So why did the authorities at the time decide to keep people in dark about Jinnah's views pertaining to the relation between state and religion? The purpose of those who practiced this censorship was clear: they wanted Pakistan to become an authoritative nation state where religion is used as a tool by governments to keep themselves in power. An insecure state which can use this religiosity as a weapon to justify its undemocratic steps.
This systematic censorship of such an important speech about the foundation of Pakistan affected how successive governments formed their policies. Religious minorities were sidelined time and again. The elements who had opposed the creation of Pakistan appeared to have hijacked the country after its formation. Unfortunately, Pakistan continued to mistreat its minority citizens and our state allowed this injustice to take place. Even today, any effort towards reclaiming Jinnah's Pakistan is met with fatwas and allegations of peddling 'anti-Islam' agenda. It is deeply saddening that we have forgotten that Jinnah wanted a Pakistan where all religious minorities had the freedom to practice their beliefs. Today as Pakistan celebrates National Minorities Day, ask yourself if our religious minorities are able to practice their beliefs without the fear of being killed. We have failed our minorities. We have lost Jinnah's Pakistan.