Wit, Warmth & Smiles with Jinnah

It’s always the small anecdotes which often remind us, that our heroes, too, were human.

In November 1947, Lahore was abuzz with activity. It was then that Jinnah received an invitation to visit a local girls' college, which he accepted.

When he adressed the gathering of students and faculty, he couldn't help but notice something —none of the women in the audience observed purdah in his presence. Though he made no comment at the time, the thought stayed with him.

Later that evening, back at Government House, he turned to his sister and shared the rather unusual incident with her. To this, Mohtarma Fatima chuckled and said ,“It is because they see you as an old man.” Jinnah raised an eyebrow. “Well, that’s hardly a compliment!”

Liaquat Ali Khan, who was also present, chuckled and offered another perspective. “Perhaps,” he suggested, “they saw you as a father figure.” Jinnah considered this for a moment before nodding. “Yes,” he said with a small smile, “that makes some sense.”