LAHORE - Pakistani women should take Madar-i-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah as a role model and play an active and energetic role in every sphere of national life.

These were the views expressed by NPT chairman Rafique Tarar at the special ceremony held on the 49th death anniversary of the Madar-i-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah under the auspices of the Nazaria-i-Pakistan Trust in collaboration with the Pakistan Movement Workers Trust at the Aiwan-i-Karkunan-i-Tehreek-i-Pakistan.

The Nazaria-i-Pakistan Trust secretary Shahid Rasheed conducted the proceedings of the ceremony.

Tarar said: “Despite her old age, she offered her services to rid Pakistan of Ayub Khan’s dictatorship by contesting the presidential elections against him. She was a symbol of unity between East and West, North and South. Had the elections not been rigged, she would certainly have won and East Pakistan would not have separated from us,”

Tarar went on to say that a comprehensive programme was nascent to observe the 70 “Independence Day” next year. In this connection, various ceremonies highlighting Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah’s struggle to safeguard and ensure women’s rights, will also be held.

Furthermore, the entire nation, especially the new generation will be acquainted with the thoughts and reflections of the Quaid-i-Azam, Allama Iqbal and the Madar-i-Millat.

Despite being a qualified dentist, she relinquished her profession, dedicating her entire life to looking after her consumptive brother and the independence movement, winning the title of Madar-i-Millat.

She made enormous sacrifices for the Pakistan Movement and democracy. The Quaid-i-Azam is on record to say that he could never repay the favours that his sister did to him. Muhammad Rafique Tarar observed that the best way to pay her a befitting tribute is to act upon her thought and action. He prayed for the elevation of her soul.

NPT Vice Chairman Prof Dr Rafique Ahmad observed that Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was the most courageous and bravest veteran of the Pakistan Movement. She travelled across the length and breadth of India to disseminate the message of the Muslim League. She issued statements on important occasions and provided the rulers with guidance. She rendered great social services, establishing numerous women organisation.

Chief Coordinator Mian Farooque Altaf, eminent political leader Ch Naeem Hussain Chattha, Dr Muhammad Ajmal Niazi, Begum Mehnaz Rafi, Prof Dr Parveen Khan, Begum Safia Ishaq, Begum Hamid Rana also spoke on the occasion.

Allama Ahmad Ali Kasuri led a session of prayers for the salvation and elevation of the souls of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, Dr Majid Nizami and Abdus Sattar Edhi. Holy food was also distributed at the end of the ceremony.