Press Release
Web Celebration -ISSI
Quaid’s Birthday
December 25, 2020
Celebrating the 144th birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized an in-house web meeting. The representatives of all the Centres of the Institute shared their views about the founding father of the nation. The web celebration was moderated by Director Research and Center for Strategic Perspective (CSP), Mr. Najam Rafique. In his introductory remarks Director Research/CSP stated that Quaid has granted us the gift of freedom and it becomes incumbent upon us to remain committed to his ideals.
Director General ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry in his remarks stated that Quaid foresaw what many could not predict at that time and fought for the preservation of freedom of Muslims. He believed in equal opportunity for all; even in foreign policy he advocated friendliness with all, fair play and justice. In this regard, the fulcrum he set has remained intact to this date.
Ms. Ghazala Yasmin from the Center for Arms Control and Disarmament said that Quaid was the greatest leader of the 20th century with a remarkable vision for the defense and security of Pakistan. Sharing her views, Ms. Arhama Siddiqa from the Centre for Middle East and Africa stated that Jinnah’s greatness lies in his genuineness of purpose and the durable charm of personality animated by a brave conception of duty and a strict code of private honor and public integrity.
Paying homage to Quaid, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director China-Pakistan Study Centre stated that Quaid was the greatest influencer of his time. He was an artist in his craft with impeccable dignity and respect. He further said that today marks the day for both celebration and introspection, for all of us.
Highlighting the great characteristics of Quaid’s personality, Dr. Saif Malik, Director India Study Centre stated that Quaid was an epitome of honesty, rationality, empathy and self-confidence. He possessed all the traits of a great and charismatic leader. He presented a roadmap for Pakistan based on rule of law and anti-corruption policies.
Ms. Mahrukh Khan, from Center for Strategic Perspective was of the view that Jinnah was not just an individual but an ideology for Pakistanis. He was a visionary who envisioned Pakistan to be one of “peace with all, and enmity with none” within and without.
In his remarks Chairman BoG, ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood maintained that Quaid was a freedom fighter and a top-notch leader. He made a country for the Muslims of the sub-continent and we are all enjoying the fruit of his efforts. Concluding the event, Director CSP/Research Mr. Najam Rafique stated that let us pledge that we will imbibe the principles of Quaid in our lives and will continue to take Pakistan to the heights that were the ideals and vision of The Quaid and the dream of his compatriots and the millions who followed him.
