Sixty-four years ago, Pakistan was established on August 14, 1947; it was, indeed, a unique occasion. The subcontinent was divided on the basis of the Two Nation Theory and the Muslims were accepted as a separate nation based on the massive support of the Muslim population from the shores of Madras in the south to the heights of K-2 in the north, and from Mumbai and the Gwadar (Balochistan) in the west to Shilling (Assam) and Chittagong (Bengal) in the east. So while celebrating Pakistans 64th Independence Day, the citizens all over the country must bow their heads before Almighty Allah for the great gift of freedom and bestowing upon us such a beautiful land, which is blessed with rich resources that only a few other nations can boast of. In addition, Pakistan is the seventh largest country of the world and the only Muslim State having nuclear capability, which is envied by the rest of the world, particularly the United Stated and the West. It is, therefore, a befitting moment to remember our Founding Father Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, since it is due to his sincere efforts that we live in an independent country. Generally, several historians believe that if Gandhi or Nehru were not there, India would still have led its freedom struggle to success. However, if Jinnah was not there, the creation of Pakistan was out of question. Its establishment was no less than a miracle and no other leader could do it, except our beloved Quaid. The Founding Father successfully achieved his mission, but the task of building the newly born country into an Islamic, democratic, progressive and welfare State was left to the nation, due to his early demise. But the question is: Did we honour his directions? Did the leaders, who succeeded him, perform their functions, according to the his vision? Under the present political and economic circumstances, it seems that we have failed in fulfil his dreams. Unfortunately, Quaid-i-Azams advice, which he delivered in his speeches, press conferences and addresses to the people and the future leaderships, both the civil and military, seems to have been completely ignored. Without an iota of doubt, there is hardly any aspect of life that the Quaid has missed to provide the necessary guidance for the people or the administration at all levels, including domestic and foreign policy sectors, in which, if anyone cares, detailed guidance is available. Have successive rulers and leadership in the social sectors and the media attempted to pass on to the masses and the youth the message of the Founding Father? August 14 comes every year to give the nation, a wake-up call. We respond dutifully by holding flag hoisting ceremonies covered by more than adequate photo sessions with headlines and reports in every newspaper stating: The Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country. Yes, no doubt, millions of rupees are spent, or misspent, on flags and receptions addressed by political leaders. However, the next morning, all that is said at receptions and forums becomes history and business as usual is resumed, including the bloodbath in Karachi and civil strife in other centres of public life, in Parliament and Provincial Assemblies. Surely, if one looks at the working or functioning of our policymakers and government machinery today, he or she would be highly disappointed, keeping in view the Quaids speeches, including his address to the opening session of the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, civil servants in Chittagong, armed forces, tribal jirgas, or Eid-ul-Fitr message on August 27, 1947. The first and foremost duty of the state is to ensure the security and safety of the citizens of Pakistan, said Quaid-i-Azam. As a final word, I wish that our leaderships, both civilian and military, would pay heed to this directive of the Quaid. His other very important message that is mostly ignored is: Unity, Faith, Discipline. If we could comply with only these two messages of the Founding Father, most of the ills that the nation is facing today would disappear and the people would be able to live in peace and harmony. n The writer is President of the Pakistan National Forum. Email: ikramullahkhan1@yahoo.com