Lahore Resolution: Pakistan’s Epoch

Shagufta Waseem

In the history of our nation, the 23rdMarch is an important landmark. Undoubtedly, it is the most important event that not only changed the course of sub-continent history but also left deep impressions on the history of the world. It was this day in 1940 when the historic Lahore Resolution was passed which united the Muslims of the sub-continent for a greater objective. It then became part of the Muslim League’s constitution in 1946.Muslims of the sub-continent gained new courage and energy from this resolution, they gathered and started struggling for their freedom using the platform of the Muslim League. A number of Muslim scholars and leaders like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan struggled tirelessly for the economic, political, and social elevation of the Muslims being 25 to 30 percent of the population of British India. This resolution paved the way for the creation of Pakistan on 14thAugust 1947, under the charismatic leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, when Pakistan became the world’s first Islamic Republic.

The model of Muslims being a separate nation was given by the renowned poet and philosopher Dr. Muhammad Iqbal. In the same way the originator of the ideology of the Two-nations Theory by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, ultimately helped in the creation of Pakistan.

Quaid-e-Azam indeed was not the first to articulate the Two-nations Theory, but with the creation of Pakistan, he transformed it into a political reality.

The Quaid said “We are a nation with our own distinct culture and civilization, language and literature, art and architecture, names and nomenclature, sense of values and proportion, legal laws and moral code, customs, and calendars, history and tradition, aptitudes and ambitions; In short, we have our own distinct outlook on life and of life. By all canons of international law, we are a nation”.

Jinnah strongly believed that the true makers of Pakistan are young students. He once said that Pakistan is proud of her youth, particularly the students, who are nation builders of tomorrow. They must fully equip themselves by discipline, education, and training for the arduous task lying ahead of them.

He strongly recommended students to fruitfully utilize their energies, addressing a young group of students he said my young friends, I look forward to you as the real makers of Pakistan, do not be exploited and do not be misled. Create amongst yourselves complete unity and solidarity. Set an example of what youth can do. Your main occupation should be in fairness to yourself, to your parents, in fairness to the State, to devote your attention to your studies. If you fritter away your energies now, you will always regret it.

Quaid-e-AzamM. A. Jinnah on another occasion stressed the importance of education for nations; Without education, it is complete darkness and with education it is light. Education is a matter of life and death to our nation. The world is moving so fast that if you do not educate yourselves you will be not only completely left behind, but will be finished up.

It is prevalent that our forefathers went through a continuous struggle, determination, and sacrifices for an independent state, in which we are living in.

Each year, 23rdof March is serving as a reminder for us, showing the significance of our forefathers’ commitment and determination to get an independent state.

23rd March, is the day to cherish and remember. The Muslims of the sub-continent on this day made a commitment to achieve an independent state of their own. We at Bahria University, assure the commitment to work persistently for the prosperity of our institution and Country-Pakistan.