Political life of fatima jinnah
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Fatima’s social activism led her to champion the cause of women’s suffrage, and she actively campaigned for the rights of women to vote and participate in the national development of the country.
The 1965 Presidential Election
In 1965, Fatima Jinnah made history by running for president of Pakistan.
However, her campaign faced challenges like unfair election rules and limited money.
Fatima Jinnah won the popular vote in the 1965 presidential election. This made her the first female dentist in undivided India. She was hailed as the mother of the nation. Jinnah had seven siblings. Today, she is remembered not just as Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s sister, but as a trailblazing leader in her own right—one who helped shape the soul of Pakistan.
Fatima Jinnah (1893–1967), the younger sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was an iconic figure in Pakistan’s history.
She went to the Bandra Convent school in Bombay in 1902. However, through unfair practices and manipulation of the electoral system, Ayub Khan was declared the winner. The Quaid would discuss various problems with her sister mostly on the breakfast and dinner table. Many believe she would have won if the elections had been direct. She attracted large crowds in all parts of Pakistan.
Her family asked for an investigation, but the government did not allow it. She is called Māder-e Millat ("Mother of the Nation") and Khātūn-e Pākistān ("Lady of Pakistan"). She did a lot of job for the settlement o the Mohajirs after the creation of Pakistan. Supported by a coalition of political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party, Fatima Jinnah contested against the then incumbent president, Ayub Khan, who had imposed martial law in 1958.
Though she lost the election to Ayub Khan, Fatima’s candidacy was significant for several reasons:
- It represented a powerful challenge to the dictatorial regime.
- It showcased the rising political awareness and involvement of women in the country.
- Her campaign mobilized the masses and became a symbol of resistance against military dictatorship.
Despite her loss, Fatima Jinnah remained a respected figure in Pakistan’s political landscape and a champion of democratic values and women’s rights.
Legacy and Impact
Fatima Jinnah’s legacy is immense.
She lost the election by a small margin, but she won a majority in some areas. However, some rumors suggest she might have been murdered.
After that, the relation between brother and sister became an example as their companionship lasted until the death of his bro Mohammad Ali Jinnah on 11 September 1948. Fatima Jinnah then closed her clinic and winded. She was also a key member of the All-India Muslim League.
After Pakistan became independent, Fatima Jinnah helped start the All Pakistan Women's Association.
She became a symbol of the people's desire for democracy.
The election was held on 2 January 1965. She is still one of Pakistan's most respected leaders. There were four candidates, but the main ones were Ayub Khan and Fatima Jinnah. She called Ayub Khan a dictator.