To mark the celebration of the beloved Founding Father’s 140th birth anniversary, the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services held a seminar on Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as a Parliamentarian.The seminar was keenly participated by around 125 participants from amongst academia, media and parliamentary leadership. Key note speakers included: MNA Ms. Aasiya Nasir, MNA Mr. Shehryar Afridi and Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb, the Minister of State for Information Broadcasting and National Heritage. Participants included around 92 students and faculty members from the following seven universities: National Defense University, Bahria University, Capital University of Science and Technology, Riphah International University, Iqra University, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics and Quaid-e-Azam University. The event was covered and reported by 15 news channels including PTV News, Geo News, Samaa News and Dawn News.The seminar started with introductory remarks from Senior Research Officer PIPS, Tehseen Khalid, followed by the national anthem and the recitation of the Holy Quran. Executive Director PIPS, Mr. Zafarullah Khan gave the welcome remarks. He mentioned how all aspects of Quaid’s life are celebrated, however his role as a parliamentarian is not given the deserved due attention. While quoting Quaid’s words from various occasions, Mr. Zafarullah stressed the need to make Quaid’s speeches a part of our National Heritage as they truly reflect our Quaid’s progressive and liberal political approach.Member National Assembly, Ms. Aasiya Nasir spoke on the topic Quaid as the guardian of minorities. In a time when the majority was violating the socio-political rights of the minorities, the Quaid stood his ground and became their savior. She specifically mentioned Jinnah’s 14 points and his speech on 11th August, 1947, calling them milestones in terms of policy making and stressing on their significance as guiding principles for Pakistan even today. She concluded her speech by stating that without the guarantee of religious freedom no country can progress and in order to achieve the Pakistan envisioned by the Quaid, we need to stand united and mainstream our minorities.Member National Assembly, Mr. Shehryar Afridi spoke passionately about the charisma and personality of our Quaid, both as a statesman-leader and a parliamentarian. He mentioned that the biggest trait of Quaid as a parliamentarian was his credibility which makes him an unprecedented example in international politics. He concluded by encouraging the students to never give up and to take inspiration from Quaid’s determination and passion.The Chief Guest, Minister of State for Information Broadcasting and National Heritage, Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb, began her keynote speech by encouraging the students to proactively study the life of Quaid-e-Azam and to rekindle the spirit of nationalism. She spoke of Quaid’s determination and passion through which he inculcated hope in the people to create Pakistan. She stated that Quaid’s birth anniversary should be celebrated in every household. She believed that Quaid’s message of Unity, Faith and Discipline should be our guiding principles in countering our problems. Continuing in the same vein, she concluded by stating that the part and parcel of the guiding principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline is to respect the Governmental Offices. She also emphasized the students to study the message of Quaid regarding democracy.The keynote speeches were followed by a cake cutting ceremony as part of the celebrations.This was followed by an active question and answer session conducted by Dir R and IT Mr Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka. The students raised questions regarding various issues. On a question regarding the accessibility of the Parliament by a student from Riphah University, Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb replied by mentioning the various ways in which the Parliament’s outreach to students has been enhanced since 2013. Much is being done to familiarize students with the Parliament and constitution. To this MNA Aasiya Nasir added that the bridge between the Parliament and the academia has been bridged for the first time. MNA Shehryar Afridi praised the PIPS Research and IT wing for organising such a momentous seminar aimed at awakening the spirits of youthful Pakistanis and Members of Parliament.Mr Muhammad Huzaifa student from Iqra University also sang a national song, enhancing the spirit of the celebrations. The seminar concluded with vote of thanks and slogans of Quaid e Azam zindabad, Pakistan Paindabad!!!
