In the wake of the 1857 war’s failure, Muslims of the subcontinent, who had ruled for nearly 800 years, found themselves stripped of their civil, political, constitutional, and economic rights. The colonial rulers, having displaced the Mughal emperors under the guise of the East India Company, subjected Muslims to enduring inequality and discrimination. This period saw significant intellectual, political, and educational decay among Muslims, exacerbated by the colonial focus on socio-economic and educational advancement for Hindus.
Amidst this turmoil, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan emerged as a beacon of hope. As a renowned educationist, political thinker, and social reformer, Sir Syed sought to rejuvenate the Muslim community through educational, political, and social reforms. His efforts were inspired by the teachings of great religious leaders such as Mojadad Alf Sani and Shah Waliullah. Sir Syed’s vision aimed to counter the colonial propaganda and restore the Muslims’ intellectual and socio-economic standing.
“Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s reforms ignited an intellectual revolution among Muslims, paving the way for the eventual creation of Pakistan,” said Dr. Ejaz Khan, former Chairman of the International Relations Department at the University of Peshawar. He emphasized that Sir Syed’s work laid the foundation for Pakistan, a vision that was realized by leaders like Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan, Abdur Rab Nishtar, and Maulana Muhammad Ali Johar, among others, under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This collective effort culminated in the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s response to the socio-political decay was the establishment of the All India Muhammadan Educational Conference (AIMEC) in Aligarh in 1886. This organization was pivotal in promoting modern education, socio-economic empowerment, and political unity among Muslims, helping them to reassert themselves on the national stage. The educational institutions and political unity fostered by AIMEC enabled Muslims to compete effectively with other communities and laid the groundwork for a peaceful political struggle for a separate homeland.
The All India Muslim League (AIML), founded on December 30, 1906, in Dhaka, became a crucial platform for Muslim unity and independence. The movement gained momentum with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s involvement in 1913 and was further propelled by Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s articulation of the Two-Nation Theory in his historic 1930 Allahabad address. Iqbal’s vision of a separate state for Muslims resonated deeply and set a clear path for the independence movement.
The Pakistan Movement evolved through various phases, with a significant milestone reached in 1933 when Chaudhary Rehmat Ali proposed the name “Pakistan” during a high-level gathering in London. This pivotal moment was underscored by Rehmat Ali’s call, “Now or never or perish forever.” The name “Pakistan” and Iqbal’s address provided clear direction and motivation to Muslims across the subcontinent.
On March 23, 1940, the Muslims of India, under Jinnah’s leadership, passed the historic Pakistan Resolution at Iqbal Park in Lahore. Jinnah’s subsequent efforts to reorganize the AIML and mobilize support across Muslim-majority provinces were crucial in advancing the independence movement. His visits to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamia College Peshawar (ICP) in 1945 were met with enthusiastic support from the local populace, which was instrumental in securing a significant number of seats for AIML in the 1946 elections.
The dedication of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and their support for Quaid-e-Azam were pivotal in the success of the independence movement. The region’s contributions were recognized and celebrated by Jinnah, who visited ICP multiple times and acknowledged the institution’s role in the movement.
On April 12, 1948, as the first Governor-General of Pakistan, Jinnah visited ICP and praised its students for their contributions to the creation of Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of patriotism and constructive efforts in nurturing the new nation. His vision for higher education led to the establishment of the University of Peshawar in 1949, fulfilling his desire to support educational advancement.
Jinnah also recognized the crucial role of the tribesmen from the merged tribal districts (erstwhile FATA) and highlighted the need for their socio-economic development. His address to the Grand Tribal Jirga in Peshawar on April 17, 1948, underscored his commitment to education and technological advancement as vital for the nation’s progress.
Dr. A.R. Hilali, former Chairman of the Political Science Department at the University of Peshawar, notes that August 14 is a day to honor the sacrifices made by Muslims for a homeland where they could live with freedom and dignity. It is a time to pay tribute to the pioneers of the Pakistan Movement and commit to working towards the country’s prosperity and security.
Afsheen Gohar believes in the power of clear, straightforward writing. Her blog posts tackle everyday topics with relatable insights and easy-to-follow advice. With a conversational style, she makes complex subjects feel understandable. She’s dedicated to sharing knowledge and empowering readers to take action. Find her latest posts on trending in social.
