Tariq Ali’s latest book has many eye openers and various disturbing accounts from our history. Today is Jinnah’s birth anniversary; I have huge respect for our father of nation. But he was a human being and here is tale of his human side. No comments.
Even in the trying times, during the first months after independence, most of the people at the top were mainly thinking about themselves. Young Pakistanis should have no illusions. The situation has worsened considerably, but there never was a golden age.
Take the Great Leader, Jinnah. A revealing portrait of his priorities emerges from a confidential report by Paul H. Alling, the Connecticut Yankee sent as the first U.S ambassador to the new country. While presenting his credentials, Alling informed that United States was “appreciative of the difficulties which beset a new nation” and was “deeply sympathetic with the many problems which face Pakistan.”
Nonetheless the ambassador was invited for the picnic with Jinnah and his sister, Fatima. Assuming that important matters of the state might be discussed, Alling prepared himself as best as he could and joined the siblings on the governor-general launch close to their beach cottage on Sandspit. As turbaned waiters were serving tea and cucumber sandwiches, Jinnah wanted to know how the ambassador was getting on the acquisition of property for new embassy and staff. Alling explained that they had a tentative program and everything was under control:
Both he and his sister then inquired whether we were interested in their house “Flagstaff” which he had told me a few days previously was available for purchase. I explained that our negotiations for the purchase of an Ambassador’s residence at No 1 Bonus Road progressed so far – before we had acknowledged that “Flagstaff” was available – that it proved impossible to withdraw.
He then asked if “Flagstaff” would not be suitable for the use other personnel in the embassy. In reply I said we had, of course, explored that possibility but our building expert felt that he could not justify the purchase of such an extensive property for any of the subordinate personnel. I added that actually we were interested only in purchasing a few small houses or flats whereupon he said he would send us details of one or two of such properties. I could sense, however, that Mr Jinnah and his sister were disappointed that we had been unable to purchase “Flagstaff.”
The Dual, Pakistan on the flight path of American Power by Tariq Ali
Page 41-42
I read this tale and decided to forgive "leaders" of my town - Kabirwala at least for one day, so guys, I give you one day amensty and will not say anything about you today:)
