ISLAMABAD:The 56th death anniversary of Madar-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was observed with great respect and reverence where the nation paid rich tribute to her outstanding efforts in the fight for Pakistan’s founding father Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Fatima Jinnah is still remembered for her passionate support for civil rights and devoted struggle in Pakistan Movement.
Fatima Jinnah is referred to as the Madar-e-Millat or Mother of the Nation for her dynamic role in the Pakistan freedom movement.
Fatima Jinnah was born on July 31, 1893, and was a dental surgeon, biographer stateswoman and one of the leading founding mothers of modern state of Pakistan and was also the younger sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
After obtaining a dental degree from Kolkata University, she accompanied Muhammad Ali Jinnah taking active participation in politics.
During the transfer of power in 1947, Jinnah formed the Women Relief Committee, which later formed the nucleus for the All Pakistan Women’ Association (APWA).
She played an active role in national politics in 1965 after announcing her presidential candidacy, running against Ayub Khan in the 1965 elections and traveling West Pakistan and East Pakistan during the election campaign.
She conceded her defeat in the elections with many experts believing that the ballots were forcefully rigged by Ayub Khan and his son.
After the death of her brother, she continued to work for the welfare of people through charities and institutions.
She also played a significant role in the settlement of Muhajirs in the new state of Pakistan.
The Lady of Pakistan died on July 9, 1967, due to a heart attack and was buried beside her brother’s grave in his impressive mausoleum in Karachi.
Her funeral prayers were attended by nearly half a million people in Karachi.
The 56th death anniversary of Madr-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was also observed across Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Sunday.
Special prayer meetings were the hallmark of the day wherein participants offered Fatiha besides paying rich tributes for the lifetime meritorious services during and after the emergence of Pakistan under the dynamic leadership of her brother.
“Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah is always remembered for her passionate all-time hard work and support for securing due rights and devoted struggle in Pakistan Movement”, said Jammu & Kashmir Jinnah Foundation Chairman Dr Muhammad Chaudhry in a statement.
In Mirpur, a special prayer meeting was held at Media Park at Sajid Plaza under the auspices of the convener Jammu & Kashmir Free Media Association paid honour to Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah.
