Art exhibition in London celebrates Jinnah’s enduring legacy of Pakistan’s founding father

LONDON, Aug 14 (APP): Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, Tipu Usman on Friday during an art exhibition paying homage to Jinnah as founding father of Pakistan, stated that Jinnah firmly believed in the rule of law, reasoned argument, dialogue and political negotiation despite differences with opponents.

He was speaking at the art exhibition by Mont Rose Foundation, titled “Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah: A Legacy Beyond Time,” celebrating the enduring legacy of Pakistan’s founding father at the prestigious National Liberal Club on Whitehall Place, close to 10 Downing Street.

The event featured artist Amera Rashid and prominent members of the British-Pakistani community, educationists, entrepreneurs and other dignitaries.

The High Commissioner said that Jinnah’s legacy was not only about remembering the struggle that led to the creation of Pakistan but it was equally about understanding the principles and values that guided that struggle.

British-Pakistani entrepreneur and educationist Bilal Sheikh, who organized the exhibition, paid tribute to Pakistan’s founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, saying his vision, political struggle and leadership gave the Muslims of the subcontinent a separate homeland that is today home to around 250 million people.

He said that more than seven decades after Pakistan came into existence, Jinnah’s message remained relevant not only for Pakistan but also for millions of Pakistanis living around the world, especially so that Pakistan has gained international prominence at the global stage.

“Pakistan’s recent role for the international peace and harmony and for the prevention of war in the Middle East is inspired by what Jinnah taught us. Pakistan’s resounding victory last year in May against a much bigger rival India proved why Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah created a new country and why it today asserts as a proud, strong and resilient nation. Jinnah did not simply campaign for a piece of territory. He fought for the political rights, dignity and future of millions of people. The Pakistan of nearly 250 million people that we see today exists because Jinnah had the courage and foresight to pursue a political objective that many once considered impossible,” Sheikh said.

He added: “Every generation of Pakistanis needs to understand the scale of Jinnah’s achievement, especially today’s youth. He confronted enormous political challenges through constitutional means, argument, negotiation and democratic mobilisation. His life teaches us that determined leadership, integrity and clarity of purpose can change the destiny of nations. Jinnah’s emphasis on education, equality before the law, economic advancement and opportunities for citizens should remain at the centre of Pakistan’s national development.

The educationist added: “For British Pakistanis, particularly our young people who were born and educated here, learning about Jinnah is also about understanding where we came from. They should know that Pakistan was not handed over as a gift. It emerged after decades of political struggle, sacrifice and democratic mobilisation under a leader who became one of the most consequential political figures of twentieth-century South Asia.”

Bilal Sheikh has campaigned for several years for greater recognition of Pakistan’s founder Jinnah in Britain. In 2022, Sheikh commissioned Jinnah’s portrait for London’s National Liberal Club, where Jinnah had been a member more than a century earlier. Sheikh has also advocated for a statue of Jinnah in Parliament Square, arguing that the statesman’s historical links with Britain and his political legacy deserve greater public recognition.

The exhibition is part of series of events being organized in collaboration with Pakistan High Commission, London to commemorate 150th Anniversary of the birth of Quaid-e-Azam being celebrated this year.