ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Madr-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah on her 56th death anniversary, saying she was benefactor of nation and had been source of courage for Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

According to press release issued by PM Office’s media wing, PM said, “Despite her senility, she stood firm against dictatorship and played historic role for nation, democracy and country.” Referring to her role he said she played against Gen Ayub’s regime while playing an active role in opposition and challenging him in presidential election. Shehbaz said Fatima Jinnah played an unprecedented role during Pakistan Movement and for motherland and offered sacrifices. Her personality was still beacon of light for young ladies and women of country, he added.

Entire nation paid tribute to her contributions and would always stand indebted to her services, he noted. He prayed for high ranks of departed soul.

Fatima Jinnah, born on July 30, 1893 was honoured with title of Madar-e-Millat due to her dynamic role in Pakistan Freedom Movement. She worked side by side with her brother and gathered women of sub-continent on one platform which made struggle for achieving separate state of Muslims easier.

After independence in 1947, Fatima Jinnah formed Women’s Relief Committee, which later formed nucleus for All Pakistan Women’s Association. She played significant role in settlement of migrants in new state of Pakistan. Even after accomplishment of mission for separate homeland, she continued to thrive for betterment of new-born country and returned to political forefront to contest 1964 elections at age of 71 against Ayub. She died on July 9, 1967 due to heart attack and was buried beside her brother’s grave in Karachi.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 10 2023

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