By: Ali Basit
ISLAMABAD, March 22: As Pakistan prepares to celebrate the 82nd anniversary of Lahore Resolution, itis vital to shed light on the event that changed the course of history in the subcontinent. As “Magna Carta” laid the foundation stone of people’s power in Great Britain, thepledge made on 23rd March 1940 at the erstwhile Minto Park, for decades, serves as acornerstone for Pakistan’s socio-political culture. The Nation must utilize this moment torevisit the ideology and thought behind the historic resolution. 23rd March, revives theessence of nationalism among common people of Pakistan. As we breathe in a free country today, tribute must be paid to the ones who sacrificed their present for us. Onthis historic day, the Nation must be reminded of Quaid’s words that defined thepurpose and meaning of Pakistan. This article reproduces the most relevant quotes ofthe presidential address of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah at the Lahore sessionof All India Muslim League that carved out an independent homeland for the Muslims ofSouth Asia. As the events highlighting bigotry and communalism unfold across the border, the Pakistani nation stands indebted to the vision and foresight of its foundingfathers. The Quaid said, “You may remember that we appointed a committee of ladiesat the Patna Session (1938). It is of very great importance to us, because I believe thatit is of absolutely essential for us to give every opportunity to our women to participate inour struggle of life and death.” The opening remarks of Quaid’s most important address advocated women’srights. He emphasized the essentiality of women’s participation in the socio-politicalstruggle and highlighted their achievements in the upbringing of All India MuslimLeague. Following the footsteps of the founding father, the Pakistan’s Armed Forceshave significantly ontributed in uplifting the slogan of women empowerment byinducting Pakistani women in various fields including medical, education and echnicalbranches of the Tri-services. Pakistani women in uniform has contributed a lot in serviceto the country. The first ever Pakistani Female Engagement team in any United Nations(UN) mission around the world received UN medals for serving in the PeacekeepingMission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo last year. A team of 15 Pakistaniwomen officers, received major recognition for being the first all-female group from Pakistan to serve in a UN peacekeeping mission. This service abroad for peacekeepingmissions brought an immense respect to Pakistan at the global level. At the same occasion, the Quaid further stated that, “We want that the BritishGovernment should in fact and actually meet the demands of the Arabs in Palestine.” Muhammad Ali Jinnah backed the plight of Palestinians eight decades ago. In his all- important address, he did not forget to show solidarity with Palestinian brethren. To date, Pakistan’s stance on Palestine is unchanged. On many occasions, PM Khanadvocated a Two-State solution according to the aspiration and wishes of the people ofPalestine. Pakistan should continue its equivocal diplomatic support to the cause andmust attempt to mobilize Muslim Ummah to resolve the crisis which has broughtenormous pain to the people of Palestine. Jinnah reiterated, “Musalmans are not a minority. The Musalmans are a nationby any definition. We find out that even according to the British map of India we occupylarge parts of this country, where the Musalmans are in a majority” Citing the work ofLondon Times and the letter of Lala Lajpat Rai to C.R Das, Quaid stressed on theseparate identity of Muslims of the Subcontinent. He validated the ‘Two Nation Theory’and presented colonials with a workable solution to maintain peace in the Subcontinent. Jinnah was well aware of the fact that Pakistan’s due to its peculiar geostrategiclocation and the hostile neighboring environment needs strong Armed Forces to protectits national interests. Among the Tri-Services, Pakistan Navy was thus designated as aninstrument to defend the maritime frontiers and interests of Pakistan. During wartimes, Pakistan Navy has always espoused high standards of professionalism and valour. In1965 war, Operation "Dwarka" launched by Pakistan Navy caused irreparable damageto Indian Navy, vehemently destroyed the Indian Radar system. In addition, Pakistan Navy’s submarine Ghazi moved its patrol to Bombay harbour to challenge enemy’s shipsnamely INS Vikrant and INS Mysore to dock out and get destroyed. This psychologicalfear of Ghazi adversely affected the Indian Navy’s operational maneuvers. Yet again inthe 1971 war, sinking of Indian warship Kukri brought an immense wartime casualty by PNS Hangor, is the only incident after WWII wherein any conventional submarine sanka Warship. Furthermore, the detections of Indian Navy submarine, after Pulwamamilitary standoff, by Pakistan Navy evidently portrays its effective employment strategycoupled with superior professional acumen.
