Jinnah—the Quaid

ALIKE past, with a truthful pledge for a glittering and vibrant vistas to accomplish all the cherished goals—set by the marvelous legend of the 20th century epoch, a fabulous nation, the people of Pakistan observe with enormous reverence on December-25, the 130th birth centenary of an illustrious and spirited soul, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who smashed all manacles of a longed rule by aliens—by changing the Atlas of the world to get indexed a sovereign homeland for the Muslims of South Asia—to live-on with dignity and honour till time without end.
As adapted, manifold assemblage and ceremonies take place around the globe, wherever Pakistanis dwell with an imposing and inspiring event at the Mazar [Mausoleum] of the great Quaid in Karachi—atop to mark the day with veneration. The day is observed every year with the objective to spotlight singular aspects of the life and achievements of the Quaid-i-Azam with a zest to promote the real essence of the Pakistan Movement. Yet, in view of the peculiar situation, being faced by the Ummah [Muslim World]—of which Pakistan is a herald, the commemoration of the day has assumed special significance.
Of-late, whereas the death anniversary of the Quaid has started coinciding with that of Nine/Eleven episode, which by all perceptions diverted the course of history especially for the Muslims—the world-over, whereby they are facing a lot of perils even to the magnitude of their very survival at the hands of the West, the birthday of the great leader comes on a fêted day—the Christmas, which, by all perceptions requires a change—in a harmonious and positive way—by Christian community towards Muslims to promote inter-faith harmony, very much needed to ensure global peace and tranquility. Yet, paradoxically this bona fide dream is yet to get translated into reality—prima facie only due to arrogance by a cluster of radicals—who exist in almost every faith—irrespective of one’s colour, cast, creed or credo.
To achieve this paramount need, all those, who are hostile towards Islam shall have to discard all types of prejudices and discriminations—if at all they are sincere to see this world—tranquil, at least for the innocent generations around-the-globe. Keeping in view, the teachings of Islam, this is what the great Quaid of Pakistan conveyed to the nation for promotion of peace, everywhere they live-on and to instill this message amongst the societies for the eventual good of every-one.
Since, one can’t clap with one-hand, I feel optimistic that peoples of all other faiths—explicitly our brethren in Christians belief shall reciprocate to this sane vision with an overt pledge—on the eve of the Christmas of the new epoch—the fresh Millennium. At home, we have Muslim League in power, a party on the platform of which the Muslims of subcontinent gathered and achieved their goal of an independent and sovereign Pakistan under the powerful leadership of Quaid-i-Azam. Amid the changing scenarios—wherein Pakistan is gaining admiration for its fabulous accomplishments in diverse arenas, the nation has exclusive expectations from the PML [Q] and this day is, thus, an occasion to recollect as to what was the down-to-earth vision of the Quaid about Pakistan.

Changes at the United Nations

Two key figures are leaving the United Nations. Secretary General Kofi Annan has stepped down after two terms and has been succeeded by former South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki Moon. U.S. Ambassador John Bolton’s tenure has come to an end as well. Their departures will change the world body, offering Tokyo new opportunities to press its international agenda and raise the country’s diplomatic profile. Mr. Annan was a Ghanaian civil servant who replaced Mr. Boutros Boutros Ghali after Washington lost confidence in the latter. While the post is high profile, the U.N. secretary general has no authority of his own; he speaks and acts only as a representative of member states. That does not preclude him from being the scapegoat when the U.N. fails to act. Ironically, the loudest critics are most often those governments that have kept him on the tightest leash.
To his credit, Mr. Annan used the U.N. pulpit to focus attention on human rights and the need for development. He repeatedly called attention to abuses of power and endeavored to motivate U.N. members to act. Under his stewardship, the U.N. won the 2001 Nobel Peace Price. Unfortunately, during his term, the results of the investigation of the Iraq oil-for-food program were released and Mr. Annan shared the blame for the corruption and incompetence that was uncovered. Mr. Annan will also be remembered for his failure to reform the U.N., even though that failure falls on the shoulders of developing nations, which saw the effort as an attempt to marginalize them, and the U.S., which demanded even greater change.
Mr. Bolton was a key player in the drive to reform the U.N. Mr. Bolton once famously remarked the institution would not suffer with the loss of its top 10 floors. In keeping with that rhetoric, he brought a combative style to an institution more accustomed to genteel diplomacy. If Mr. Bolton never pounded his shoe on the table, he never shied away from a fight either. That approach did not help him accomplish his key objective of transforming the world body. Some argue he was his own worst enemy; still others assert his failure proved the larger point that Mr. Bolton was happy to make — that the U.N. was indeed unable to reform itself. To his credit, however, he did win over some residents with his insistence that the U.N. operate like a business: Meetings should start on time and produce results.
Mr. Bolton faced opposition at the U.N. and from the U.S. Congress, too. A year ago, when he was unable to win Senate confirmation as U.N. ambassador, U.S. President George W. Bush resorted to a “recess appointment,” meaning that Mr. Bolton took up the post during Congress’ recess last year to serve on a temporary basis until the term of that Congress expired (this month). His confirmation was resubmitted last month, but the Democratic victory in the November elections meant that approval would not be forthcoming. Accepting reality, Mr. Bolton submitted his resignation.

—Japan Times