Today, on the 58th death anniversary, Pakistan remembers Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, her role in the Pakistan Movement, and her contribution to the democratic struggle.
Madar-e-Millat- Fatima Jinnah died on 9 th July 1967. Although her death officially recorded as heart failure, questions and speculation concerning the conditions of her death have surrounded her death since decades ago. Accounts of the day her funeral took place and word of mouth by her close aides have added more mystery pointing to foul play.
She has been reportedly seen last at a wedding the night before. On the following morning, her body discovered by a neighbour Begum Hidayatullah. The official version was natural, though other versions disputed that version.
Eyewitnesses involved in the funeral preparations reported visible injuries on her body, including a cut on the neck and blood-stained sheets. The new domestic cook, hired days before her death, was allegedly missing after the incident. No autopsy or post-mortem examination was conducted, and her body was buried under tight restrictions.
Murder allegations backed by political leaders like Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, and Altaf Hussain. In 1972, Ghulam Sarwar Malik made a petition to have a formal inquiry and post-mortem investigation and no inquiry report published. Such cast doubts over the cause of death by her nephew, Akbar Pirbhai as well as former government aide Sharifuddin Pirzada.
The formal investigation, lack of a post-mortem, and the restrictions on people attending her funeral remain under investigation. No government has undertaken an independent investigation despite the demand by the people.
Fatima Jinnah was born on the 31st of July 1893 in Karachi. Professionally, she was a dental surgeon and rose in the league of active politics of the Pakistan Movement. She was one of the main organizers of women and a supporter of the idea of a different Muslim state.
After the creation of Pakistan, she co-founded the All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA) and remained politically active. In 1965, she contested the presidential election against military ruler General Ayub Khan. Her campaign drew large support in urban centres including Karachi and Dhaka, despite allegations of election rigging.
Fatima Jinnah remains a central figure in Pakistan’s history. Her political career, role in opposing dictatorship, and contributions to the independence movement are acknowledged across the political spectrum. As the nation observes her 58th death anniversary today, the demand for clarity and transparency about her death continues to grow.
