Liaquat Ali Khan’s role in the objectives resolution and minority protection agreement highlighted
The national curriculum is virtually devoid of references to Pakistan’s national heroes, leaving younger generations largely unaware of the sacrifices and contributions of the country’s founding leaders, intellectual Dr Farooq Adil said.
He was speaking at a ceremony held to mark the death anniversary of Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, Shaheed-e-Millat Khan Liaquat Ali Khan, organised by the Nazriya Pakistan Council Trust at Aiwan-e-Quaid.
Presiding over the event, Dr Adil, a member of the Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Authority, stressed the need to restore Pakistan’s intellectual and ideological direction. He observed that modern education increasingly exposed young people to global perspectives while giving insufficient attention to the country’s history and national heritage.
Chief guest Professor Khalid Jilani Tawana paid tribute to Liaquat Ali Khan for presenting and securing the adoption of the historic Objectives Resolution, describing it as a landmark in defining Pakistan’s ideological direction.
Trust Chairman Mian Muhammad Javed highlighted Liaquat Ali Khan’s close association with Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his efforts to safeguard minority rights through an agreement with India.
Renowned intellectual and Iqbal scholar Syed Zaheer Gilani recalled Liaquat Ali Khan’s role in addressing the challenges faced by Pakistan in its early years, particularly refugee rehabilitation and economic difficulties. He also highlighted the historic budget presented by Liaquat Ali Khan as finance minister, popularly known as the “Poor Man’s Budget”.
Intellectual Daud Kaif spoke about Liaquat Ali Khan’s spirit of sacrifice, recalling that he had handed over his residence in Delhi for use as Pakistan’s embassy. Senior journalist and analyst Tazeen Akhtar highlighted the political challenges surrounding the establishment of Pakistan and Liaquat Ali Khan’s role in navigating them.
Renowned short-story writer Afshan Abbasi said nations should remember those who contributed to their establishment and described Liaquat Ali Khan as a sincere and devoted companion of Quaid-i-Azam.
Hosting the ceremony, writer Hameed Qaiser said commemorating Shaheed-e-Millat should extend beyond remembering his personality to drawing inspiration from his ideals, national character and struggle for Pakistan’s stability.
He emphasised the Nazriya Pakistan Council Trust’s responsibility to familiarise younger generations with the lives, contributions and sacrifices of the country’s national heroes.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the elevation of Liaquat Ali Khan’s ranks and a renewed commitment by participants to work for Pakistan’s progress, stability and intellectual development.