RFI Digital TV featured an exciting discussion on August 10, 2024, hosted by Nusrat Mirza, Chairman of RFI. The program, titled “The Quaid was the Ultimate Democrat,” brought together a panel of seasoned journalists Sajjad Meer (a senior journalist and anchor), Javed Siddique (former resident of Daily Nawa e Waqt), and Dr. Wadood Qureshi (former resident of Daily Khabre’n)to explore the democratic legacy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, especially in the context of 77 years of Pakistan’s independence.
Sajjad Meer highlighted Jinnah’s dedication to preventing the “brain drain” in Pakistan, suggesting that Jinnah likely aimed to retain the country’s educated and talented individuals to build a robust, self-reliant nation. Meer also underscored the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in boosting Pakistan’s economy and infrastructure, which he believes aligns with Jinnah’s vision of a prosperous and unified country.
Javed Siddique reflected on Pakistan’s evolution since 1947, discussing the political, economic, and social transformations that have shaped the nation. He noted progress in industrialization, agriculture, education, healthcare, and the advancement of nuclear capabilities. However, Siddique pointed out that Jinnah’s democratic ideals have faced obstacles, particularly with the growing influence of non-democratic elements in politics, which diverges from Jinnah’s original vision.
Dr. Wadood Qureshi emphasized the critical role of bureaucracy in realizing Jinnah’s democratic aspirations. He argued that an efficient and well-organized bureaucracy is essential for upholding democratic principles. Yet, he criticized Pakistan’s bureaucracy for being slow, inefficient, and often mired in red tape and corruption, which impedes democratic reforms and frustrates citizens seeking better governance. In his concluding remarks, host Nusrat Mirza observed that Jinnah’s vision of democracy in Pakistan remains unfulfilled and is still waiting to be fully realized. He stressed that, as a nation devoted to the Founder of Pakistan, it is our collective duty to work diligently towards bringing this vision to life.
