Jinnah’s untimely demise in September 1948 left Pakistan with a profound void in leadership. While many argue that his extended presence could have averted some post-independence political instability, the weaknesses in Pakistan’s political landscape stemmed from the Muslim League’s diverse power base, comprising conflicting landlord factions. The decline of the Muslim League and the lack of a solid popular support base contributed to Pakistan’s subsequent political challenges, marked by corruption and factionalism. Jinnah’s place in history, however, remains secure, as the revered Quaid-e-Azam whose charisma and leadership paved the path for Pakistan’s independence. Yet, it is essential to acknowledge that Pakistan’s creation was not a result of a unified nation awaiting Jinnah’s guidance, nor was it a product of an Islamic revolution. Rather, Jinnah adeptly harnessed the popular appeal of Islam and political circumstances to temporarily unite Muslims behind the vision of Pakistan. The priority of Pakistan, however, was primarily confined to a small Muslim elite.
