Knowledge of Jinnah’s poor health could have affected the course of events, leading to Partition (Photo: Agencies). Two Mumbai-based Parsi doctors have been posthumously nominated for Pakistan’s highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, for keeping Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s terminal illness confidential before Partition. The award is scheduled to be conferred at a ceremony in March 2027.Dr Jal Ratanji Patel and radiologist Dr Jal Dhaybho-Koo had examined Jinnah’s X-ray in 1946 and diagnosed him with advanced tuberculosis. According to Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre’s book, Freedom at Midnight, the doctors concluded that Jinnah had only a year or two to live. Despite the seriousness of his condition, the doctors maintained professional confidentiality.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesPakistan’s federal minister for planning and chairman of its Awards Committee, Ahsan Iqbal, said their secrecy amounted to a “quiet but extraordinary service”. He argued that knowledge of Jinnah’s poor health could have affected the course of events leading to Partition.Iqbal cited former Viceroy Lord Mountbatten’s later assertion that, had he known how seriously ill Jinnah was, he might have delayed Partition. The minister said the doctors’ adherence to professional confidentiality inadvertently contributed to the circumstances that enabled the creation of Pakistan.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘No Respect For Court’: Arrest Warrant Against Mahua Moitra In Hate Speech CaseUS Envoy Calls J&K ‘Important Part Of India’ During 1st Kashmir Visit After Article 370 AbrogationPatna Erupts As Tejashwi Yadav Detained During RJD March Over Siwan AK-47 And Paper Leak RowPakistan’s 2 AM Panic Over Operation Sindoor Documentary: Pak Army Calls It ‘Tragedy & Comedy’Kolkata Hotel Fire Kills 9, Six Injured; 80 Rescued As Safety Norms Face Serious QuestionsSupreme Court To Form Panel On July 20 Clash, Examine Police Force And Alleged Pellet Gun UseManipur Shuts Down For 48 Hours As NRC Demand Intensifies Ahead Of 2027 Census DeadlineAAP Leader Satyendar Jain Arrested In Delhi Jal Board ‘Corruption’ Case; Kejriwal Hits Out At BJPTrump Praises India’s Voter ID System, Pushes Same In US, Puts CEC Gyanesh Kumar In SpotlightBihar Transfers 18 Top Cops, Including Siwan SP, Amid Row Over AK-47 Use During Student Protest123Photostories5 easy-to-do beauty secrets that make you look effortlessly expensiveOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals whether you’re judgmental or too hard on yourselfBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the showStop saying sorry for choosing yourself: 7 things every woman should never feel guilty about, according to Ankur WarikooWhy do Indian brides wear black beads on their mangalsutra? The tradition, belief, and symbolism explainedFrom Orry to Rubina Dilaik, Gaurav Khanna and others: Net worth of popular Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 contestantsLung cancer story is changing in India: Why doctors are looking at the air we breathe, not just the habits we have7 Signs your body is telling you to get more restSnake in the house during monsoon? 7 things you should NEVER doSharvari’s powder-blue Stella McCartney’s look is proof that power dressing can be soft and striking123Hot PicksSugar importBank holidays this weekAzam KhanCSBC resultJharkhand ProtestJSSC-CGL exam cancelledGold rate todayZepto internshipTN maternity leaveTop TrendingKiren RijijuBengaluru MurderRahul GandhiBhopal MurderKerala MurderKiren RijijuAbhijeet DipkeSatyaki SavarkarBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir
Two Mumbai-based Parsi doctors have been posthumously nominated for Pakistan’s highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, for keeping Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s terminal illness confidential before Partition. The award is scheduled to be conferred at a ceremony in March 2027.Dr Jal Ratanji Patel and radiologist Dr Jal Dhaybho-Koo had examined Jinnah’s X-ray in 1946 and diagnosed him with advanced tuberculosis. According to Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre’s book, Freedom at Midnight, the doctors concluded that Jinnah had only a year or two to live. Despite the seriousness of his condition, the doctors maintained professional confidentiality.
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Pakistan’s federal minister for planning and chairman of its Awards Committee, Ahsan Iqbal, said their secrecy amounted to a “quiet but extraordinary service”. He argued that knowledge of Jinnah’s poor health could have affected the course of events leading to Partition.Iqbal cited former Viceroy Lord Mountbatten’s later assertion that, had he known how seriously ill Jinnah was, he might have delayed Partition. The minister said the doctors’ adherence to professional confidentiality inadvertently contributed to the circumstances that enabled the creation of Pakistan.