LAHORE - Nazaria-i-Pakistan Trust (NPT) Chairman Rafique Tarar has said the success of Madar-i-Millat, Fatima Jinnah, against the former military dictator Ayub Khan would have prevented the separation of East Pakistan (Bangladesh) and rid it of dictatorship once and for all.
“She took up the responsibility of taking care of his brother, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinaah, when he was in the midst of his terminal illness and the Muslims of subcontinent were confronted with ‘now or never’ situation during their struggle for independence. Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah is a role-model for all the women of Islamic world,” Tarar said while paying tribute to the Madar-i-Millat on her 48th death anniversary.
He was addressing a special sitting jointly organised by NPT and Pakistan Movement Worker’s Trust at the Aiwan-i-Karkunan-i-Tehreek-i-Pakistan on Thursday. Those who spoke included NPT vice chairman Dr Rafique Ahmad, Ch Mushtaq Ahmad Virk, Begum Surraya Khursheed, Begum Mehnaz Rafi, Begum Safia Ishaq, and Dr Parveen Khan. The attendees included Justice (r) Aftab Farrukh, Begum Hamid Rana and a large number of students and teachers. Secretary Shahid Rasheed conducted the proceedings of the event.
The other speakers said the Madar-i-Millat contested the election against Ayub Khan to rid the country of dictatorship and enable the people to exercise their right to vote. But, unfortunately, the election was rigged and the Election Commission declared Ayub Khan the winner. The Quaid-i-Azam remarked on many occasion that the Madar-i-Millat was a source of hope and encouragement to him, they added.
Earlier a Quran Khawani was held for the elevation of the soul of Madar-i-Millat. Maulana Muhammad Shafi Josh offered the Khatam Sharif for Madar-i-Millat and Allama Ahmad Ali Kasuri led a session of prayers at the end.