AS a visionary statesman and the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah maintained a deep interest in the affairs of the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir. He viewed Kashmir not merely as a territorial issue but as a region intrinsically linked to Pakistan’s security, economy and national identity. His oft-quoted statement, “Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan and no nation or state would tolerate its jugular vein remaining under the sword of the enemy,” encapsulates his perception of Kashmir’s strategic significance.
The metaphor of the “jugular vein” has endured in Pakistan’s political discourse because it reflects the belief that Kashmir occupies a position of vital importance to the country’s survival and prosperity. Just as the jugular vein is essential to the circulation of blood in the human body, Kashmir has long been regarded as indispensable to Pakistan’s security and future. Quaid-i-Azam’s conviction on this issue was consistent with his broader confidence in the viability of the newly created state, famously asserting that “no power on earth can undo Pakistan.” Despite immense political opposition and challenges during the freedom movement, he successfully led the Muslims of the subcontinent toward the establishment of an independent homeland.
The strategic significance of Kashmir stems from its geographical location at the crossroads of South Asia, bordering Pakistan, India and China. Its position has made it central to regional security calculations and power dynamics. Equally important are Kashmir’s abundant water resources. The rivers originating in the region serve as lifelines for Pakistan’s agriculture, industry and overall economic stability. Any uncertainty regarding access to these waters inevitably raises concerns about Pakistan’s long-term security and development. Beyond geography and economics, Kashmir also occupies a prominent place in the cultural and historical consciousness of Pakistan. The religious, cultural and social affinities shared by many Kashmiris with the people of Pakistan have contributed to the emotional resonance of the issue. Furthermore, the Two-Nation Theory, which provided the ideological basis for the creation of Pakistan, reinforced the belief that Muslim-majority regions such as Jammu and Kashmir naturally shared a close relationship with Pakistan.
To better understand Quaid-i-Azam’s vision regarding Kashmir, it is useful to revisit his visits to the state and his engagement with its people. His first visit to Kashmir took place in 1926. Although primarily a private trip, it provided him with an opportunity to observe firsthand the political, economic and social conditions prevailing under Dogra rule. Quaid-i-Azam visited Kashmir again in 1929. During this visit, he met local leaders and sought a deeper understanding of the challenges confronting the people. Although both visits remained low-profile, they reflected his growing concern for the welfare and political future of Kashmir.
The political awakening of the Kashmiri people gradually gained momentum, culminating in the establishment of the All–Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in 1932. The organization sought to secure political and civil rights for the people of the state and represented an important step in their struggle against autocratic rule. Jinnah’s third visit to Kashmir, in 1936, was markedly different. By then, he had emerged as the undisputed leader of the Muslims of India. He received a warm welcome from Kashmiri leaders, including Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas. During the visit, he emphasized the importance of unity among Kashmiris; “Our Allah is one, our Prophet is one, our Quran is one”.
His fourth and final visit in 1944 proved to be the most consequential. Lasting more than a month, the visit took him to different parts of the state at a time when Kashmiri politics had become divided between the Muslim Conference and the National Conference. Invited by both parties, Jinnah addressed separate gatherings and interacted extensively with political leaders, students, lawyers, workers, journalists and ordinary citizens. His efforts were directed toward fostering political cohesion among Kashmiris and encouraging a united approach to their future. The visit left a lasting imprint on the political trajectory of the state.
The relevance of Quaid-i-Azam’s vision continues to be debated in contemporary times. Following India’s revocation of the special constitutional status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in August 2019 and its subsequent administrative reorganization of the territory, concerns have been raised regarding political representation, demographic changes and human rights conditions in the region. Similarly, recent tensions surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty have further highlighted the enduring importance of water security in South Asia.
Against this backdrop, Jinnah’s characterization of Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” acquires renewed significance. Whether viewed through the lens of geography, water resources, national security or historical identity, the issue of Kashmir remains deeply embedded in Pakistan’s strategic thinking. More than seven decades after independence, Quaid-i-Azam’s observations continue to influence the national discourse, underscoring the enduring connection between Pakistan and the unresolved question of Jammu and Kashmir.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
