Yawar Mehdi

As the calendar turns to the 25th of December, Pakistan reflects on the birth of its founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Beyond the public holiday and the hoisting of the national flag, this day represents a profound moment for national introspection a time to reconnect with the principles of Unity, Faith, and Discipline that laid the bedrock of our sovereignty.

The journey of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, born in 1876 at Wazir Mansion, is a story of unwavering resolve. A distinguished barrister from Lincoln’s Inn, Jinnah’s legal acumen and political foresight drove the struggle for independence. By 1940, he had crystallized the aspirations of millions into a single demand: a separate Muslim state where justice and equality would prevail.

Despite the monumental challenges of 1947 including the displacement of millions and his own silent battle with tuberculosis the Quaid worked tirelessly to establish the new state’s administrative machinery. As Pakistan’s first Governor General, he emphasized that the civil service must be the "Backbone of the State,"
serving with absolute integrity and without political bias.

The Civil Services Legacy Guild (CSLG), under Patron-in-Chief Naguib Ullah Malik, serves as a bridge between the Quaid’s ideals and modern public service. The Guild is dedicated to honoring the "unsung architects" of Pakistan 🇵🇰 those civil servants & national luminaries who have served the nation from 1947 through to 2025.

By introducing our youth to these legends, we aim to inspire them to emulate the values of integrity, professionalism, & selfless service. Through these commemorative activities, the Guild provides the next generation with the authentic role models they need to lead.

The legacy of Quaid-e-Azam remains our guiding star. In the end, honouring our history is the most effective way to secure our future progress. The writer (Yawar Mehdi) is a retired civil servant & the founder of the Civil Services Legacy Guild. yawarmehdi@gmail.com

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)