THE FOUNDING FATHER’S VISION: FOREIGN POLICY

THE FOUNDING FATHER’S VISION: FOREIGN POLICY Pakistan is the only country in the world which has been created and founded in the name of Islam. Its ideals, covenants and rules of business of governance were to be taken from the teachings of Islam. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (QA) only lived for one year after winning both, independence from colonial masters and carving out a new country. QA laid down the foundations of a number of diverse institutions. It included fiscal, administrative and economic and constitution-making bodies and organizations. In each such institution he proclaimed principle of enduring values. Today from hindsight, historian and researchers, “…marvel at his genius as well as feel more acutely the sense of loss at the all-too-brief time Providence allowed him to guide the new state.” He exhibited “…firm commitment to fundamental principles indispensable for the maintenance and promotion of international peace, progress and prosperity of humankind….” Here is an excerpt from his speech, “There lies in front of us a new chapter and it will be our endeavour to create and maintain goodwill and friendship with Britain and our neighbourly dominion, Hindustan, along with other sisterly nations so that we all together may make our greatest contribution for the peace and prosperity of the world.” “Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill towards all the nations of the world. We do not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nations. We believe in the principles of honesty and fair play in national and international dealings and are prepared to make the utmost contribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations of the world. Pakistan will never be found lacking in extending its material and moral support to the oppressed and suppressed people of the world and upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter” “There is nothing that we desire more ardently than to live in peace and let others live in peace, and develop our country according to our own lights without outside interference, and improve the lot of the common man.” The expression and commitment of QA for Pakistan to be”---a Muslim, liberal, democratic and modern nation state naturally predisposed him in favour of close relations with democratic countries.” It was part of history that All India Muslim League had supported Allies in WWII. QA had paid special tribute to “the United States as having acted as beacon of light and had in no small measures served to give inspiration to nations who like us were striving for independence and freedom from the shackles of foreign rule.” Equally warm were his words for the French ideals of liberty, fraternity and equality. Pakistan was always averse to becoming part of the eastern and western blocs. To be taking sides was never in the national interest of Pakistan, and the ideals of world peace and prosperity. And till 1953 Pakistan kept itself off the dictates of cold war, but for the security concerns, which India raised for the existence and sovereignty of Pakistan. For sure Pakistan sought protection from tyranny of power imbalance and humiliation of dictation. It was not only QA, but also his stalwarts to follow, who were equally committed to the ideals of equality, justice and peace and prosperity for all. Khan Liaquat Ali Khan said, “--- the state started without any narrow and special commitment and without any prejudice in the international sphere.” The Foreign Minister followed the same ideas, and echoed. Sir Zafarullah Khan said, “---Pakistan followed the principles of ‘Friendship towards all states, but with regard to each individual question, standing on the side of fairness and subject to that to help and succour the weak.” Pakistan was always favourably inclined towards west, for the principles of democracy and being averse to the atheist communism. “Pakistan and its leaders continually sought to strengthen ties with Washington….Pakistan can never go communist declared Fazlur Rahman, a prominent Bengali member of the Cabinet. In the early nationhood Finance Minister Ghulam Muhammad, was engaged in strenuous efforts to secure American capital and investment for solving the country’s desperate economic problems. Defence Secretary, Iskander Mirza…led in July 1949 a military mission to USA to explore possibilities of securing arms supplies.” After arriving in Karachi, and before taking over as Governor General of the State created by him and his Muslim League, QA received a message from the Secretary of State of the USA, George C. Marshall. “Greeting Jinnah in his capacity as the President of Constituent Assembly…wrote: I am confident that the Constitution you will present to the people of Pakistan and to the world will reflect the steadfast devotion of the leaders of Pakistan to the principles of democracy and peace, and that it will serve as a living charter upon which may be based the political, social and economic progress of the people of your new nation.” The concept of ‘Islam and Ummah’, over arched the international relations of Pakistan. It has been made part of the Constitution of Pakistan. Here are three excerpts from the Preamble: “Whereas sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone and the authority to be exercised by the people of Pakistan within the limits prescribed by Him is a sacred trust;” “Wherein principles of democracy, freedom, equity, tolerance and social justice as enunciated by Islam, shall be fully observed,” and “…people of Pakistan may prosper and attain their rightful and honoured palce amongst the nations of the World and make their full contribution towards international peace and progress and happiness of humanity” This universe belongs to Him. All mankind comes from the first man He created, thus equal by birth, same rights and equal responsibilities. He made man His vice-regent, taking oath from each, (7:172-73) not as descendant or part of a clan or especial pedigree. We stand as duty-bound ‘benevolent’ for the universe, Narendra Modi inclusive. It was especially disturbing to see the other day, some youth hitting the face of effigy of Modi with shoes. This model exercise was planned by some soft-drink shop in Lahore. Muslim is a superior civilization, by law and conduct; and cannot achieve it unless proven through exhibited behaviour. No man shall be hit or killed when he seeks asylum, no woman or child or old shall be persecuted, none shall be fought against who lays down his weapon, and above all, no green tree shall be cut! And will history of mankind show us a parallel example when house of Abu Sufian was declared safe house during the Conquest of Mecca. And history knows, son of Abu Sufian, Akrama, became Muslim. Before I close, just a couple of lines to refer to a possible source of Foreign Policy and diplomacy; may it be for some. Last of His Prophet whose Deen is Islam, wrote eight letters to different head of states. It included three biggest empires of that time; Rome, Egypt and Persia. These were written and sent in 6 to 7 AH.