Historic Struggle for Pakistan (1857 - 1947)

The foundation of Pakistan lies in the political awakening of Indian

Muslims, initiated after the failure of the 1857 War of Independence.
This period marked the struggle for cultural, social, and political
identity for Muslims, culminating in the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
The War of Independence (1857 A.D.)
The 1857 revolt was a collective uprising against British rule, where
Hindus and Muslims initially collaborated. Post-failure, Hindus
aligned with the British, leaving Muslims to face severe repression,
confiscation of property, and exclusion from government roles,
which worsened their social and economic conditions.
The Singular Achievement of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan played a pivotal role in uplifting Muslim
morale by focusing on education, social reform, and political
awareness. His efforts led to the establishment of Aligarh College in
1877, promoting modern education to counteract Muslim
marginalization in governance.
Anti-Muslim Movements
Movements like Arya Samaj aimed at reviving Hindu supremacy and
ousting Muslims from India. Hindus opposed Urdu and sought its
replacement with Hindi in Devnagiri script, creating tensions. The
Indian National Congress, established in 1885, further alienated
Muslims by promoting Hindu political dominance.
Demand for Separate Electorate
In response to Hindu dominance in legislative representation,
Muslims sought separate electorates to protect their political and
cultural identity. This demand gained momentum after the Bengal
Partition of 1905, leading to the historic Simla Deputation in 1906.
Setting-up of All-India Muslim League
To safeguard Muslim interests, the All-India Muslim League was
established in 1906. It successfully advocated for separate
electorates through the 1909 Indian Legislative Act, asserting the
distinct identity of Muslims in political matters.
Khilafat Movement
After World War I, the abolition of the Turkish Caliphate led to the
Khilafat Movement. Initially aligned with Congress for non-
cooperation with the British, the movement collapsed after Gandhi
called it off following the violent Chaura Chori incident in 1922,
deepening the Hindu-Muslim divide.
14-Points of Quaid-i-Azam
In response to the rejection of Muslim amendments to the Nehru
Report (1928), Quaid-i-Azam presented his 14-Points, outlining
Muslim demands such as separate electorates, one-third
representation for Muslims in the legislature, equal provincial
autonomy, and safeguards for Muslim culture, religion, and political
rights. These points became the foundation of the Muslim political
struggle.
The Historical Allahabad Address of Allama
Mohammad Iqbal
In 1930, Allama Iqbal proposed the creation of a separate Muslim
state in Muslim-majority areas, emphasizing the importance of
Islamic values for the betterment of humanity. This vision inspired
Muslims, particularly the youth, and gave momentum to the
movement for Pakistan.
The Anti-Muslim Policies of the Provincial Congress
Governments
Under Congress governments post-1937 elections, Muslims faced
oppression, including the adoption of “Vande Mataram” as a national
anthem, anti-Muslim riots, and Hindu nationalist tactics. This
reinforced the Muslim resolve for a separate nation, culminating in
the “Day of Deliverance” celebration when Congress ministries
resigned in 1939.
Historic Resolution of the Sind Assembly
In 1938, the Sind Assembly rejected the federal system under the
1935 Government of India Act and called for a constitutional
framework ensuring Muslim independence. This resolution further
solidified the demand for a separate Muslim state.
Pakistan Resolution
Adopted in Lahore in March 1940, the Pakistan Resolution formally
demanded the establishment of an independent Muslim state in
Muslim-majority areas. It unified Muslims under a single goal,
sparking nationwide efforts for Pakistan’s creation.
Different Proposals of the British Government and
the Demand for Pakistan
Various British plans, including the Cripps Mission (1942) and Wavell
Plan (1945), failed to satisfy Muslim demands due to Congress
opposition and inadequate provisions for Muslim independence.
Quaid-i-Azam insisted on Pakistan as the only viable solution to
Hindu-Muslim tensions.
The Conclusive Elections of 1945-46
The Muslim League’s overwhelming success in these elections,
winning all Muslim seats in the Central Assembly and the majority in
provincial legislatures, proved it was the sole representative of
Indian Muslims. This bolstered the demand for Pakistan as a
separate state.
Interim Government
In response to Congress’s rejection of the Cabinet Mission Plan, the
Viceroy invited the Muslim League to join the interim government.
Despite tensions over ministerial distribution, the Muslim League’s
performance, especially Liaquat Ali Khan’s revolutionary “Poor Man’s
Budget,” was praiseworthy, surpassing that of Congress ministers.
Division of India
Lord Mountbatten proposed the Partition Plan, approved on June 3,
1947, which divided Bengal, Punjab, and other regions through
referendums. Despite Muslim-majority areas like Gurdaspur being
unjustly allotted to India, Pakistan was established amidst large-
scale violence, massacres, and displacement of millions.
Emergence of the Largest Muslim Country
Pakistan emerged on August 14, 1947, as the largest Muslim-
majority state, thanks to leaders like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Allama
Iqbal, and Quaid-i-Azam. Despite challenges, Pakistan was founded
on the Two-Nation Theory, emphasizing Islamic identity and national
unity.
Two-Nation Theory
The Two-Nation Theory highlighted the unbridgeable differences
between Hindus and Muslims in culture, religion, and values. Quaid-
i-Azam emphasized that Muslims were a distinct nation by
international law, leading to the formation of Pakistan in Muslim-
majority areas in 1947.
Kashmir Issue
Jammu and Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region, was unjustly
occupied by India through military aggression. The Kashmiri people
continue to resist this occupation, striving for self-determination in
line with the principles of the Two-Nation Theory.
Future Aspirations
Although Pakistan has developed significantly, achieving the status
of the world’s sixth atomic power, it is yet to fully realize the vision
of an Islamic democratic welfare state. The nation remains hopeful
for future generations to fulfill the dreams of Quaid-i-Azam and
Allama Iqbal.