Pakistan marks the 58th death anniversary of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah today, remembering her role in the Pakistan Movement and her contributions to democratic struggle.
Fatima Jinnah, also known as Madar-e-Millat, passed away on July 9, 1967. While the official cause of death was listed as heart failure, questions and speculation have persisted for decades over the circumstances of her passing. Reports from the day of her funeral and statements by close associates have continued to fuel suspicions of foul play.
Fatima Jinnah’s death occurred on July 9, 1967, at her residence in Karachi. According to reports, she was last seen attending a wedding the previous evening. Her body was found the next morning by a neighbour, Begum Hidayatullah. The official report stated natural causes, but alternative accounts challenged this 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.
Political figures such as Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan and Altaf Hussain supported claims of murder. In 1972, a petition was filed by Ghulam Sarwar Malik seeking a formal investigation and post-mortem, but no inquiry report was made public. Her nephew, Akbar Pirbhai, and former government aide Sharifuddin Pirzada also expressed doubts over the cause of death.
The lack of a formal investigation, absence of a post-mortem, and public restrictions during her funeral continue to raise questions. Despite public demand, no government has conducted an independent inquiry.
Fatima Jinnah was born on July 31, 1893, in Karachi. She was a dental surgeon by profession and became an active political figure during the Pakistan Movement. She played a key role in mobilizing women and supporting the vision of a separate 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.
