The Lahore Resolution as it was called at that time had been a successful culmination of the long struggle by the Muslims of the sub-continent for their emancipation from the British colonial rule. After passage of the Resolution, it took about seven years to give final shape to the new state of Pakistan, which has been described by the historians as a unique and unparalleled event in the history of contemporary world.
The Muslims, who had ruled India for over five hundred years, lost their power to the Britishers in the 18th century and thereafter, they were subjected to worst-type of ill-treatment and repression by the British rulers, particularly after the failure of War of Independence in 1857. The Hindus also sided with the British rulers and made all-out efforts to harass the Muslims whom they considered aliens, intruders and usurpers of their land.
The Muslims however, were for some time allured into the Congress politics but later were disillusioned with the Congress as they concluded that Congress was primarily a Hindu party committed to work for the welfare and uplift of the Hindus and their promises to the Muslims for equal treatment were false and deceptive.
The Muslims, therefore, formed their own political party, the All Indian Muslim League, in 1906 to struggle for the realization of their political, social and economic rights. As the freedom struggle progressed, the Congress by its hostile politics against the Muslims deeply antagonized them and thus sharp political differences developed between the Hindus and Muslims regarding future of India that could never be controlled until the sub-continent was divided into separate Hindu and Muslim states.
Since its establishment the Muslim League engaged itself in hectic political activities fighting two strong enemies, the British rulers and Hindu leaders. Nevertheless, the Muslim League was infused with a renewed vigor and enthusiasm when the emerging leader barrister Muhammad Ali Jinnah joined the party around 1013 and took over its reins. The Muslim League, under the charismatic leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who was bestowed upon the title of the Quaid-e-Azam (the Great Leader) by the Muslims in 1937, turned out to be a strong force to be reckoned with.
The credit goes to the Quaid-e-Azam that Muslims, who were hitherto considered a minority, were then recognized as a nation by the British rulers and by Hindus as well, though reluctantly. The Muslims journey to the freedom then took its course steadily to March 23, 1940 when the historic session of the Muslim League was held and Pakistan Resolution passed.
The session, which was presided over by the Quaid-e-Azam, was attended by a large number of Muslims, unprecedented in the history of the party. The Quaid-e-Azam spoke at the session for about two hours in which he dwelt at length on the Hindu-Muslim relations, marred by inimical behavior of the Hindus, anti-Muslim politics of the Congress and Hindu mindset. He categorically and emphatically announced that the Muslims of the sub-continent were a nation by any definition.
As the Quaid-e-Azam appeared on the dais, he was greeted by slogans of Allah-o-Akbar (Allah is Great) and Pakistan Zindabad (Long live Pakistan). The Quaid-e-Azam spoke in English language, though majority of his audience did not know English, but they patiently and attentively listened to their leader as they believed what he said could only be for their well-being. That was an ample evidence of great trust and confidence the Muslims had reposed in the Quaid-e-Azam.
The Resolution was moved by Sher-e-Bengal (Lion of Bengal) Maulvi Fazlul Haq, the then Prime Minister of united Bengal and was approved unanimously. The essence of the Resolution was establishment of Pakistan as confirmed by later developments. With the passage of Pakistan Resolution, the goal was clearly set and a direction provided that could be only materialized by a steadfast and unyielding leader like the Quaid-e-Azam.
The year 1947 had been in particular crucial in the history of the sub-continent vis-à-vis Pakistan, which saw fast developments taking place toward emergence of two states of Pakistan and India. The plan for partition of India was formally announced by last Vice Roy Lord Moutbatten on June 3. Two boundary commissions were appointed by the government headed by Sir Cyril Radcliff to work out national boundaries of the two new states.
The Radcliff’s Award, however, had not been just and fair to Pakistan, particularly its decision to award the strategic Muslim majority Gurdaspur District of the Punjab to India. The decision seemed to have been maneuvered by Hindu leaders as Pakistan had been a bitter pill for them to swallow. So they made last ditched efforts in connivance with Lord Mountbatten, who had been a family friend of Nehrus, and displeased with the Quaid-e-Azam for his refusal to accept the Lord as joint Governor General of India and Pakistan. But the Quaid was prepared to accept Pakistan even in that condition just to defeat the ego of Hindu leaders and the British rulers, as well.
The Indian government’s ill will toward the newly created Pakistan was manifested by their heinous acts like withholding and refusing Pakistan’s shares in national assets and services, military occupation of states of Hyderabad, Junagarh and Kashmir in violation of the agreed formula, genocide of the Muslims in eastern Punjab, their forced exodus from their homes, and arson and loot of their assets. The aim and object of the Indian government had been nothing but to destabilize Pakistan and force upon its dissolution. But Pakistan was destined to live despite all ill designs of he adversary India. It was because of blessings of Allah Almighty, resolve of its leadership and courage and determination of its people that Pakistan was able to surmount all hardships and difficulties, face the Indian threat boldly and bravely, establish viability and sovereignty of the state, and lead the nation to peace, progress and prosperity.
Sadly, Pakistan has been faced with a grave situation and multifaceted hazards for the past few years, particularly since 9/11 event, that have made it focus of global strife by virtue of its strategic location. The sovereignty and integrity of the country has been jeopardized by the covert and overt designs and onslaughts of the complex forces.
The entire nation valiantly and steadily fights against the hostile forces, as they have proved their mettle on various occasion in the past. The commemoration of 23rd March should work as a flashback for the people of Pakistan and take them to the heroic freedom struggle of the Muslims of the sub-continent culminating in passing of Paksitan Resolution. They must get inspiration from the unique spirit of unity, harmony and sacrifice by their forefathers that enabled them to overpower their enemies and to emerge as a great nation. Those are the traditions and principles, bequeathed to them by the freedom-lovers and that can only serve as a beacon for them to preserve the survival, independence and solidarity of their country.
