The Muslim struggle for freedom from the British rule and the Hindu domination in the sub-continent had already been started after the 'War of Independence' of 1857 had not been successful. The Muslims were suppressed and had no economic or religious freedom.
Their future had been almost dark. This was a matter of great worry for the Muslim intelligentsia of the time. Accordingly, in December 1906 the Muslim leaders from all over the subcontinent convened the "All India Muslim Educational Conference" at Dacca under the Presidentship of Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk. Sir Salimullah, the Nawab of Dacca, and many others proposed the formation of Muslim League, which was endorsed by Hakeem Ajmal Khan, Maulana Zafar Ali Khan and thus the All-India Muslim League came into existence.
Nawab Salimullah played a big role in the formation of the Muslim League, which was charged to protect and promote the interests of the demoralised Muslims, who got a strong platform to carry on their struggle for freedom for the Muslim emancipation.
On persuasion of Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk, the first President of the All India Muslim League, the Quaid-e-Azam was invited to join the Muslim League in 1913 to make it more vocal in its demand for a separate home-land for the Muslims, although he remained associated with the All India National Congress also till 1920. Accordingly, the historic 'Lahore Resolution' was passed at the Minto Park (now Iqbal Park), were stands the majestic 'Minar-e-Pakistan'.
The resolution was put forward by Fazalul-Huq, Premier of Bengal, and seconded by Chaudhry Khaliq-uz-Zaman. The Lahore convention was attended by the Muslims of all the political and the religious hues from all over India.
At this mammoth gathering, the Two-Nation theory was fully endorsed and the demand for a separate home-land for the Muslims, where they could lead their lives according to their faith and religious beliefs was fully endorsed.
The 'Lahore Resolution' proved a great turning point in the struggle for freedom demanding a separate homeland and it gained such a momentum throughout the country that it could not be suppressed by the British rulers and the Hindu Congress.
The Quaid-i-Azam had to travel far and wide in and out of the country and explained the meaning and urgency of Pakistan, where the Muslims could live without the Hindu domination and according to their own culture and religious freedom. Since then the 'Lahore Resolution' (also called Pakistan Resolution) is celebrated each year as 'Pakistan Day' to commemorate the 'Lahore Resolution'. On this day there is public holiday. Military and civil awards are given to the people for their outstanding work in their respective fields.
The Hindu Congress and the British rulers were opposed to partition of the Mother India, but the Quaid-i-Azam pleaded the necessity of Pakistan in such a convincing way that the British rulers and the Hindu Congress ultimately bad to yield to the Muslim demand for Pakistan. Thus the decades of struggle for freedom came to a glorious end on August 14, 1947, when Pakistan came into existence with the Quaid-i-Azam as the first Governor-General of Pakistan and Khan Liaquat Ali Khan as the first Prime Minister.
It was the fulfilment of the vision of Sir Syed Ahmed, the dream of Allama Iqbal and dozens of the other Muslim leaders and thinkers.
In the wake of its achievement, thousands of Muslims were uprooted, lost their lives, and property to reach their cherished homeland. In his quest for freedom, the Quaid not only sacrificed his lucrative legal practice, but also ruined his health condition that deteriorated to his hasty end.
As a leader Jinnah organised the disorganised and the disgruntled Muslim League by his matchless leadership, the type of which was greatly needed by the Muslims of the subcontinent of that day. He boosted the morale, united the divided factions to achieve their cherished goal. He infused a new enthusiasm and brought all the Muslims to one-voice in their demand for a new homeland, where the Muslims were in minority. He took extensive tours within the country and abroad to explain the goal of Pakistan, which envisaged educational, political, socio economic, and cultural uplift of the Muslims.
The Quaid was a leader of great integrity and had a deep insight into the politics of the subcontinent and the mind-set of his Hindu Congress that were never sincere in their commitments. He was honest to the core, iron-willed and firm in his determination. He was bold and unbending and his voice echoed in Courts and the public meetings. He was punctual to a minute, strict disciplinarian, and loved the students as they were the future custodians of the country.
Quaid's life has a message for all of us to make Pakistan invulnerable, encounter new challenges of time and the global politics. Pakistan can play a very vital part in the scientific and technological development in the Muslim world. It can induce and forge a new force of brotherhood among the torn Muslim Blocs to develop their natural re-sources for their benefit.
Undoubtedly, the Quaid had rare qualities of head and heart, which are given to very few people. When it came to serve, he served the Muslims with hand and foot. By his long vision, continues struggle at the cost of his personal life, he achieved for us not only Pakistan, but had also left a legacy of his wisdom to be followed by us, which is rare and gifted to only a few of his ilk. Alas! His untimely passing away on September 11, 1948, left us orphaned and the country open to a number of unsurmountable problems. But we have his moving spirit behind us, if we can pay heed to it.
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