As we reflect on the 23rd of March, we are reminded not only of the historic moment that gave birth to the vision of Pakistan but also of the lofty ideals that our forefathers set before us. It was a vision inspired by a deep sense of unity, justice, and the desire to create a haven for Muslims in the subcontinent — a place where they could live freely, practice their faith, and flourish in their culture.
The Pakistan Resolution, passed on this day in 1940, was not originally intended to create a separate nation-state. In fact, it began as a call for more significant political representation and autonomy for Muslims in their majority regions. The term Pakistan was coined later and ironically, it was the Hindu leadership who first dubbed it as such. In doing so, they unwittingly gave shape to a movement that would ultimately lead to the creation of a new nation.
However, beyond the political maneuvers of the day, the true essence of this resolution lay in its ideological foundation — one that sought to unite the Muslims of the subcontinent under a common banner of faith, culture, and justice. This was never about land or territory; it was about a shared sense of identity and purpose, a vision where religious minorities, regardless of their numbers, would have their rights safeguarded.
The Dream of Our Founding Fathers
From the visionary poetry of Allama Iqbal to the steadfast leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the dream of Pakistan was always rooted in something greater than just a nation-state. Iqbal envisioned a world where Muslims, free from the shackles of colonialism, could live according to their principles, imbued with a sense of unity and moral responsibility. In his vision, Pakistan was not merely a geographical entity, but an ideological state — a beacon of hope for oppressed peoples everywhere.
Jinnah, with his unparalleled leadership, crystallized this vision into a practical reality. For him, Pakistan was not just a homeland for Muslims; it was a sanctuary for every marginalized and persecuted group. He spoke of a country where all religions would be treated equally, a place where justice and tolerance would reign supreme, free from the sectarian divisions and ethnic strife that plagued other parts of the world.
The Loss of the Ideological Compass
However, as Pakistan grew into the nation it is today, it seems we have lost our way. We have allowed ourselves to be consumed by the forces of ethnic racism, radical ideologies, and sectarianism. The spirit of unity that was meant to bind us together has been replaced by division. The harmony that was envisioned for all the regions of Pakistan — from Balochistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from Punjab to Sindh — has been marred by political squabbles and narrow nationalism. These forces have sought to redefine Pakistan not as a united ideological state but as a fragmented one, where ethnicity and sect become more important than the values of justice, unity, and freedom.
In the quest for political power, we have forgotten the very ideals that Pakistan was founded upon. Our unity as a nation, which was meant to transcend regional, ethnic, and sectarian boundaries, has been fractured. The fight, however, was never about land or regional dominance; it was always about standing united against oppression, upholding the principles of social justice, and creating a country where the downtrodden and marginalized could find a voice.
A Return to the Ideals of Our Founders
In these troubled times, we must remind ourselves of the Pakistan envisioned by Iqbal and Jinnah — a Pakistan that transcended ethnic and sectarian divisions. We must reclaim the dream of a united, just, and free nation. We must reject the forces that seek to divide us based on ethnicity, religion, or ideology. It is time to rekindle the spirit of unity that has always been the foundation of this nation.
This unity is not just about coexistence; it is about embracing a greater cause — a cause that calls for the empowerment of the oppressed, the protection of human rights, and the establishment of justice for all, regardless of their background or identity. In our pluralistic society, the true strength of Pakistan lies in its ability to unite diverse cultures, languages, and traditions under a common vision of justice and equality.
If we are to honor the legacy of our forefathers, we must reject the currents of radicalism and intolerance that threaten to tear us apart. Instead, we must stand firm in the belief that Pakistan was meant to be a beacon of hope — not just for Muslims, but for all those who yearn for freedom and justice. We must remember that Pakistan was not just created for Muslims, but for all those who believed in the universal values of humanity, justice, and equality.
Also See: Legacy and Paradox: Contemporary Relevance of Two-Nation Theory
The Way Forward: Unity in Diversity
The question we must ask ourselves today is simple yet profound: Can we return to the vision of Pakistan as an ideological state? Can we reject the forces that divide us and instead work toward a nation that truly reflects the ideals of our founding fathers?
The answer lies in our collective will. If we stand united, rejecting sectarianism and embracing our shared values of justice, tolerance, and unity, we can reclaim the true spirit of Pakistan. A Pakistan that is not divided along ethnic, religious, or political lines, but one that stands as a beacon of hope and progress for all.
Pakistan’s future depends on whether we can rise above our differences and come together as one nation, united in our common purpose — to live up to the lofty ideals of our forefathers and create a nation that is not just strong in its military and economy, but also in its moral foundation.
Pakistan Zindabad, Pakistan Paindabad! Let us stand together, as one people, one nation, united in the pursuit of justice and the fulfillment of the great vision that was set before us.
