Later on he witnessed rigidity and an attitude of non-concern in the Hindu leaders against the Muslims. The demands of the Muslims to share in the politics of the country were overlooked by the Hindu Majority. The gulf was widened between Hindus and Muslims because of the deprivation of the right to share in the politics of the country on the basis of separate electorate. This injustice and the fear of becoming downtrodden in economics by the Hindu majority pushed Muslim League leaders to demand a separate homeland for the Muslims. Mohammad Ali Jinnah was a famous barrister and considered the shrewdest in India, who fought with both Indian and British barristers, defeating them while pleading for Pakistan and ultimately he succeeded. His rationale, his rhetoric, his dedication and sincerity to the cause, his charismatic personality were the factors in his winning his case. Muslims of the sub-continent convinced by his qualities of leadership gave him the title of Quaid-e-Azam, or the great leader. They were obliged for his services and they recognized them by calling him Father of the Nation. They were not bothered about his western life style or his marriage to a Parsee girl.

While studying in Lincoln’s Inn in London, he wore the upmarket Seville Row suits becoming one of the best-dressed persons of his time. His attire assured him entry in any of England’s stately homes and clubs. Living a western life style, I am sure he never felt that his religion was at stake. Actually he had the ability and ambition to safeguard his people’s political and economic interests, which he did

The people’s attitude at that time demonstrates their open mindedness. They did not go for frivolities and did not make issues out of non-issues. At present a section of society has developed a different mindset considering such life style as “un-Islamic” when it should be working hard to make the country economically stable and progressive instead of obscurantist.

The Quaid died in Pakistan after a year of its coming into existence. He could have named the country an “Islamic Republic” if he had visualized the country as such. He categorically denied that Pakistan would be a theocracy or run by religious leaders. He declared that all citizens of Pakistan would be equal regardless of cast, creed, color and religious sects. He assured the minorities that their rights will be well-protected and that there would be no obstruction in the performance of their religious activities and rites. He assured them that they would live comfortably in Pakistan. Chaudhry Sir Zafarullah Khan (a Qadiani) was made Foreign Minister of Pakistan in the lifetime of Quaid. Now, unfortunately, obscurantism has driven the country to the point that they cannot tolerate a Qadiani at a respectable post in Pakistan Government and successive governments ignore the only Noble Laureate of Pakistani origin, Dr. Abdus Salam. No lessons about this established scientist have been included in the school syllabi to acquaint the young generation to this greatest Pakistani scientist. The budget for the Ministry of Religion is double the amount kept for the developments of Science and Research in Pakistan.

Quaid-e-Azam kept his sister by his side in all political activities. Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan was always present with the leadership. This indicates the leadership’s attitude towards women. The women were fully involved in social and political activities and not segregated and ignored by the leadership merely to play the role of a worker in the field, and a voter when needed. Quaid-e-Azam wanted to see Pakistan a progressive, democratic and modern welfare state. He emphasized hard work and agricultural and technical education for the economic betterment of the country. Economic progress was a prime objective with him. He appealed to the youth of the nation to allow women to move about freely with a sense of security and respectability. He added that ladies not only should be allowed to participate in social and economic activities but also in political activities. Quaid-e-Azam was liberal, broadminded and a man of principles. He provided an independent country to the people to enjoy political freedom, economic freedom, freedom of speech and expression, and not the least important freedom of worship.

It is obvious that the Quaid’s vision of Pakistan is based on tolerance and freedom for all the religions, freedom of women, freedom of expression. And an attitude of hard work, honesty and sincerity. To him follower of all religions were equal citizens of Pakistan with the right to enjoy life in the country. Their loyalty to the motherland was unquestionable.

It is expected of President General Pervez Musharraf that he will put Pakistan back on track. He seems sincere and dedicated and he is a moderate, honest, and capable person ready to take the right decisions at the right time. If Pakistan becomes a moderate and progressive state under his government then surely the vision of the Quaid would have been achieved.