Presidential Election Campaign Speech by Miss Fatima Jinnah

Sub title : Call for Democracy, Direct Elections, and Restoration of Sovereign Rights

Subject: Miss Fatima Jinnah | Presidential election 1965 | Direct adult franchise | Basic Democracy

Date of publication: 1965

Language: English

Page: 45 p.

Source: National Archives of Pakistan

Serial no: 28867

Keyword: Miss Fatima Jinnah -- Presidential election 1965 -- Democracy | Adult franchise -- Direct elections | Basic Democracy -- Civil liberties -- Freedom of speech -- Free press | Independent judiciary -- Quaid-i-Azam -- Islamic principles -- Pakistan -- Political speech.

Abstract: This speech, delivered by Miss Fatima Jinnah during her 1965 presidential election campaign, calls on the people of Pakistan to reclaim their sovereign rights and restore genuine democracy. She emphasises that the enthusiastic public response to her candidacy reflects a determination to take back control of their affairs. She warns against corruption, repression, and the erosion of civil liberties. She asserts that no power can wrench sovereign rights from the people, and that the time has come to act decisively. She demands the restoration of free expression for the press, free speech and association, an independent judiciary, and speedy justice. She links these demands to the pattern of life established by Quaid‑i‑Azam and the teachings of Islam. She argues that elections should be based on direct adult franchise, not indirect Basic Democracy.

Description: This document contains the full text of a political speech delivered by Miss Fatima Jinnah during her campaign for the presidency of Pakistan in 1965. She addresses a large public gathering, expressing gratitude for their enthusiastic welcome. She interprets their presence as a sign of readiness to reclaim sovereign rights. She criticises the existing political atmosphere of corruption, repression, and fear. She declares that the people must restore free press, free speech, free association, and an independent judiciary. She invokes Quaid‑i‑Azam’s vision and Islamic values as the foundation for a democratic system based on direct adult franchise. She warns that if the people take a wrong decision now, another opportunity may not come. She calls for careful selection of candidates, fair elections, and widespread mobilisation. The speech is a key historical document of Pakistan’s struggle for democracy in the 1960s and of Miss Fatima Jinnah’s active political leadership. Multiple copies with slight variations suggest it was delivered at more than one venue or exists in draft form. SCANNED BY: NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF PAKISTAN.

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