“Remove Quaid-e-Azam From Currency” — Shahzad Nawaz’s Remark Triggers Major Controversy

Pakistani actor and television host Muhammad Ali Jinnah has sparked a strong debate on social media after suggesting that the founder of Pakistan’s image should be removed from the country’s currency notes.

These remarks were made by Shahzad Nawaz during a recent podcast discussion that touched upon politics, national symbols, corruption and public attitudes.

Discussion around national symbols

In the conversation, the podcast host talked about the evolution of national symbols and public images with regard to changing political times. He shared examples of other countries where portraits and official symbols have been removed over time as a result of political change.

He stated his concern that the portrayal of the founding leaders can be modified over time depending on the political climate.

Shahzad Nawaz’s statement on currency notes

Responding to the discussion, Shahzad Nawaz said that if he was in government he would remove the image of Quaid-e-Azam from the currency notes of Pakistan.

He connected his opinion with social concerns, especially corruption, bribery, and dishonesty in society. He said that it was “paradoxical” to see people indulging in dishonest activities with currency portraying the image of the founding father of Pakistan.

His comments were intended as a symbolic critique of the moral decay of society, and not as a specific policy recommendation.

Reference to slogans on currency notes

The actor also spoke about the history of the slogans on Pakistani currency notes. He recalled that during the regime of the previous president, the late General Zia-ul-Haq, the word “earning halal is like worship” was prominently featured on banknotes.

He additionally cited a decrease in the visibility and focus placed on such messages under the former president Pervez Musharraf. Shahzad Nawaz proposed that moral or religious messages on currency be either increased or eliminated.

Social media reactions and debate

The podcast clip was soon shared widely on social media and sparked a range of sentiments among the audience in Pakistan.

His comments were interpreted by some social media users as a symbolic criticism of corruption and deteriorating moral standards in the society. But there was no consensus on the removal of the image of Muhammad Ali Jinnah from the currency notes as it would be wrong and disrespectful of the founding father of the nation.

The debate has since been ongoing online, with users split on whether national symbols should be kept unchanged or change according to the society.