PAKISTAN was created in 1947 as a response to the systemic inequalities Muslims faced during British rule in a Hindu-majority environment. The demand for a separate homeland was a culmination of decades of effort, starting from Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s advocacy for Muslim education to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s leadership. Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan remains a topic of debate: Was it meant to be a modern, democratic state with secular principles or a theocratic Islamic state?
Liberals often cite Jinnah’s August 11, 1947, speech to the Constituent Assembly, where he declared, “You are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques… That has nothing to do with the business of the State.” In contrast, religious conservatives highlight the Two-Nation Theory and Islamic principles to argue that Jinnah intended for Pakistan to be an Islamic state. However, Jinnah’s vision was more nuanced. He sought a balance between modern governance systems and Islamic values. Throughout his career, Jinnah emphasized the protection of minorities, even declaring himself the “Protector-General” of Hindus in Pakistan. This reflected his commitment to ensuring the safety and rights of all citizens.
Pakistan was founded on the Two-Nation Theory, which posited that Muslims formed a separate nation deserving of their own homeland. Jinnah viewed Pakistan as a beacon of Islamic values like justice, equality, and tolerance. While advocating for Islamic principles, he rejected theocracy. In an interview, he stated, “I do not want a theocratic state to be ruled by mullahs. Pakistan will be a modern state founded on Islamic principles of equality, justice, and tolerance.”
Jinnah’s actions as Pakistan’s leader further illustrate his inclusive vision. He appointed Jogendra Nath Mandal, a Hindu, as Pakistan’s first law minister, symbolizing progress toward minority representation. Despite the violence during partition, Jinnah worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all minorities. He also sought to establish good relations with India, expressing a desire to visit in his later years and making a defense pact with India to foster regional cooperation.
Jinnah’s vision was neither purely secular nor theocratic but a middle ground. Islam, to Jinnah, was not just a religion but a comprehensive way of life that included both spiritual guidance and practical governance. He sought to create a state where Islamic values of justice, compassion, and equality governed without infringing upon individual freedoms or minority rights.
Jinnah’s leadership exemplified pragmatism and inclusivity. He envisioned a state that would provide education, healthcare, and justice to all, regardless of religion or caste. He believed that Pakistan’s strength lay in its diversity and sought unity within that diversity. Jinnah’s legacy is a reminder of the importance of justice, equality, and inclusivity, values that are crucial to Pakistan’s progress today. In conclusion, Jinnah’s vision was of a balanced state, combining modern democracy with Islamic principles. His legacy continues to inspire Pakistan’s aspirations for a prosperous and inclusive future.
—The writer is a research analyst having keen interest in foreign policy, history, geopolitics and international relations.
