LUMS Professor Ali Usman Qasmi Discusses Jinnah and Pakistan’s Foundational Ideas
LUMS historian Dr Ali Usman Qasmi explores Pakistan’s historiography, Jinnah and competing interpretations of the country’s foundational ideas
Dr Ali Usman Qasmi speaks at the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum in Karachi
KARACHI: Dr Ali Usman Qasmi, Professor of History and Director of the Gurmani Centre for Languages and Literature at LUMS, delivered a talk and PowerPoint presentation titled “Whose Jinnah? Which Ideology? Debating Pakistan’s Foundational Ideas” at the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum (QAHM) in Karachi.
The event attracted a large audience from academia, media and civil society. It focused on Pakistan’s historiography, ideological debates and evolving interpretations of the country’s foundational ideas.
Debate Over Pakistan’s Ideological Identity
Dr Qasmi examined different strands of Pakistan’s historiography and discussed how interpretations of the country’s ideological identity have evolved over time.
He also addressed the growing interest in presenting the Indus Valley Civilisation as part of Pakistan’s historical identity. The discussion explored competing ideas about Pakistan and their ideological implications, particularly after 1971.
According to Dr Qasmi, the state and sections of the intelligentsia sought to explain the loss of territory after 1971 while maintaining the ideological framework associated with Pakistan.
The presentation was followed by a lively question-and-answer session, allowing participants to engage with the historical and ideological issues raised during the talk.
Scholars and Public Figures Attend
The evening opened with a welcome address by Commodore Sadeed Malik, Secretary General of the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum.
Ameena Saiyid, S.I., a member of the QAHM Board of Governors, introduced Dr Qasmi and later delivered the vote of thanks and closing remarks.
Among the attendees were Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner HE Mr Sakib Sadakat, Shahnaz Wazir Ali, former PSO head Khalid Rahman, Dr Yaqoob Bangash, Dean of IBA, and Nadia Ghani, Publishing Director at Lightstone Publishers, along with other academics, professionals and members of civil society.
QAHM Promotes Historical Dialogue
The Quaid-e-Azam House Museum continues to promote informed discussion on Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s history and national identity.
Through lectures and cultural programmes, the museum seeks to encourage public engagement with historical questions and Pakistan’s place in the wider world.
