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Pakistan Resolution

Preamble

Pakistan resolution was the turning point in the history of Pakistan. It provides a way to the Muslims, leading to the destination of a complete independence.

Attitude of Hindus

Hindus clearly stated that they would not tolerate another community in India by saying:

"India belong to the Hindus and if Muslims wish to live in India, they should accept Hinduism."

The Hindus tried to destroy Muslim identity by introducing Hindi as a medium of education.

Congress Oppresion

The Congress neglected the Muslim in every field and supported the Hindus. It did not even recognize Muslim as a considerable party in India. In his address Nehru stated that:

"There are only two parties in the country, the Congress and the British."

According of Quaid-e-Azam:

"The sole aim and object of the Congress is to annihilate every other organization in the country."

Partition Proposals

By 1937, the political conditions of Sub Continent compelled the Muslim political leaders to seriously consider the partition of India. The idea of Indian partition was not a new one, a number of partition proposals had been forwarded previously by many Muslim leaders like Syed Ahmed Shaheed, Mohd Abdul Qadir, Allama Iqbal, Syed Jamaluddin Afghani, Abdul Halim Sharar etc.

Proposal Given by Allama Iqbal

The most reasonable proposal was given by Allama Iqbal. The poet, philosopher, while delivering his presidential address at the annual session of the Muslim League at Allahabad in December, 1930 said:

"India is a continent of Human beings belonging to different languages, having different religion, therefore, I demand the formation of separate Muslim State for the Muslims of India."

Chaudry Rehmat Ali’s Scheme

Chaudry Rehmat Ali proposed his scheme of partition of India. He declared:

"North of India is Muslim and we shall keep it Muslim. Not only that, we will make it a Muslim State…?

He coined the word ‘Pakistan’ in which ‘P’ stands for Punjab, ‘A’ stands for Afghanistan (N.W.F.P), ‘K’ for Kashmir, ‘S’ for Sindh and ‘tan’ stands for Baluchistan. The word ‘Pakistan’ itself means "The Land of Pure."

The Pakistan Resolution

In 1940, the annual session of Muslim League was held at Lahore in Minto Park (Iqbal Park), under the chairmanship of Quaid-e-Azam and a resolution was passed on 23^rd March, 1940. The resolution was moved by Bengal Chief Minister Maulvi Fazlul Haq and seconded by Chaudry Khaliq-uz-Zaman. It stated that:

"No constitution plan would be workable in this country or acceptable to Muslims unless it is designed on the following basic principles, viz, that geographically contiguous units are democrated into regions which should be so constituted, with such territorial adjustment as may necessary, that the areas in which Muslims are numerically in majority as in the North-Western and Eastern zones of India, should be grouped to constitute independent states in which the constituent units shall be autonomous and sovereign… adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards should be specifically provided in the constitution for minorities for the protection of their religion, cultural, economic, political, administrative and other rights."

Presidential Address of Quaid-e-Azam

The Quaid-e-Azam delivered a historic address at this moment highlighting the distinct national character of the Muslims of India. He said:

"Musalmans are not a minority as it is commonly known and understood. One has only got to look around even today, according to the British map of India, out of 11 provinces, 4 provinces where the Muslims dominate more or less are functioning not with standing the decision of the Congress High Command to non cooperate and prepare for civil disobedience. Muslamans are nation according to any difination of a nationand theymust have their homelands, their territory and their state. We wish to live in peace and harmony with our neighbours as a free and independent people. We wish our people to develop to the fullest our spiritual, cultural, economic, social and political life in a way that we think best and in consonance with our own ideals and according to the genius of our people."

Muslim Acceptance and Hindus Rejection of the Resolution

The resolution was unanimously accepted by the Muslims who had assembled the meeting place in a large number. The Hindu readers and newspaper raised a hue and cry after the resolution. They refused it and referred to the partition as "Vivisection of Motherland."

Gandhi said that:

"Dividing India was like dividing a cow."

Quaid-e-Azam warned the Hindus that:

"If the Hindus tried to get the whole of India they would loose the whole, but if they gave one-third to the Muslims they would get two-thirds."

Importance of Pakistan Resolution

The Pakistan Resolution is a land mark in the history of the Muslims of India.This famous resolution results in the creation of Pakistan. The acceptance of Pakistan Resolution strengthened the Two Nation Theory which was the basis of Muslim struggle for independence.

Conclusion

Pakistan Resolution was a demand for the protection and safeguard of the national identity of the Muslims. With the passage of Pakistan Resolution, the Muslims began to acquire new hope and confidence in their destiny. The resolution infused high spirits among the Muslims who were now determined to fight to the last minute for the accomplishment of Pakistan.

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