The freedom movement of
Pakistan from the British colonial rule had deep rooted ideological, religious
and political values, of which the common folks were conscientious and committed
to making it happened. Pakistan became a reality on 27th day of the Ramadan and
Muslims across the globe observe the months of Ramadan as a sacred months of
virtues and dedication to goodness so was the creation of Pakistan – a blessing
from Allah to the besieged people of the Sub-Continent. This was an unparallel
history-making event in modern times that a democratic Islamic movement
flourished for the good of the people. Yet, many sarcastic people could well ask
what if there was no Pakistan; could we have been better off than what we are
today? Responding to such delusional concerns is surely a logical answer that
Muslims have their own cultural, moral and intellectual identity articulating
their nationhood out of the overwhelming political fabrics of the non-believers
who dominated the Indian sub-continent. The Muslim national identity was
ingrained for centuries in this part of the globe, not a new element from
anywhere else. So why few confused minds should utter ugly remarks on the origin
of Pakistan? Islam and Pakistan are indivisible as are the role of most scholars
and common folks who were the heart and minds of the Pakistan foundational
framework. Pakistan is blessed to enjoin a strong framework of moral and
intellectual enlightenment derived the teachings of the Al-Qura’an. If someone
lacking knowledge wanted to discord this value, we are left without foundational
power to identify ourselves as Muslims and Pakistani. Some idealists foresee
abstract scholars poets and literary figures as the backbones of our movement
but the real strength of Pakistan rests with Islam and its values.
In history-making people enjoin varied and conflicting opinions. So were some of
the religious scholars at the time in British India, questioning the concept of
an Islamic Pakistan and asking if such a movement could succeed in a
predominantly Hindu-India. Those dedicated to the political imagination of
Muslim Pakistan were certain to achieve success but others secularists and
little-knowledge scholars had doubts if Indian Muslims could ever accomplish an
independent homeland of their own. Make no mistake, in human history and as the
Al Qura’an spells out “often few dedicated people could make the history with
the help of Allah to overcome large armies provided they hold strong their
commitment to objectives and demonstrate steadfastness.” This was the true
significance and outcome of the Pakistan freedom movement. The same expression
is offered by one Hindu author Surwal Mohwok (Indian Destiny), who agreed with
the concept of freedom for the Muslims in India. All historical movements
envisage discord and challenges as did Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who was alleged as
being secular but Jinnah knew well what he was upto and against many odds and
disbelief.
Faith and politics are not separate in Islam. Mohammad Ali Jinnah was a
committed intellectual and leader with a vision and integrity for the Muslims of
subjugated India. He knew how to encounter his critics and enemies at a time
when unity of Muslim was a supreme goal to pursue a successful freedom movement.
Undoubtedly, he tolerated differences of opinions and made friendship with his
worst opponents. This shows conscientious and effective leadership role-play.
Leaders of faith and values do make the difference and history-making events.
Iqbal, the visionary and intellectual pioneer of the idea of Pakistan challenged
the often diverse forces of ignorance with ideas and ideals to enhance the
comprehensive construct of a Muslim Pakistan. Do people of the succeeding
generations realize how so many dedicated their lifetime and efforts to achieve
what we have today? Most Pakistanis cannot imagine of challenges that these
pioneers of the Pakistan’s freedom movement encountered and dealt with
effectively. Pakistan movement had global implications so explained Jinnah
during his visit to the then Egyptian leaders living under foreign imperialism.
Coming of Pakistan would mean re-orientation of strategic focus and directions,
be it was India, Britain or Egypt. It would be a powerful force to enhance the
Islamic identity and presence in global political affairs. Some of these
encompassing facts of human life were not easily understandable to religious
scholars or other common observers within India. Jinnah and his colleagues had
an eye not just on the present but to the making of a promising future different
and favorable to the interests of Muslims. Those oppressed scholars and activist
under the pulse of time knew little about the history and future-making. Often
they saw Hindu domination a permanent illusion of force for the future. Not so,
human affairs do change and continue to change in all ages of human development.
The leaders of the freedom movement knew but others remained skeptical to their
world of thinking modes.
In many ways, Muslims are unique and morally and culturally significantly
observable than other social entities. It is the Faith and Unity of the Muslims
to the obedience of the commands of Allah and Islam as a way of life. How
unfortunate it is that some dreadful minds continue to question the vision and
integrity of Pakistan as a Muslim nation? One such group is actively pursuing
the discord is of Qadianis - who were14th-3 orchestrated by the British –Hindu
alliance and now supported by all the enemies of Islam and Pakistan. They buy
influence and sow hatred across the Muslim societies and often claim being
victimized by the Muslims. Nehru, the first Prime Minister always claimed of
India as having one Indian nation, not recognizing Muslims and others as
distinct people of nationalities. His dream to have one India was shattered by
the creation of Muslim Pakistan.
The succeeding generation of Pakistan must understand that fight for the freedom
of Pakistan was not like book writing and having coffee–table discussions. The
leaders of the Muslim League had to face divergent challenges on many tormenting
fronts to pursue their national aims. The author of Freedom at Midnight raises
many abstract issues and disinformation about Pakistan. Beside tough Hindu
political mentality, were the British rulers like the last Viceroy Lord Mount
Batten. Nehru and Mount Batten had planned to see him assume the role of a
single Governor General of India-Pakistan even after the freedom. This meant,
that soon Pakistan could be re-observed into the Indian political hegemony. Not
so, Jinnah and his colleagues refused and viewed this as anti-Pakistan freedom
proposition and rejected it. Originally, the freedom of India was set for June
28, 1948 but Mount Batten and the Indian Congress conspired to undermine the
interests of the Muslims and hurriedly changed it into August 14-15, 1947
without making appropriate security support arrangements for the law and order
and protection of the masses. The sudden change disrupted millions and made
millions to lose life and habitats by the extreme Hindus and Sikhs and others.
Muslims made precious sacrifices to achieve the national freedom. More than
sixty years later, the present generations cannot imagine what challenges were
stalling the ultimate purpose at the peak of freedom in 1946-1947. No matter
where Muslims reside, their identity is enriched with the faith and its
practical values. Time, impulse of history and contemporary challenges demands
from Muslims to articulate the force of UNITY and Faith to be One Nation.
Throughout history Muslims have been tolerant of differences and obstruction
without demeaning others. If there was no Pakistan, today Muslim would have lost
their social, moral, political and cultural identity under foreign domination
and hegemonic politics. If we return to our originality of the foundation of
Pakistan and become ONE Nation, nothing can divide arithmetically ONE- the
Muslim Nation.