all members of the nation."
In another instance, while inaugurating the Pakistan Constituent Assembly on Aug. 14, 1947, the father of the nation Mr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah stated inter-alia that "tolerance and good will that great Emperor Akbar showed to all the non-Muslims (in India) is not of recent origin. It dates back thirteen centuries when our prophet, not only by words but by deeds, treated the Jews and Christians, after he conquered them with the utmost tolerance, with regard and respect for their faith and beliefs. The whole history of Muslims, wherever they rule, is replete with those humane and great principles which should be followed and practiced."
In a message sent to the (Hindu) refugees on the occasion of a tour of the riot-affected areas in Karachi on Jan. 9, 1948, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, stated inter-alia, "I once more want to impress upon all Muslims they should fully cooperate with the government and the officials in protecting their Hindu neighbors against these lawless elements, filthy columnists and the cliques who are responsible for creating these disturbances, and restore trust and confidence among all the communities."
On Feb. 3, 1948, while addressing the Parsi Colony Karachi, Mr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, stated inter-alia that "Pakistan means to stand by its often repeated promises of according equal treatment of all its nationals irrespective of their cast and creed".
Any person who professes and preaches such principles of humanity could essentially be categorized as an upholder of justice and equality. The same goes for Mr. Ali Jinnah.
Hence, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who believed in equality, by any norm of natural justice, could never ever be called a dictator.
The article reflects a very poor image of R.K. Dasgupta who needs to enhance his knowledge. If Mr. Dasgupta had put these facts incorrectly with malafide intent, then this constitutes an act of intellectual dishonesty on the part of Dasgupta, which is a heinous approach for any writer.
DR. S.M.H. RAZVI
Minister
Embassy of Pakistan
Jakarta