Nazaria Pakistan Council Trust’s Role in Promoting National Heroes Is Commendable, Says Farah Naz Akbar; Speakers Urge Youth to Draw Inspiration from the Life and Ideals of Madar-e-Millat
Islamabad (City Reporter): Pakistan today demands that we reflect upon the message and ideals of Madar-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah and formulate a practical course of action. We must consider what we can do for the betterment of our beloved country. These views were expressed by Professor Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University, while presiding over a ceremony organized by the Nazaria Pakistan Council Trust to mark the death anniversary of Madar-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah at Aiwan-e-Quaid.
She said that Fatima Jinnah was an ideal role model for women and a staunch advocate of the Constitution, democracy, national unity, and women’s rights. Referring to her university, Dr. Bushra Mirza stated that the university building itself is a national and historical heritage site. She informed the audience that a museum is being established at the university where documents and artifacts related to Fatima Jinnah will be displayed. She also mentioned that the university’s faculty and students have produced a tribute anthem dedicated to Fatima Jinnah, which is available on YouTube.
The chief guest, Member of the National Assembly and Parliamentary Secretary for Culture Farah Naz Akbar, said that it is essential to educate the younger generation about the sacrifices and contributions of the leaders of the Pakistan Movement so they can understand the difficult circumstances under which Pakistan came into existence. She described the role of the Nazaria Pakistan Council Trust in this regard as highly commendable.
She further said that the unparalleled services and democratic struggle of Madar-e-Millat constitute a bright chapter in Pakistan’s political and national history and continue to serve as a guiding light for future generations.
The guest of honor, Rizina Alam Khan, Chairperson of the Education Network Pakistan, said that despite being a successful dental surgeon, Fatima Jinnah sacrificed her professional career for the great cause of the Pakistan Movement and played a historic role alongside Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. She added that had Fatima Jinnah not supported her brother, he would have faced many difficulties.
Renowned historian, columnist, and scholar Dr. Farooq Adil said that Fatima Jinnah envisioned Pakistan as a democratic welfare state where constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, and national unity would always remain paramount. He noted that she consistently emphasized that Pakistanis should rise above regional, linguistic, and ethnic differences and take pride first and foremost in being Pakistani. According to him, the history of the Pakistan Movement cannot be considered complete without acknowledging the lasting sacrifices and contributions of Madar-e-Millat.
Renowned fiction writer Rabia Khan stated that Fatima Jinnah inspired women to play an active role in national life and remained a steadfast companion of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah throughout every phase of the Pakistan Movement. She later set a remarkable example of courage and perseverance in the struggle for the restoration of democracy against dictatorship.
Writer Afshan Abbasi said that Madar-e-Millat symbolized truthfulness, dignity, and steadfastness. She firmly opposed all forms of undemocratic practices, and her struggle continues to provide guidance for Pakistan’s political and democratic future.
Prominent fiction writer Farida Hafeez remarked that living nations never forget their benefactors. She stressed that it is the collective national responsibility of all Pakistanis to pass on the services and legacy of Fatima Jinnah to future generations. She also emphasized that the education and upbringing of girls remain fundamental to the country’s development and prosperity.
Chairman of the Nazaria Pakistan Council Trust, Mian Muhammad Javed, thanked all participants, speakers, and guests. He said that Madar-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah devoted her entire life to the principles of integrity, democracy, and national dignity, and that her vision and character would continue to inspire future generations.
In his concluding remarks, he thanked Professor Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University, and announced that the university and the Council would soon sign an important memorandum of cooperation.
Among those attending the ceremony were Vice Chairman of the Nazaria Pakistan Council Trust Muhammad Abdullah Yousaf, senior Executive Committee members Ambassador Salahuddin Chaudhry and Manzoor Masih, along with distinguished personalities including Shiraz Khan, Muhammad Afzal, Rubina Nasir, Raja Javed Akhtar, Ghulam Murtaza Khan, Sardar Abid Ali Abid, Daud Kaif, Farrukh Jamal Maleehabadi, Naveeda Maqbool Bhatti, Nasir Aqeel, Dr. Sher Ali, and Professor Tayyab Kamran.
At the beginning of the ceremony, renowned poet and broadcaster Farakhanda Shamim presented a poetic tribute to Madar-e-Millat, while the proceedings were conducted by Hameed Qaiser, Director of Programs at the Nazaria Pakistan Council Trust.