THE JINNAH CENTRE

Goals and Objectives

The goal of Jinnah Centre is to conduct research and analysis in the areas of foreign policy, economic and public policy to influence opinion makers in USA. It will serve as a resource for decision makers, improve the image of Pakistan and strengthen bilateral relations. It will also create better understanding of US policies in Pakistan and help improve performance of institutions in Pakistan.

2. Specifically it will:

• Accumulate a database of statistics and information to ensure that research on Pakistan is based on facts.

• Develop a knowledge construct for creating an understanding in USA of Pakistan’s perspective on international issues and its world view. For example, it may document and elaborate Pakistan’s international cooperation and support during the cold war and in the war against terrorism. Produce papers that would emphasise that the interests of Pakistan and USA are common or highlight Pakistan’s needs for political, economic and institutional support.

• Develop strong linkages with US academic institutions and Think Tanks to share and exchange information and analyses.

• Serve as a resource for policy makers in US Government and Congress.

• Create an understanding of Pakistan’s cultural heritage and values. The Centre may elaborate on the concept of enlightened moderation, and deal with the reality of tensions in a society coming to grips with international influences.

• Research and develop policy positions, and possibly solutions, for foreign, economic and public policy issues for use both in USA and Pakistan

• Conduct technical studies to review industrial processes and technology, which will help upgrade Pakistan’s industrial base.

3. Jinnah Centre will be a joint venture between the Embassy of Pakistan and the Pakistani-American community.

Structure and Activities

4. Activities of the centre will include research and policy papers, seminars and talks and periodical publications. It will develop alliances with Think Tanks and academic institutions in USA. Where the Centre finds it necessary to propagate and advocate Pakistan’s point of view, it will do so in an academically rigorous way. The Centre will host an elaborate library of literature on Pakistan starting from the Pakistan movement to the present. It will be necessary to lay down the scope of the library for it to also carry literature and references on topics of interest to Pakistan and Pak – US relations. Typically, an institution of this nature serves as a bridge between new knowledge emanating from the academia and research institutions with organisations responsible for policy formulation such as Government and Parliament.

5. In addition to the operating staff viz researchers, fellows, administrative support staff and the director, the Centre’s activities will be managed by two sets of Boards. A high level Board of Trustees/Advisors comprising eminent names from US academic institutions, corporate sector, former US public representatives and government officials along with representatives from Pakistan Government, eminent Pakistani individuals and the Pakistan American community. The Board of Trustees may meet once or twice a year to lay down strategic goals, approve annual or six monthly programmes, review the Centre’s performance and provide fiduciary oversight. An Executive Board will meet more frequently (quarterly) to manage the Centre’s affairs and in the initial phase to help it build alliances with other institutions and raise finances. All appointments to the Centre will be approved by the Board of Trustees.

6. It is necessary for all people associated with the Jinnah Centre to agree on broad principles for its conduct. This will harmonise the interests and expectations of the Pakistan Government on the one hand with the requirement for independence of the management of Jinnah Centre’s on the other. These principles will in no way be compromised. All appointments including those of Trustees will accept these. The principles may include provisions such as:

• It will in no way compromise the fundamental values of Pakistan.
• It will work for an improved image of Pakistan.
• Its work will not denigrate any religion, belief or culture.

Financing

7. An enterprise as elaborate as the Jinnah Centre faces funding challenges. The Government will contribute through the property at 2315 Massachusetts Avenue. The building will require interior adjustments, renovation and perhaps structural support. Setting up the database hardware, a library and purchase of furniture and office equipment will require additional expenditure. Per annum expenses will depend on its scope of activities.

8. Possible sources of funding for recurring expenditure are many and include the following:

• Pakistani community in USA: They have a stake in close Pak-US relations as much as it impacts their own prospects in USA. They may also be interested in special projects of importance for them. The Centre will provide the opportunity for Pakistani Americans to remain connected with their country of birth or ancestry.

• Multilateral institutions: It is not uncommon for the World Bank to provide capacity enhancement assistance in the field of economics or public policy. World Bank may likely fund a Chair or a project.

• Foundations in USA. It is possible to find some who are interested in strengthening relations between the West and the Islamic world.

• Corporate sector of USA and Pakistan who have a stake in closer Pak-US relations.

• Individuals in Pakistan.

9. The Centre will need funding for its operations on a recurring basis. For it to remain sustainable, it is necessary to explore all funding possibilities. The magnitude and recurring nature of the funding for Jinnah Centre necessitates a broad based approach.

10. Broad-based funding sources should not affect the Centre’s credibility. Its continued relevance will depend on the quality of output.

11. The Government and other contributors will expect the best use of their support. Competent staffing and performance review by the Board of Trustees will be the first step in ensuring it. A sub-Committee of the Trustees will be responsible for fiduciary oversight.

12. It is necessary to clarify to all stakeholders of the Centre that GOP/Embassy of Pakistan will retain title to the property at 2315 Massachusetts Avenue. A side agreement will ensure unrestricted use of the property by Jinnah Centre.

Credibility, Excellence and Independence

13. For the Centre to achieve its objectives it is necessary that its output develop a reputation for excellence. The structure of the Centre, the quality of its Board and staff will ensure it along with frequent review of performance.

14. Government and the Embassy will ensure that the Centre aligns with its goal and does not compromise its principles through effective representation on the Board of Trustees and the Executive Board as well as through targeted financing.

Views/Suggestions of the Community

• The Government of Pakistan should donate the old Chancery (which would be renovated) to a ‘Jinnah House Foundation’ and allow it to function as an autonomous facility. The government would provide the initial capital to set up the Center after renovating it fully and would provided a minimum fix (in real terms) annual allocation so that budgetary fluctuations do not constrain the Centre’s activities.

• An Autonomous Board of Trustees should manage Jinnah House along the lines of the Kennedy Center and the Wilson Centre (Smithsonian) and should be run by small team of managers and support staff headed by a full time Director appointed by the Board of Trustees. Initial endowment of Jinnah House would be based on a founder donation of $ 10,000 or more.

• An action plan envisages the Jinnah House being inaugurated by the third quarter of 2005.

• The Center should be a multifunctional institution in partnership with the local community. It should be geared for a long term educative and cultural impact and also closely involve both Pakistani and American community in the US. It would highlight Jinnah’s personality and achievements. An extensive library on the Independence Movement should form part of the Jinnah Centre. There would be permanent and visiting exhibition on culture, commerce and geography, history, alongwith cultural shows. Donations of books and publications could be an important source. There would also be residents and visiting scholars working on or interested in Pakistan’s history current affairs and policy.

• There could be various ‘Galleries’: Gallery of Folk Arts and Crafts of Pakistan; permanent Art Gallery ; contemporary Art Gallery; annual Book Fair; Urdu Language Classes; Pakistani Music Workshops; free distribution materials; a Tourist Information Center. The Jinnah Center could be split up into the following:-

  • a) Jinnah Exhibit / Museum

  • b) Bookshop / Gift shop / Tourism Information

  • c) Multimedia / Audio Visual Center

  • d) Conference Center

• The Center could also host Pakistani artists, writers, filmmakers, poets, singers, actors, fashion designers and intellectuals from both Pakistan and the US.

• Keeping all these activities in mind the Center should have a permanent event coordinator as well as a Curator to organize the events and exhibitions.