A discussion on the contested interpretations of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s political thought and Pakistan’s ideological foundations was held at the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum (QAHM).
Historian and academic Dr Ali Usman Qasmi examined the evolution of Pakistan’s historiography and competing ideas about the country’s identity.
Qasmi, Professor of History and Director of the Gurmani Centre for Languages and Literature at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), delivered a talk titled “Whose Jinnah? Which Ideology? Debating Pakistan’s Foundational Ideas.”
The event attracted academics, media professionals, civil society members and others interested in Pakistan’s history and intellectual development.
Debate Over Pakistan’s Historical Narrative
Qasmi examined how Pakistan’s historical and ideological narratives have changed over the decades.
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He focused on the relationship between historiography, state ideology and changing interpretations of the country’s foundational ideas.
He also discussed the growing interest in the Indus Valley Civilisation and its presentation as part of Pakistan’s historical heritage.
The historian explored how different interpretations of Pakistan’s past have contributed to competing ideas about the country’s identity.
He noted that debates over Pakistan’s ideological and historical foundations have evolved significantly since the country’s creation.
Impact of the 1971 Separation
Qasmi also examined the impact of the separation of East Pakistan in 1971.
He said the rupture created a new challenge for the state and sections of the intelligentsia.
They faced the task of explaining the loss of Pakistan’s eastern wing while retaining the ideological narrative associated with the country’s creation.
The discussion therefore moved beyond conventional accounts of Pakistan’s founding.
It also raised questions about Jinnah’s political legacy, the interpretation of national history and the development of Pakistan’s national identity.
Audience Raises Questions on Jinnah
The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session.
Participants raised questions about historiography, ideology and Jinnah’s political thought.
They also discussed continuing debates over Pakistan’s historical experience and national identity.
The exchange highlighted the different ways scholars and society have interpreted the country’s foundational ideas over time.
Academics and Public Figures Attend
The event began with a welcome address by Commodore (retired) Sadeed Malik, Secretary General of the QAHM Board.
Ameena Saiyid, S.I., a member of the QAHM Board of Governors, introduced Qasmi.
She later delivered the vote of thanks and closing remarks.
Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner Sakib Sadakat also attended the event.
Other attendees included Shahnaz Wazir Ali, former Pakistan State Oil chief Khalid Rahman, IBA Dean Dr Yaqoob Bangash and Nadia Ghani, Publishing Director of Lightstone Publishers.
Academics, media representatives and civil society members also participated.
The QAHM has continued to host discussions on Jinnah’s legacy and Pakistan’s historical development.
The museum said such programmes aim to encourage informed dialogue about the country’s history, intellectual traditions and founding ideas.
