This photograph shows Lord Louis Mountbatten listening to Muhammad Ali Jinnah give a speech as the first governor-general of Pakistan on 14 August 1947. On this day, Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, formally transferred power from the British government to that of the newly created Pakistan. He gave a speech paying tribute to Jinnah as the new governor-general, and offered King George VI’s good wishes for the future of Pakistan. In his reply, Jinnah expressed Pakistan’s goodwill and friendship towards Britain, and thanked Lord and Lady Mountbatten for their kindness. Jinnah also stated his desire that Pakistanis should treat people of other religions with tolerance and respect, referencing the humane principles that Muslims traditionally follow. In doing so, Jinnah indirectly commented on the recent communal violence that had erupted as a result of Partition.  

About this Collection

This photograph is included in a collection of prints that the India Office Library & Records displayed at the 1976 Jinnah Exhibition in London. The photographs were obtained from a variety of sources, including the Pakistan High Commission, with the images recording the political career of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The collection also includes images of other notable figures, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Lord Louis Mountbatten and Lord Frederick Pethick-Lawrence.