In August 1947 after a struggle led by Quaid-i- Azam and other pioneers, like Allama Iqbal, Maulana Zafar Ali, Maulana Mohd Ali Jauhar, Liaquat Ali, Haji Abdullah Haroon, Malik Barkat Ali, Nishtar, Fazalul Haq etc., that Pakistan was created to break shackles of colonial rule. The British Colonial Raj prevailed in India, with help of natives like Unionist Party of Punjab, and an Indian Civil Service and armed militias stationed in cantons on periphery of every city. India was ruled for the benefit of HM government, by transferring its natural reserves, minerals, taxes etc to London. All policy decisions were made in London.
In August 1947 two countries were created India and Pakistan. By 1950 India had approved its constitution, breaking all links as a dominion of HM. In 1952 PM Nehru moved to scrutinize all land holdings allotted by the Raj. All Absentee Land Holdings were cancelled and reallotted to those who tilled the land. Two objectives were achieved; one was to improve agricultural yields and the second was to ensure that those who collaborated with Raj no longer monopolized the corridors of political power.
It is unfortunate that even in 2026, all politicians in government and those associated with paid establishment continue to meet in London, whenever there is a crisis. The Indian subcontinent was colonized through intrigues and bribes by the East India Company after they landed on shores of India. It is rare that India’s politicians and paid establishment meet in London whenever there is a crisis. Unfortunately, after Quaid-i- Azam demise, political power was usurped and the remnants of British Colonial mindset took over. There is in place a New East India Company, and the ruling elite of Pakistan meet in London, where the fate of people of its people is decided. They own assets in London, and their children live and study there. They pay taxes to British Government, but seek tax exemptions in Pakistan, for self and the bureaucracy that works for them.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.
