Re: This 23 March
Fatima Jinnah’s March 23rd speech 1964
It is after a long lapse of time that today I have the opportunity of meeting you. I am touched by the warmth and sincerity of the welcome you have extended to me. Standing in your midst my mind goes to the time when 24 years ago the representatives of the Muslims of the sub-continent adopted in this city the historic Pakistan Resolution at the session of the All-India Muslim League under the Quaid-i-Azam’s dynamic leadership.
Lahore made history and gave a lead which changed the face of the sub-continent, culminating finally in the most marvelous event of modern times, the creation of a State on ideological foundations in the teeth of the bitterest opposition.
Today, 17 years after the inception of Pakistan you are again faced with a critical situation, and you have to take a momentous decision. The problem before you is the realisation of the ideals and objectives for which Pakistan was brought into being and to win back those basic rights and liberties which belong to you as citizens of a free State.
When you adopted the Lahore Resolution you had before you the vision of a State in which every citizen would be treated as a decent human being possessing rights and responsibilities in which everyone would be assured of fundamental rights, equality of opportunity and basic necessities of life, in which the principles of Islamic social justice would find free play.
Whatever the causes, that vision has not been realised. If anything, the people’s right and liberties have been circumscribed, the people’s sovereignty is only a euphemism, they are told that they are unfit to exercise vote in a system of direct elections and they are expected to cling to the very fetters that have been put round them.
In such conditions there is no room for the growth of a healthy democratic body-politic. The people do not experience a sense of participation in the administration of the affairs of the country and its progress and development is naturally retarded."
There is today a wide cleavage between the people who want free democratic institutions and between the clique of the rulers who want absolute power in their own hands and who in order to mislead the people at home and abroad, are trying to set a façade of democratic institutions which have no substantial power and which do not enjoy any respect.
They have arrogated to themselves all the patriotism and all the understanding and claim that they alone, and none else, understand what is good for the country and what is in the interest of the people. Today they have discovered that democracy does not suit the genius of our people. On the contrary it is a recorded fact of history that without people’s clear understanding, Pakistan could not have been achieved.
My attention has been drawn to a virulent personal attack made by the other Presidential Candidate, almost immediately after his Governor’s appeal to the opposition to avoid such attacks. It smacks of bitterness, frustration and anger. On the one hand Mr. Muhammad Ayub Khan has appealed for cooperation from the opposition for dignity and decorum, on the other hand he has made sweeping allegations against all of us which shows loss of sense of proportion. I would not have taken any notice of it, but now I find that it is being repeated and repeated.
He has said that I have no right to destroy Pakistan. I do not claim any such right. It is incomprehensible that I would even think of destroying Pakistan which is a permanent monument to my brother, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and for whose achievement I have also made my humble contribution.
I have brought about unity amongst a large section of the people from one end of the country to the other. All the five parties today are speaking with one voice from one platform demanding the rights and privileges which have been denied to them. Is this destroying Pakistan? I think the country has been consolidated and saved from the danger it might be exposed to.
He has said that I am the easiest opponent to defeat. Ladies and gentlemen I would like to ask why should he then worry? It is not for me to answer this. This answer must come from you.
And if today elections were held under adult franchise you have already given your verdict in favour of your choice. But in the present circumstances you will have to be constantly watching and vigilant so that the result is in accordance with your wishes and aspirations.
Let me take this opportunity to say that it is a source of great satisfaction to me that the Bar Association have spoken with one voice. From all the corners of the country the clarion calls have been sounded by the learned friends of the Bar.
I congratulate them on their prompt and whole-hearted support. I am proud of them that they have understood the issues so well and so quickly. They have upheld the traditions of their profession so honourably and so fearlessly- the traditions that were dear to the Founder of Pakistan all his life, traditions which were jealously and courageously guarded by him.
I also congratulate the intelligentsia, the intellectuals and the educated classes and above all the masses who are the backbone of the nation for their overwhelming support in this campaign which we have launched.
I would, therefore, call upon you to spread out a carry this message of freedom, democracy and a life of honour and dignity to every home, village and nook and corner of your province.
**No people can defend their country if they do not have the capacity, courage and determination to fight for their rights. If we yield to temptation, to corruption and coercion and force today at home then, believe me, tomorrow if Pakistan is in danger you will not be left with the courage and strength which is so essential for the defence of your motherland. **
Therefore go about fearlessly and let everyone of you decide that you will select a person who conforms and subscribes to those objectives and who faithfully discharges his duty so that we can live in Pakistan free from fear and walk with our heads in dignity at home and attain for us a place abroad which is rightfully ours.
People are the real sovereign power, it is for them to see the organs of State functioning in consonance with their will and wishes. If you are untied in your efforts you have nothing to fear, united we can remove all impediments in our way. Therefore, let us pool our resources in this gigantic task of restoring the sovereign rights of the people.
I hope you will rise to the occasion and give your verdict with a thumping majority in the achievement of freedom.
