Fatima Jinnah - The Mother of the Nation

Fatima Jinnah, significantly known to be the “Madr-e-Millat,”(Mother of the Nation) was a Pakistani Politician, dental surgeon, stateswomen and one of the leading founders of Pakistan. She was a younger sister to Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder and the first Governor General of Pakistan.

Early Life

Fatima Jinnah was born on 31 July 1893 to the Jinnah Family. Furthermore, She was the youngest of seven children to Jinnahbhai Poonja and his wife Mithibai, in Kathiawar, Gujarat, during the Bombay Presidency in British India. She joined Bandra Convent in Bombay, in the year 1902. Later in 1909, she got an admission in a highly competitive, University of Calcutta. Where she obtained a dental degree in 1923. After Graduation, she opened a dental clinic in Bombay.

Political Aspects

Fatima Jinnah was very active in politics, she accompanied her brother in every public appearance he made. During the relinquishment of power 1947, Fatima Jinnah established the “Women’s Relief Committee.” Which later happened to be the core for “All Pakistan Women’s Association” (APWA) founded by Rana Liaquat Ali Khan. She also played a remarkable role in the accommodation of Muhajirs in the new state of Pakistan.

Furthermore, in 1960 Fatima Jinnah came upfront in the politics when she ran for the presidency of Pakistan as a candidate for the Combined Opposition Party of Pakistan (COPP). Moreover, her speeches contained the argument based on coming to terms with India on the Indus Water dispute, Ayub had surrendered control of the rivers to India. Therefore, She narrowly lost the election, winning a majority in some provinces. The election did not involve direct democracy of the population. To which some journalists and historians believe that if it had been a direct election she could have won.

“Madr-e-Millat” Mother of the Nation

Fatima Jinnah is known as the mother of the nation due to her tremendous contribution freedom and humanity. Additionally she became a part of the All India Muslim League and attended the annual sessions of the party. Fatima Jinnah contributed to the social development sector which was being ignored for the past few years. Fatima Jinnah along with Begum Liaqat Ali Khan made the greatest contribution in the realm of women’s awakening and participation in national affairs. Therefore, her legacy is associated with her support for civil rights, her struggle in the Pakistan Movement and her devotion to her brother. Led her to win the title of “Madr-e-millat.

Hence, Fatima Jinnah remained extremely popular and considered one of the significant female figures Pakistan has produced. Jinnah is a source of the rise of women’s rights. Furthermore, she rose to stand as Pakistan’s national symbol. Later, the Government of Pakistan built a monument in honour and remembrance of her.