Jinnah of Pakistan

1948

<< 1947
1948, Jan 9	In a statement at Karachi said "Once again I want to make it clear to the Muslims that they have to protect their Hindus neighbours and all minority communities from lawlessness, fifth columnists, rioters and make them feel secure. Pakistan needs a proper lawful Government. Government of Pakistan would punish the law breakers severely."
Jan 13	In a function at Islamia College, Peshawar said: "Our demand for Pakistan was not for a piece of land but for such a laboratory where we could exercise Islamic Principles."
Jan 16	Issued Salt Duty (Pakistan) Ordinance, 1947, to provide for imposition of duty on salt. Issued Indian Railways Act (Amendment) Ordinance, 1948.
Jan 19	Issued Indian Military Personnel Amnesty Ordinance, 1948, to implement an agreement with Dominion of India regarding grant of a general amnesty.
Jan 21	Accepted credentials presented by first Ambassador of Burma to Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, said: "I have no doubt that as in the past, in future also the many bonds that exist between the Union of Burma and Pakistan will be strengthened to the mutual advantage of both countries." Addressing Army officers said: "Nature's inexorable law is the survival of the fittest and we have to prove ourselves fit for our newly won freedom." At the appointment of French Ambassador in Pakistan he said: "Among eleven free states, Pakistan is the youngest but her tradition and culture are based on a very old inheritance. Further in this view French and Pakistani are not stranger to one another."
Jan 23	Addressed establishment of HMRS Dilawar. Speaking on the occasion, said: "Everyone of you has an important role to play in strengthening the defense of the country and your watch words should be faith, discipline and self-sacrifice. You will have to make up for the smallness of your size by your courage and selfless devotion to duty for it is not life that matters but the courage, fortitude and determination you bring to it."
Jan 25	Addressing Karachi Bar Association, said that "Islamic principles today are as applicable to life as they were 1300 years ago."
Jan 28	In reply to Mohammad Ali Jinnah (Quaid-i-Azam)'s letter of December 8, 1947, on Palestine, U.S. President/Presidency, Truman, welcomed the spirit in which the letter was sent and informed him that he had instructed U.S. Charge d'Affaires to clarify American policy on Palestine. Issued Cantonments (Requisition of Immovable Property) Ordinance, 1948.
Jan 29	Issued Business Profits Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 1948, to remove certain defects in Business Profits Tax Act 1947.
Jan 30	Condolence message on Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi's assassination wherein he described the deceased as the greatest Hindu leader of modern times.
Feb 2	Inaugurated Bengal Oil Mills. Speaking on the occasion, called upon refugees to become active`members of Pakistani society by engaging themselves in agriculture and industrial labor, etc. Wrote to Khan of Kalat advising him to accede to Pakistan.
Feb 3	Attended, along with Miss Fatima Jinnah, the reception arranged by Parsi community of Sind, at Katrak Parsi Colony, Karachi. Replying to welcome address, called upon the community to make "Pakistan one of the greatest nations and a land of prosperity and plenty."
Feb 4	Sent message to Ceylon on attainment of dominion status, and hoped for promotion of closer relations between Pakistan and Ceylon.
Feb 10	Issued Pakistan (Provincial Constitution) (Amendment) Order 1948, to amend Sections 10, 22 and 51 of Pakistan (Provincial Constitution) Order 1947.
Feb 12	Addressing to Government servants at Sibi said: "Conscience is above all in the world, keep it clear to be able to stand before God firmly and can say that you have performed all your duties with honesty, faithfully and sincerity. I believe you would live upto these ideals and perform your deeds accordingly."
Feb 13	Addressing to Government servants at Sibi said: "Conscience is above all in the world, keep it clear to be able to stand before God firmly and can say that you have performed all your duties with honesty, faithfully and sincerity. I believe you would live upto these ideals and perform your deeds accordingly."
Feb 14	Promulgated Indian Income Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 1948, to enable Central Government to issue securities free of super tax. Addressed members of Shahi Jirga, Sardars of Baluchistan and leaders and reps. of people of Afghanistan. Speaking on Baluchistan, said: "The history of political reforms for Baluchistan is connected with the history of the struggle of the Muslim for freedom.... I took up the cause of the people of Baluchistan both inside the Indian Legislature and outside and, now that I have the honour to be the first Governor-General of our great country, Pakistan, it is natural that the question of reforms and securing for the people of Baluchistan an adequate say in the administration and governance of their Province., should be constantly in my mind. If in this direction my wishes have not so far been realized, it is due to the circumstances over which I had little or no control." Also spoke on Const. Assembly's effort for making constitution which he hoped to be accomplished in two years; said: "Let us lay the foundations of our democracy on the basis of truly Islamic ideals and principles"; announced the setting up of a Governor-General's Advisory Council to enable the people of Baluchistan to play "their full part in the administration and governance of the Province.."
Feb 18	Promulgated West Punjab Disturbed Areas (Special Powers of Armed Forces and Validation of Certain Acts) Ordinance, 1948, to confer certain special powers upon armed forces officers.
Feb 19	In broadcast talk, introduced Pakistan to the people of Australia.
Feb 21	Addressed officers and men of 5th Heavy Ack Ack and 6th Light Ack Ack Regiments in Malir. Speaking on the occasion, said: "You have to stand guard over the development and maintenance of Islamic democracy, Islamic social justice and the equality of manhood in your own native soil." Addressed Pakistan Muslim League Council.
Feb 23	Issued and promulgated Federation/ Federal. Court of Pakistan Order, 1948. Presided over the first day of the first session of Const. Assembly (Legislature) of Pakistan. Expressed in Assembly his sorrow on the death of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
Feb 24	Presided over Const. Assembly meeting when Report of Committee on rules of Procedure of the House, Powers of the President/Presidency of the Assembly, etc was presented to the House and discussed Liaquat Ali Khan's Resolution(s) regarding appointment of a Committee to report on addition and/or redistribution of seats in Const. Assembly was presented, discussed and adopted. Promulgated Baluchistan Protection of Evacuees Property Regulation, 1948, to provide for protection and care of property of evacuees from Baluchistan.
Feb 25	Presided over Assembly meeting which continued discussion on the Report of Committee on the Rules of Procedure, Powers of Assembly President/Presidency etc.
Feb 26	Accepted credentials presented by ambassador of U.S.A.
Feb	In broadcast talk to the people of U.S.A. said; "the constitution of Pakistan has yet to be framed by the Pakistan Constituent Assembly. I do not know what the ultimate shape of this constitution is going to be, but I am sure that it will be a democratic type, embodying the essential principles of Islam. Today, they are as applicable in actual life as they were 1300 years ago. Islam and its idealism have taught us democracy. It has taught equality of man, justice and fairplay to everybody. We are the inheritors of these glorious traditions and are fully alive to our responsibilities of the future constitution of Pakistan. In any case Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic State to be ruled by priests, with a divine mission. We have many non-Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and Parsis but they are all Pakistanis. They will enjoy the same privileges as any other citizen and will play their rightful part in the affairs of Pakistan. We believe in the principles of honesty and fairplay in national and international dealings and are prepared to make our utmost contribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations of the world."
Feb 28	Promulgated Provincial Constitution and Provincial Legislatures (Amendment) Order, 1948.
Mar 1	Issued and promulgated Pakistan Drugs Act Adaptation Order, 1948.
Mar 2	Presided over Assembly meeting which passed Rules of Procedure, etc,with certain amendments, adopted Indian Independence (Amendment) Bill to amend the Indian Independence Act of 1947, moved by Liaquat Ali Khan, adopted Government of India (Amendment) Bill to amend Government of India Act,1935, moved by Liaquat Ali Khan. Jinnah expressed his views briefly.
Mar 4	Accepting credentials of first Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, said: "We hope that with your Excellency's assistance and cooperation we may be able to build up closer political and cultural ties with Your State, and thus contribute our ski arc to the attainment of peace and prosperity throughout the world."
Mar 5	In a message to the nation said: "Economy is the wealth of the nation. It would be a great help for the progress and prosperity of the Government so please save money and purchase saving certificates."
Mar 11	In an interview to a Swiss journalist, De Eric Streiff, special correspondent of Neue Zurcher Zeitung, spoke on the need of settlement between India and Pakistan. Promulgated Pakistan Provincial. Constitution (Second Amendment) Order, 1948, and West Punjab Legislative Assembly Order, 1948.
Mar 15	Addressed a meeting of Pakistan Red Cross Society, at Governor-General House, Karachi. In his speech, he said: "It will, I hope, play its full and destined part in the service of humanity along with other bodies and organizations in the intentional field to afford all possible relief and help to the suffering and distressed people wherever possible."
Mar 17	While discussing the social problems with the Tribal Jirga at Peshawar said "we want to see you at your feet; Promote the resources of the tribal areas. Pakistan is ready to help the Tribal brothers across both economically and socially. On the arrival of Mir Laiq Ali, Prime Minister of Hyderabad Deccan, talked about Hyderabad and said, "Pakistan is ever ready to talk for the better and perennial relationship with India. But this problem of Hyderabad can not be put into danger."
Mar 19	Promulgated Pakistan (Exchange of Prisoners) Ordinance, 1948, to implement an agreement with dominion of India regarding exchange of certain classes of prisoners between the two dominions.
Mar 20	Addressed ceremonial Army Parade at Kurmitola, Dacca. Said: "You know that Pakistan had to start from scratch. East Bengal is one of its most powerful components and you have now an opportunity which you have not had for, may I say, two centuries or more."
Mar 21	Addressing a mammoth public meeting of over 300,000 people at Dacca, announced formation of Pakistan National Guards as a volunteer organization. Expressed his sorrow on differences between Bengali and non-Bengali Muslims provincialism, sectarianism. Asked people to act only as Pakistanis. Declared categorically: "The state language of Pakistan is going to be Urdu and no other language.... Without one state language, no nation can remain tied up solidly together and function."
Mar 22	Replying to a deputation of Hindu members of East Bengal Legislative Assembly said that Hindus and Muslims have equal rights in Pakistan.
Mar 24	As chief guest at Dacca University convocation, in his speech, reminded youth of their educational duties and their role in nation building; reiterated his declaration about state language: "Let me restate my views on the question of a state language for Pakistan. For official use in this Province, the people of the Province can choose any language they wish. This question will be decided solely in accordance with the wishes of the people of this Province. Alone, as freely expressed through their accredited reps. at the appropriate time and after full and dispassionate consideration. There can, however, be only one lingua franca, that is, the language for inter-communication between various Province of the State, and that language should be Undue and cannot be any other."
Mar 25	Addressed gazette officers at Chittagong: "You are not concerned with this political or that political party. You are civil servants. Whichever gets the majority will form the Government and your duty is to serve that Government for the time being as servants not as politicians. How will you do that? The Government in power for the time being must also realize and understand their responsibilities that you are not to be used for this party or that. I know we are saddled with old legacy, old mentality, old psychology and it haunts our footsteps, but it is upto you now to act as true servants of the people even at the risk of any minister or ministry to interfere with you in the discharge of your duties as civil servants.... We shall of course see that there is security for you and safeguards to you. If we find that it is in any way prejudicial to your interests we shall find ways and means of giving you that security. Of course you must be loyal to the Government that is in power. The second point is that your conduct and dealings with the people in various departments in which you may be: wipe off that past reputation; you are not rulers. You do not belong to the ruling class; you belong to the servants. Make the people feel that you are their servants and friends. Maintain the highest standard of honor, integrity, justice and fairplay."
Mar 26	Addressing a civic reception at Chittagong, said: "Pakistan should be based on sure foundations of social justice and Islamic socialism which emphasize equality and brotherhood of man." Sent message to Pakistan Medical Association at Dacca.
Mar 28	In address to nation from Radio Pakistan, Dacca, presented his impressions of his nine-day stay in East Pakistan. Speaking on the need for unity, he said: "Pakistan is the embodiment of the unity of the Muslims nation and so it must remain. That unity we, as true Muslims must jealously guard and preserve. If we begin to think of ourselves as Bengalis, Punjabis, Sindhis etc. first and Muslim and Pakistanis only incidentally, then Pakistan is bound to disintegrate."
Mar 31	Promulgated Pakistan Currency Ordinance, 1948, to provide for issue and circulation of one rupee notes.
Apr 1	First Pakistani coins and notes presented to him by Ghulam Mohammed, Finance Minister. In this connection, issued jointly with Mountbatten, Governor-General of India, the Pakistan Monetary System and Reserve Bank (Amendment) Order, 1948, which gave Pakistan financial autonomy.
Apr 2	Made and promulgated Foreign Exchange Regulations (Amendment) Ordinance, 1948, to amend Foreign Exchange Regulations Act, VIII, of 1947.
Apr 8	Made and promulgated Pakistan (Miscellaneous Transitional Provisions) Order, 1948.
Apr 9	Accepted credentials presented by first French Ambassador to Pakistan. Said: "As your Excellency has yourself observed, the traditions (and may I add the culture) of Pakistan, as the youngest of the free muslim countries of the world, has been inherited from a long past - a past which, in view of the manifold contacts of France with the muslim world over several centuries, is well known and familiar to the Government and people of France. Indeed in view of this long contact of France with the muslim world, the people of France and Pakistan are not strangers to one another." Interviewed by Masoodi, Framalzi and Malaki of Iranian Goodwill Mission. Promulgated Pakistan (Provincial. Constitution) Order 1948, to provide for constitution of a corporation to render financial assistance for rehabilitation of refugees.
Apr 12	Addressing students of Islamia College, Peshawar, advised them to "develop a sound sense of discipline, character, initiative and a solid academic background in the changed circumstances after independence." Sent message to first Pakistan Olympic Games. Wrote: "The first Pakistan Olympic Games should act as incentive to all Pakistan nationals to emulate the Olympic motto 'Citius, Altius, Fortius', i.e., Faster, Higher and Stronger."
Apr 13	Addressed officers and other personnel of Pakistan Air Force Station, Risalpur; 3rd Armoured Brigade, Risalpur; and Pakistan Armored Corps Center, Nowshera, praising their services for helping refugees in East Punjab.
Apr 14	Had an informal talk with civil officers at Government House, Peshawar. Advised them: "Not be influenced by any political pressure, by any political party or individual politicians. Government are formed, Government are defeated, PMs come and go, Ministers come and go, but you stay on, and, therefore, there is a very great responsibility placed on your shoulders. You should have no hand in supporting this political party or that political party, this political leader or that political leader; this is not your business."
Apr 15	Presented colors to 2/15th Punjab Machine Gun Regiment, Peshawar. Speaking on the occasion, advised them: "Live always true to the ideal to which you have just dedicated yourselves afresh to the service of Pakistan, and make your contribution to the protection of the weak and to the hallowed memory of your comrades and thus enhance the glory of Islam."
Apr 17	Addressing a tribal Jirga at Government. House, Peshawar, expressed his determination to develop economic and social life of tribal people. Gave stress on the importance of vote and said "Your vote is nation's security, do not waste it," in his address at D.I. Khan.
Apr 18	Addressed staff and students of Edward College, Peshawar. Speaking on the occasion, said: "The interests of the North West Frontier Province are naturally close to my heart."
Apr 20	Addressing a crowded public meeting at Peshawar, called upon people to remain united under the banner of All India Muslim League and to get rid of bribery and nepotism.
Apr 22	As Chief Guest at the opening ceremony of first Pakistan Olympic Games, Karachi, he said: "Remember, to win is nothing, it is the effort and the spirit behind the effort that count."
Apr 27	Addressed members of Karachi Chamber of Commerce.
May 5	In a congratulatory message to Congress Raja Gopalachariar on his appointment as Governor-General of India, stressed the need for real friendship between India and Pakistan.
May 8	Accepted credentials presented by Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, he said: "As a new born State, Pakistan desired nothing so ardently as the goodwill of the world. Its people are determined to work with heart and soul in the task of consolidating their new liberty and while so engaged in the great task they will be deeply conscious of the help and cooperation extended to them by the other states of the world particularly at this moment. We are indeed glad that we have amongst us today a distinguished Representative of our closest neighbour and Pakistan, I am sure, very much appreciates the message of good wishes Your Excellency has brought to us."
May 12	Promulgated State Bank of Pakistan Order, 1945.
Jun 13	Addressing Quetta Parsi community, assured equal treatment to minorities in Pakistan, and also referred to the special attention which was being given by Governor-General to Baluchistan: "Now, you must have realized that Baluchistan has been the most neglected part of this sub-continent all these years. In some respects it is criminal negligence on the part of those who were responsible for the welfare of Baluchistan. You have got a deep-rooted ancient century-old system which is in vogue here and your administration has been stagnant for nearly a century. This is a problem that I am faced with as the Executive head of Baluchistan. Now, you cannot change these things overnight but we can make wonderful progress and advancement if we all work together sincerely, honestly and selflessly and as servants of Baluchistan."
Jun 14	Addressed officers of Staff College, Quetta. Wrote to M.A.H. Isphahani, Pakistan's envoy to the U.S.: "There is nothing to worry about, I would like you to cheer up. I am confident that we will come out of all these problems, which we are facing; successfully, for the simple reason that our cause is righteous and we are facing it with honesty and fighting for justice and fairplay."
Jun 15	As Chief Guest at civic function organized by Quetta Municipality, said: "It pains me to find the curse of provincialism holding sway over any section of Pakistanis. Pakistan must get rid of this evil. It is a relic of the old administration when you clung to Province. autonomy and local liberty of action to avoid control - which meant - British control. But with your own central government and its power, it is a folly to continue to think in the same terms, especially at a time when your State is so new and faces such tremendous problems, internal and external."
Jun 28	Promulgated Order of Governor-General under section 6 of Government of India (Amendment) Act, 1948.
Jun 29	Reached Karachi from Quetta. Was given a memorable greeting at Karachi.
Jul	When his ADC Lt. Mazhar Ahmad told him at Ziarat about the tyranny and oppression on the Muslims in India, he said "It is nothing but a little war - a cold war, but a complete war has been inflicted on us."
Jul 1	Performed opening ceremony of State Bank of Pakistan, which was the last public function attended by him. Speaking on the occasion, said: "I shall watch with keenness the work of your research organization in evolving, banking practices compatible with Islamic ideals of social and economic life. The economic system of the West has created almost insoluble problems for the humanity and to many of us it appears that only a miracle can save it from disaster that is now facing the world. It has failed to do justice between man and man and to eradicate friction from the international field. On the contrary, it was largely responsible for the two world wars in the last half century. The Western world, in spite of its disadvantages of mechanization and industrial efficiency, is today in a worse mess than ever before in history. The adoption of Western economic theory and practice will not help us in achieving our goal of creating a happy and contended people. Working Committee must work our destiny in our own way and present to the world an economic system based on true Islamic concept of equality of man-hood and social justice. We will thereby be fulfilling our mission as Muslims and giving to humanity the message of peace which alone can save it and secure the welfare, happiness and prosperity of mankind." He further said: "the policy of the Pakistan Government is to stabilize prices at a level that would be fair to the producer, as well as the consumer."
Jul 14	Moved to Ziarat, Baluchistan, because of deteriorating health.
Jul 22	Promulgated Pakistan Provincial. Constitution (Fourth Amendment) Order, 1948.
Jul 23	Promulgated Pakistan (Establishment of Federation/ Federal Capital Order, 1949, by which Karachi was officially declared Capital of Pakistan.
Jul 31	Promulgated Central Excise and Salt Act and Indian Tariff Act (Amendment) Ordinance, 1948, to amend Central Excise and Salt Act 1944, Indian Tariff Act 1934.
Aug 13	Moved to Quetta on advice of his physician, Dr. Col. Elahi Bakhsh.
Aug 14	Issued message on the first birth anniversary of Pakistan. In his message, said: "I congratulate you all ... for what you have achieved during so short a period.... Nature has given you everything; you have got unlimited resources. The foundations of your State has been laid and it is now for you to build, and build as quickly and as well as you can. So go ahead and I wish you God speed."
Aug 23	Enacted Baluchistan Economic Rehabilitation (Amendment) Regulation, 1948, to amend Baluchistan Economic Rehabilitation Regulation, 1948.
Aug 27	In Eid-ul-Fitr message, appealed Muslim states to untidily face the "drama of power politics" that was being staged in Palestine, Indonesia and Kashmir.
Aug 30	Proclaimed emergency throughout Pakistan as a result of situation arising out of mass movement of population from and into Pakistan.
Sep 1	His health further deteriorated.
Sep 3	Wrote to Beverley Nichols, the author of the Verdict on India, that "there is nothing seriously the matter with me."
Sep 4	Promulgated Pakistan (Adoption of Indian Tariff Act) Order, 1948.
Sep 5	Swelling developed on his feet with reddish spots on body.
Sep 9	His condition became most serious.
Sep 11	4.15 p.m. Moved to Karachi from Quetta where he was earlier transferred from Ziarat. Reached Governor-General House, Karachi, at 6.10 p.m.(s) Died at 10.25 p.m. Inna-lillah-e-wa-inna-illaihe-rejeun
Sep 12	Buried with full honours at Karachi; in his funeral oration, Shaikh-ul-Islam Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani, President/Presidency, Jamiat-ul-Ulama-i-Islam, described him as "the greatest Muslim after Aurangzeb". Official mourning for 40 days announced. Tributes paid to him by world leaders included the following: Harry S. Truman, U.S. President/Presidency. "Mr. 'Mohammad Ali Jinnah (Quaid-i-Azam) was the recipient of a devotion and loyalty seldom accorded to any man"; George Congress. Marshall U.S. Secretary of State: "His education in undivided India and abroad, his wide experience in the legal profession and in Government and politics, his progressive and constructive contributions in all of the these fields own him a highly esteemed place among the elder statesmen, not only of Asia, but of the world. The loss of Mr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah (Quaid-i-Azam's) guiding genius will be deeply felt, not only in his own country, but throughout the family of nations"; Lord Pethick-Lawrence, former Secretary Of State for India: "History will hold for him a great place in the annuals of the human race"; Philip Noel-Baker, Secretary of Commonwealth Relations, U. K. "Ali Jinnah (Quaid-i-Azam) was not a man who courted popularity... if he had any ambitions, it was that his name should live on with Pakistan" Dr. Kailashnath Katju, West Bengal Government: "An outstanding figure of this century not only in India but in the whole world"; L.B. Bhopatkar, President/Presidency of Hindu Mahasabha: "In the death of Quaid-i-Azam world has lost a unique personality endowed with the highest qualities of head and heart"; Sarat Chandra Bose, leader of the Forward Block of Congress "Mr. Jinnah was great as a lawyer, once great as a Congress man, great as a leader of Muslim; great as a world politician and diplomat, and greatest of all as a man of action. By Mr. J's passing away the world has lost one of its greatest statesmen and Pakistan its life-giver, philosopher and guide"; Senanayake, Prime Minister of Ceylon: "Mr. J stands out as a giant among political leaders of the world"; Abdul Rahman Azzam Pasha, Secretary General, Arab All India Muslim League: "One of the greatest leaders in the whole world"; The Aga Khan: "I... consider him the greatest man I ever met."