Islamabad, In a significant move to enrich Pakistan’s historical archives, President Arif Alvi has reached out to the Swiss President for assistance in obtaining copies of archival documents related to Ahmad Ali Jinnah, the brother of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The documents, housed in the City Archives of Zurich, encompass a valuable compilation of photographs, history, and details concerning Ahmad Ali Jinnah and are connected to Fatima Goepfert Jinnah, his niece and the Founder of Pakistan’s relative.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the request follows a personal visit by the First Lady, Samina Alvi, to the Zurich Archives in January 2024, where she developed a keen interest in the archival materials. Reflecting on the historical significance of the documents, President Alvi has proposed that Switzerland gift the collection to the National Archives of Pakistan, aiming to preserve and honor the legacy of one of the nation’s founding figures.
The documents in question not only hold sentimental value for Pakistan but also represent a crucial link to the country’s founding narrative, offering insights into the personal lives of its key figures. The move to secure these documents underscores Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its historical heritage and promoting a deeper understanding of its cultural and political origins.
As the request awaits a response, the potential transfer of these documents could mark a notable collaboration between Pakistan and Switzerland in the realm of cultural preservation and historical research, fostering international goodwill and enriching the archival resources available to scholars and citizens alike.