Karachi: Vice Chancellor Ziauddin University Prof. Dr Muhammad Ali Shaikh said the education, integrity, women’s empowerment, economic stability, and freedom of religion were central to Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of Pakistan.
He was speaking at the special edition of ZU Dialogues titled ‘Jinnah’s Vision of Pakistan: Lessons from Quaid for Young Leaders’, at Ziauddin University.
The session aimed to reconnect young people with Quaid-e-Azam’s enduring vision of a progressive, democratic and inclusive Pakistan while encouraging them to understand how his principles of leadership, integrity, discipline, equality and civic responsibility remain relevant to the country’s future.
Addressing the lessons Quaid-e-Azam’s life holds for emerging leaders, Prof. Shakh said, ‘To move closer to Jinnah’s vision, young people must embrace determination, independent thinking, and integrity. Hard work helps overcome challenges, independent thought enables better decisions, and honesty builds the trust essential for meaningful leadership. ‘
In his speech, recounting the deep historical roots of the institution, Dr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh stated, ‘Sir Dr. Ziauddin Ahmad, who not only served as the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University but also was one of Quaid-e-Azam’s closest companions who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Jinnah to advance the Two-Nation Theory. In 1942, when the creation of Pakistan was actively being negotiated, he sent a firm telegram to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill declaring that the demand for Pakistan was completely non-negotiable. Hosting Independence Day celebrations at an institution established in memory of such a steadfast leader is a matter of immense pride for us. ‘
‘Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah remains one of the most misunderstood personalities in Pakistan, and today’s generation still has a great deal to learn about his life, political thought and leadership. Jinnah was a Muslim leader who stood apart from many of the social and religious leaders of his time, ‘ said Prof. Dr. Syed Jaffer Ahmed, Director, Institute of Historical and Social Research, Karachi, and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Sohail University.
Highlighting Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s political understanding and democratic outlook, Prof. Dr. Syed Jaffer Ahmed said, ‘At a time when access to information was far more limited than it is today, Jinnah developed a remarkable understanding of constitutional politics, democracy and representative government.
Reflecting on Jinnah’s vision of citizenship and religious coexistence, he further added, ‘Jinnah vision for Pakistan was that of a modern democratic state where citizens would be respected regardless of their colour, creed or religion. His political thought emphasised equality, constitutionalism and the dignity of every citizen. ‘
Emphasizing the importance of identity, discipline and responsibility, Dr. Imran Yousuf, distinguished fellow and convenor of the Global Council of University Leaders (GCUL) said, ‘Pakistan is perhaps among those countries that have had to struggle for their survival from the very beginning. Pakistan is like your mother; you cannot replace your mother. If you forget your identity, the world will eventually forget you as well.
The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students and participants engaged with the speakers on Quaid-e-Azam’s political philosophy, democratic values, leadership principles, national identity and the responsibilities of young people in shaping Pakistan’s future.
