Written by: Sadeem Shaikh Posted on: December 24, 2015 |
Antique furniture that belonged to the Quaid
In a cramped and populous street of the Kharadar area of Karachi stands a resolute, three-storey structure known as the Wazir Mansion, which is Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthplace. Locating a building even as popular and historically significant as this one is no easy task in Kharadar; the area is arguably the city’s oldest residential and now commercial hotspot. Built by Wazir Ali Ponawala sometime between the years 1860-1870, the Wazir Mansion is believed to have been Jinnah’s home for the first 16 years of his momentous life. In 1874, his parents, Jinnah Bhai Ponja and Sakina Bano, moved to Karachi from their home in Kathiawar, Gujrat, India, and rented a two-room apartment in what is now the Wazir Mansion. Two years later, they gave birth to the founder of Pakistan.
Jinnah received his education from the Christian Missionary Society High School and the Sindh Madressatul Islam University, before flying off to England to study Law. Soon afterwards, his family moved out into a more affluent bungalow near what is now the Metropole area of Karachi. After the partition of the Indian subcontinent, the Government of Pakistan and the Department of Archeology and Museums contributed ceaselessly towards the maintenance of this historical landmark. While some genuine features may have been lost over the decades due to the harsh weather of Karachi and the natural process of decay, the concerned authorities have nevertheless worked hard to ensure the preservation of this revered monument.
The Quaid's various belongings
Situated adjacent to Akhund Masjid off M. A. Jinnah Road, the 150-year-old landmark enunciates striking features of colonial architecture. Constructed originally with lime-colored stone masonry and jute mortar, the exterior of the current structure reveals the same yellow, sandstone spark. The entrance of the museum used to have a fountain, but due to renovation needs, it was removed some time ago. According to museum librarian Tanveer, “The ground floor of the building was also converted into a reading room after the government takeover in 1948, with a library featuring books on History, Politics and Law”. Some examples of these include Jinnah Faces an Assassination (1943) and The Idea of Pakistan (2004).
Upon entering the first floor gallery through a set of wooden stairs, one is astounded to find the entire floor air-conditioned in the cold month of December. When inquired about the seemingly unnecessary air-conditioning in peak winter time, the museum guide, Khadam Ali, was keen on explaining how a cold atmosphere was in fact necessary all year round to help preserve the original nature of Jinnah’s books, couches, bed set and furniture.
As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.
Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.
Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.
YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.
Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.
Nong Rong
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
January 2021
Video message by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Black Day of Indian Occupation of Kashmir
Video message by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Black Day of Indian Occupation of Kashmir, 27 October 1947, when Indian military troops forcibly occupied Kashmir illegally, claiming a fraudulent ‘Instrument of Accession’ which never existed as documented by eminent British historian Alastair Lamb! Kashmir & Palestine are examples of illegal occupation & continued Resistance to Repression! There are so many commonalities in Kashmir & Palestine: both under brutal military occupation of foreign powers, both are facing an indigenous, popular, spontaneous & widespread Resistance & Uprising, both are in violation of UN Resolutions which haven’t been implemented, both are witnessing an attempted change in the demographic balance, both are facing the use of rape as a weapon of war, both are testimony to double-standards & hypocrisy of Western powers on human rights & fundamental rights, and both conflicts have an element of racism and Islamophobia, while enduring peace, security and stability will remain elusive in both regions, South Asia & Middle East, until these issues are resolved in accordance with popular aspirations.
