Free to Go to Your Temples In This State of Pakistan: Jinnah, 1947

On 11 August 1947, Jinnah gave a speech outlining his vision for Pakistan.

On 11th August 1947, Muhammed Ali Jinnah cleared his throat and stood facing the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. The spectre of Partition still hung heavy over the newly formed nations of India and Pakistan, and the future of both countries hung in precarious balance.

In 1947, Jinnah’s speech was important because it outlined a vision for Pakistan; the future blueprint of a new country with fears of religious majoritarianism, secularism under threat and equality.

70 years later, his speech gives insight into the political atmosphere of Pakistan. The Quint brings you six memorable lines.

Read the full speech here:

(This article was originally published on 11 August 2016 and is being republished from The Quint’s archives.)