As the first official leader of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah (1876-1948) is known in his home country as “Quaid-I-Azam” or “Great/Supreme Leader.” With great power comes great responsibility, and Jinnah was insistent on speaking about the importance of both.
Quotes From Mohammad Ali Jinnah on Pakistan and Independence
Jinnah used his experience as a lawyer, a member of the India National Congress and President of the Muslim League to help create Pakistan.
“I believe that it is absolutely essential for us to give every opportunity to our women to participate in our struggle of life and death.” - Presidential address to the Muslim League, 1940
“I want you to realise the value, the importance, the significance of organising ourselves.” - Presidential address to the Muslim League, 1940
“We stand unequivocally for the freedom of India. But it must be freedom of all India and not freedom of one section or, worse still, of the Congress caucus — and slavery of Mussalmans and other minorities.” - Presidential address to the Muslim League, 1940
“I think it is a wise rule for every one not to trust anybody too much. Sometimes we are led to trust people, but when we find in actual experience that our trust has been betrayed, surely that ought to be sufficient lesson for any man not to continue his trust in those who have betrayed him.” - Presidential address to the Muslim League, 1940
“That is your only safeguard, and the best safeguard. Depend upon yourselves. That does not mean that we should have ill-will or malice towards others. In order to safeguard your rights and interests you must create that strength in yourselves [such] that you may be able to defend yourselves.” - Presidential address to the Muslim League, 1940
“We must be prepared to face all difficulties and consequences, make all the sacrifices that may be required of us, to achieve the goal we have set in front of us.” - Presidential address to the Muslim League, 1940
“Do you realise that you cannot get freedom or independence by mere arguments? … I may tell you that unless you get this into your blood, unless you are prepared to take off your coats and are willing to sacrifice all that you can and work selflessly, earnestly, and sincerely for your people, you will never realise your aim.” - Presidential address to the Muslim League, 1940
“Come forward as servants of Islam. Organise the people economically, socially, educationally, and politically, and I am sure that you will be a power that will be accepted by everybody” - Presidential address to the Muslim League, 1940
“Let us separate in a friendly way and remain friends thereafter.” - Interview with Doon Campbell, 1947
“As it is, it has been unprecedented; there is no parallel in the history of the world. This mighty sub-continent with all kinds of inhabitants has been brought under a plan which is titanic, unknown, unparalleled. And what is very important with regard to it is that we have achieved it peacefully and by means of an evolution of the greatest possible character.” - First Presidential Address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, 1947
“If you will work in co-operation, forgetting the past, burying the hatchet, you are bound to succeed. If you change your past and work together in a spirit that every one of you, no matter to what community he belongs, no matter what relations he had with you in the past, no matter what is his colour, caste, or creed, is first, second, and last a citizen of this State with equal rights, privileges, and obligations, there will be no end to the progress you will make.” - First Presidential Address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, 1947
Addressing a Nation
Jinnah certainly isn’t the only political leader to fight for change in his country. Take a look at other notable leaders whose words helped shape nations.