KARACHI: The 55th death anniversary of Madar-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was observed Saturday across the country with great respect and reverence.

She was the younger sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the first Governor General of Pakistan. She was a close associate and an adviser to her older brother, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who later became the first Governor General of Pakistan. A strong critic of the British Raj, she emerged as a strong advocate of the two nation theory and a leading member of the All-India Muslim League.

Fatima Jinnah remained the closest confidant of her brother until his death. She accompanied her brother to every public appearance that he made. During the transfer of power in 1947, Jinnah formed the Women’s Relief Committee, which later formed the nucleus for the All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA) founded by Rana Liaquat Ali Khan.

Fatima Jinnah played a vital role in the creation of Pakistan. Mohammad Ali Jinnah was deeply affected after his wife’s death in 1929. Fatima Jinnah worked side by side with her brother and gathered the women of sub-continent on one platform which made the struggle for achieving a separate state of Muslims easier.

In 1947, Fatima Jinnah formed the Women s Relief Committee, which later formed the nucleus for the All Pakistan Women s Association (APWA). She also played a significant role in the settlement of Muhajirs in the new state of Pakistan.

Fatima Jinnah is referred as the Madar-i-Millat or Mother of the Nation for her role in the Freedom Movement. She returned to the political forefront to contest the 1964 elections at the age of 71 against the military administrator, Ayub Khan.

Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was born on July 31, 1893 in Karachi and passed away on July 9, 1967. Fatima Jinnah, is still remembered for her passionate support for civil rights, and devoted struggle in Pakistan Movement.