Afia Ambreen
The final destiny of the Muslims which the Poet of the East had envisioned in 1930 became a reality after 1940. By then Muslim politics had taken a new and significant turn. The departure from the pre-1937 policy was remarkable. The Muslims no longer wanted an Indian federation. As the Congress traveled towards the idea of a united India, so did the League turn towards “Muslim Independence”. The Indian political situation had undergone a basic fundamental change. The value of freedom is fully appreciated only by those who are struggling for it. Hindus and Muslims had lived together in peace for centuries in the Subcontinent. After the British government imposed its hegemonic rule through the East India Company, cruelties, mass disturbance and uncertainty entered into South Asia. Hindus and Muslims became enemies of one another. A mass disobedience movement spread across India resulting in the War of Independence of 1857. In the beginning the two communities struggled for a united India. However, later the Muslims parted ways with the Hindus and hastened their efforts for a separate state. Actually the freedom struggle was initiated in 1857 but getting freedom is not an easy task. Our forefathers had rendered heavy sacrifices for Pakistan. Among the prominent Muslim leaders were Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar, Quaid-e-AzamMuhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
All India Muslim League was formed in 1906 and played a vital role in organizing the Muslims. The League held several meetings. A historic meeting held in Lahore’s Minto Park on 23rd March 1940 was presided over by Quaid-e-AzamMuhammad Ali Jinnah. It was here that the League passed Pakistan Resolution. It was demanded in the resolution that the Muslims of the Subcontinent wanted a separate homeland comprising Bengal, Punjab, NWFP, Sind and Baluchistan. 23rd March 1940 was a turning point in Pakistan’s history. It took only seven years after the Lahore Resolution for Pakistan to come into being under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-AzamMuhammad Ali Jinnah on 14th August 1947. This is why we celebrate 23rd March every year with great zeal. On this momentous day colourful military parades are simultaneously held in Islamabad as well in the provincial headquarters. The president confers highest awards on those who have earned names in their respective fields.
Pakistan faced serious problems at the time of its establishment. Among those the main ones were refugee, financial and administrative problems. It was predicted that the country would soon face a downfall. By the grace of Allah the wise leadership resolved all issues in time. Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan’s assassination in Rawalpindi; three consecutive wars against India over disputed Kashmir in 1948, 1965 and 1971; the tragedy of Bangladesh in 1971; martial laws and the four dictatorial regimes; the hanging of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and the death of Zia-ul-Haq in a plane crash were among the serious events seen by the country.
The preparation for Pakistan Day is on full swing in the federal capital. The contingent of Chinese military troops and Turkish military band will also participate in the parade of March 23. Overall, the country has made progress in all sectors and is cruising towards political stability, social prosperity and durable peace. Democratic norms are flourishing. Government, armed forces and politicians are on the same page regarding the country’s matters. Pakistan has become the sole nuclear power in the Islamic world. We have highly professional armed forces that can handle any untoward situation. Pakistan has seen tremendous economic development in the past years. Per capita income has gone up. Living standard of people has improved compared to neighbouring countries. The mega development projects launched recently would bring economic stability. The Pak-China Economic Corridor, a unique project of China, will usher in a new era of prosperity in the region. The modern highway and motorway projects launched by the current government will further improve the communication system. Education sector has been given a top priority. Rs71.5 billion have been allocated to higher education. Schools, colleges and universities are being built across the country to provide modern education. Efforts are on to bring modern teaching technology in the institutions. Health facilities have been extended to the far-flung areas. Hospitals are being equipped with modern testing and screening technologies. Pakistani doctors settled in Europe and America are willing to come back home. If the menace of terrorism is eradicated, Pakistan would be a paradise on earth. The authorities are urged to resolve the Afghan issue because it has been eating Pakistan from within. Also, the new generation is urged to play their due role and follow Quaid’s teaching. Pakistan has been facing an upsurge of terrorism recently and the law-enforcement agencies are working diligently to rid the country of this menace. After the success of the PSL this year, Pakistan Day celebrations will certainly mark a return of peace and stability to Pakistan.
