Speech of Miss Fatima Jinnah Criticizing the Presidential Electoral System and the Regime of Ayub Khan

Sub title : Address delivered to the public and members of the Basic Democracies

Subject: Miss Fatima Jinnah | Presidential election 1965 | Ayub Khan | Basic Democracy | Electoral college

Date of publication: 1965

Language: English

Page: 45 p.

Source: National Archives of Pakistan

Serial no: 28868

Keyword: Miss Fatima Jinnah -- Ayub Khan -- 1965 presidential election -- Basic Democracy -- Electoral college -- Dictatorship | Democracy -- Adult franchise -- Press freedom -- Political repression | Economic mismanagement -- Kashmir -- Indus Waters Treaty -- Combined Opposition Parties.

Abstract: Political speech delivered by Miss Fatima Jinnah during the 1965 presidential election campaign. She addresses the members of the Electoral College who were to vote on January 2, 1965, and later addresses Basic Democrats. She criticises the indirect electoral system introduced under military dictatorship as undemocratic and contrary to Pakistan’s founding principles. She argues that the system vests all power in one man, with no effective check on his authority. She recounts her decision to accept the nomination of the Combined Opposition Parties after seventeen years of remaining aloof from active politics, driven by the people’s desire for democracy. She accuses President Ayub Khan of undermining democratic institutions, suppressing the press through ordinances, controlling news agencies, and using the services for political purposes. She alleges that Ayub Khan conspired for military rule since 1954.

Description: This document is a transcript of a political speech delivered by Miss Fatima Jinnah in 1965, likely in Karachi or another major city, addressed to the general public and later to Basic Democrats. She launches a scathing critique of President Ayub Khan’s regime, describing the indirect electoral system as a dictatorship. She argues that the Electoral College members have no power to remove the President, and that all powers are vested in one man. She defends her entry into politics as a duty to the nation after years of silence. She accuses the regime of suppressing political parties, press freedom, and student expression. She alleges economic mismanagement, foreign debt dependency, and corruption. SCANNED BY: NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF PAKISTAN.

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