Since we have been talking here about Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan, maybe we should also think about Jinnah’s vision on Pakistan’s governance. Particularly on the issue of ‘uniforms’ in politics, which is the concern of the day in Pakistan. Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah was thinking well ahead of his time. His following address has never been so pertinent as it is now.
On June 14, 1948, addressing the officer at the Military Staff College in Quetta, the Quaid-i Azam said:
During my talks with one or two very high-ranking officers I discovered that they did not know the implications of the oath taken by the troops of Pakistan. Of course, an oath is only a matter of form; what is more important is true spirit and heart. But it is an important form and I would like to take the opportunity of refreshing your memory by reading the prescribed oath to you:
“I solemnly affirm, in the presence of Almighty God, that I owe allegiance to the Constitution and the Dominion of Pakistan and that I will be duty bound honestly and faithfully serve.”
As I have said just now, the spirit is what really matters. I should like you to study the Constitution which is in force in Pakistan at present and understand its true constitutional and legal implications.
(Jinnah, Speeches and Statement 1947-1948, Oxford University Press, 2000).
Lets’ also take a few minutes to review the oath taken by members of the armed services and also the presidential oath, in terms of the constitution:
Oath of allegiance for armed services:
“I, do hereby solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Pakistan and uphold the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan which embodies the will of the people, that I will not engage myself in any political activities whatsoever and that I will honestly and faithfully serve Pakistan in the Pakistan army by and under the law.”
Let me reiterate, the oath states, “not engage myself in any political activities whatsoever”.
Presidential oath:
“That I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions. That I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”
Jinnah’s vision on the matter of governance of Pakistan and the supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law is very clear. Much more so than that of the rulers of today.
if any of the Tv channels play it for a few times, that would be really nice,
if the armed forces dont realize whats wrong, atleast people of will appreciate where we have been going wrong in this country
Kruman bhai,
Superb post and again shows how the Quaid’s Pakistan would have been like. Go Musharraf go!
Feimanallah
Wasim
Kruman, it’d be awesome if you could post a link to the source of the army oath?
Also, has this oath undergone any revisions since 1947?
This was quite a revelation for me. Note the tone of the Quaid, he seems concerned by what he perceives. It sounds like a teacher trying to instill a point in the minds of students.
This speech should be played often on TV and should be read before every core commanders conference in the GHQ.
Our legacy as a nation founded by the power of the vote, in a struggle led by an eminent lawyers like Quaid is:
1) democracy
2) adherence to the law and the constitution
3) establishing a welfare state based for the people, not a security state for the army.
I think..on 6 August ..1947..in delhi ..on a dinner..when some high pakistani Millitary Officer tried to convince Jinnah over some promotion issue..jinnah caught him by his collar and said..listen young man..millitary is a servant of civil government…
Jinnah was very clear about that …Mllitary should not be allowed at all….in politics…
but today..we see..in 35 years ..of pakistan..we have this dictatorship..no poltical filteration process…pakistan broke due to this…
US surveys ..says…Mushharf is now 64% ..that people dont want him..only 33% voted for him..but still…in HAWIS of seat..he want 13 years….what the hell is this…
yeterday…MA of PML(Q) ..did not attend his meeting…due to uniform…shear lines of breakages are withing party..but still he want 5 more years…