Hassam Ahmed Siddiqi
23 March 1940 holds a greater signifi
cance in the history of Pakistan as it
paved the basis for Muslims of the subcontinent to dream of a separate homeland. Pakistan resolution was passed in Minto Park Lahore and the founding leader of this beloved homeland Quaid Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his address formally and passionately demanded a separate country based on the concept of the Muslim nationhood.
Pakistan Resolution moved by AK Fazl-e-Haq stated that “No constitutional plan would be workable in this country or acceptable to Muslims unless it is designed on the following basic principle, namely, that geographically contiguous units are demarcated into regions which should be so constituted, that the areas in which the Muslims are numerically in majority, as in the north-western and eastern zones of India, should be grouped to constitute independent states in which the constituent units shall be autonomous and sovereign”.
The idea and vision of a separate Muslim homeland presented by Allama Muhammad Iqbal in his address to Muslim League at Allahabad in 1930 was practically approved by Muslims of the subcontinent on this day. Greater struggle of Muslim leaders was initiated from this day onwards where they had to fight Hindus and Britishers for a separate homeland. Pakistan came into being on 14 August 1947 after countless sacrifices given by Muslims of subcontinent. The vision of Jinnah succeeded and its relevance was projected on multiple occasions since independence.
Yet, Pakistan still lacks behind to become Jinnah’s envisioned Pakistan. Our strength lies in our diversity, yet we are divided in provincialism, racism and cast system. Our religion teaches us tolerance and acceptability yet we are perceived as one of the most intolerant and extremist nations around the globe. Intolerance and extremism have impacted the objectivity of this nation to the level, that now we no longer tend to rationalize the facts.
Our social fabric has been divided into two extremes. Firstly, there is an extremist religious class who interprets religious teachings according to their own defined interests completely ignoring the fact that Islam is the religion of peace. Secondly, a secular and liberal class tends to speak against the ideological identity of Pakistan creating hatred and confusion within the society against the state and its institutions. Religious extremists depict State of Pakistan as enemy of Islam and combatant ally of the West. Secular and liberal extremists present Pakistan and its state institutions as promoter of Jihad culture, extremism, sectarianism, and by holding directly or indirectly responsible for terrorism. Their efforts are specifically focused on criticizing state’s security institutions and defaming them while holding them responsible for any mis-happening across the country. Both religious and liberal extremists are bent upon to create identity crisis, yet they fail to do so due to moderate beliefs of masses within the society.
Pakistan is destined to become a diverse and progressive state which is envisioned by every single individual who dedicates himself for progress and prosperity of this nation. Despite facing loss of more than 70,000 human lives and $100-Billion-dollar economy over last two decades in war against terror, we still are a resilient nation trying to overcome difficulties and stand as a dignified nation across the globe. Over 95,506 people lost their lives in Kashmir since January 1989 yet slogan of “Kashmir Banega Pakistan” and “Hum Pakistani hain-Pakistan Hamara hai” is still being chanted across occupied Kashmir. They believe in standing in the name of Pakistan and bear sacrifices of their lives rather than surrendering to Indian illegal occupation.
It is beyond doubt that Pakistan is surrounded by problems across all the spheres, yet 23rd March 1940 reminds of the struggle that people of sub-continent did to create a separate homeland for Muslims. It is now our duty and responsibility to work tirelessly for the progress of this state. Our identity of being a Pakistani makes us one nation which is beyond our diverse ethnicities, religious beliefs and sectarian differences. Pakistan is the land of peace. It’s a land of rich culture and heritage. Our journey from terrorism to tourism highlights this nation’s firm resolve to stand strong despite being tested multiple times by the enemies of this state. Our continued journey towards peace, progress, prosperity and diversity affirms this nation’s resolve to work determinedly for making Pakistan one of the greatest nations of the world.
—The writer works at Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
