A stark warning was issued by prominent speakers at a tribute event, lamenting a growing historical amnesia in Pakistan where the nation’s youth remains largely unaware of the sacrifices and vision of founding fathers like Shaheed-e-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan.
Concerns were raised that a “veil” covers the true history of the Pakistan Movement, with selective narratives dominating public discourse and educational institutions failing to enlighten the new generation, according to a report by Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi issued today.
The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi’s Literary Committee (Sher-o-Sukhan) organized the solemn gathering, titled ‘Youm-e-Liaquat,’ at Gul Rang Hall to commemorate the services of Pakistan’s first Prime Minister. The session featured addresses from intellectuals and political figures who reflected on his enduring impact and the country”s deviation from his principles.
In his presidential address, Mahfooz-un-Nabi Khan described Liaquat Ali Khan as a distinguished negotiator and statesman, noting that the day marked his martyrdom. He recalled that during Nawaz Sharif’s government, a committee had approved naming the Islamabad Airport after the late leader. “Institutions should bear the names of those who served a united Pakistan with dedication,” he asserted.
Political leader Kishwar Zahra drew a sharp contrast between the founding generation”s sacrifices and the present state of affairs. “If we compare his services to what we have done today, we have fallen far behind,” she opined, recounting a visit to a Lahore museum where exhibits on migrants were present but photographs of national heroes were conspicuously absent. “We must reconnect our youth with their heroes,” she urged.
Dr. Nosheen Wasi offered a critique of modern societal values, stating that education has regrettably transformed into a means of earning money rather than achieving enlightenment. She observed that the era of principled leaders like Quaid-e-Azam and Liaquat Ali Khan has passed, replaced by an age where “selective narratives” are promoted on television. “We must learn from history and improve our present to bring real progress to the country,” she advised.
Reflecting on the nation”s origins, Iqbal Yousuf recalled that Liaquat Ali Khan, while introducing the flag on August 11, 1947, promised a nation that would represent the Muslim world and thrive in peace. ‘Today, we have divided ourselves into ethnic identities… forgetting that we are all Pakistanis,’ he lamented. ‘We are ashamed that we have failed to implement even one per cent of the system Liaquat envisioned.’
Anees Sheikh pointed out a generational gap in historical knowledge, remarking that while an older generation remembers partition, “Generation Z remains unaware.” He highlighted a significant scholarly gap, noting that the last book on Liaquat Ali Khan was published in 1970 and called upon contemporary writers to produce modern studies on his life. He concluded by imploring the Arts Council to actively involve young people in such commemorative events to foster a connection with their national heroes.