Session on “Jinnah aur Aaj ka Pakistan” Held at Aalmi Urdu Conference

By: Aziz Khatri

 Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized the second session on Day One of the four-day 18th Aalmi Urdu Conference 2025 – Jashan-e-Pakistan, titled “Jinnah aur Aaj ka Pakistan,” at Auditorium I. The session featured addresses by renowned poet Iftikhar Arif, Javed Jabbar, Ghazi Salahuddin, and senior journalist Suhail Warraich, while Huma Baqai moderated the discussion.

Speaking on the occasion, Iftikhar Arif said that while Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah played a central role in the creation of Pakistan, many other contributors have been neglected in historical narratives. He criticized shortcomings in Pakistan Studies curricula and stressed that Urdu serves as Pakistan’s link language. Ghazi Salahuddin observed that Jinnah’s envisioned Pakistan and today’s Pakistan are two different realities, urging reflection on Quaid-e-Azam’s principles of unity, faith, and discipline.

Suhail Warraich highlighted Quaid-e-Azam’s strong support for women’s education and rights, contrasting it with earlier limitations of the era. Javed Jabbar said Muslim nationhood remains alive despite challenges, noting weaknesses in the electoral system and emphasizing the need for responsible dialogue to address national and regional issues. The session concluded with an engaging exchange of views on Pakistan’s founding ideals and present-day realities.