Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS), University of the Punjab, Lahore in collaboration with Jinnah-Ambedkar Chair successfully organized a thought-provoking seminar titled “Jinnah and Ambedkar: Competing Visions on Freedom” featuring distinguished Guest speaker , Barrister Asad Rahim Khan, an Advocate of the Supreme Court & a writer and columnist for Dawn. The seminar explored the political philosophies and visions of freedom articulated by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, two towering figures of the Sub-Continent’s history. Barrister Asad provided a deep analysis through examining their approaches to constitutionalism, minority rights, federalism and democracy. In his address, the Guest Speaker highlighted how Jinnah’s advocacy for a separate homeland emerged from concerns over Muslim political safeguards, while Ambedkar emphasized social democracy, constitutional morality and the annihilation of caste as central to true freedom. The session encouraged participants to reflect on how these competing visions continue to shape political and social discourse in South Asia today.

The seminar was attended by the PhD and M.Phil scholars and students who engaged actively in a dynamic question-and-answer session. The discussion provided deeper insights into the complexities of freedom, representation, and identity during the late colonial period. The Director CSAS, Prof. Dr. Naheed S. Goraya delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to Mr. Asad Rahim Khan for his insightful arguments and to the participants for their enthusiastic involvement. At the end of the seminar, the Director formally presented a commemorative souvenir to the guest speaker, Mr. Asad Rahim Khan, in recognition of his insightful and scholarly contribution. The event reaffirmed Centre’s commitment to fostering critical dialogue on historical and contemporary political thought.