Overview
Pakistan emerged as an independent nation on 14th August 1947, making it one of the few ideologically planned countries across the world.
Just like every building needs an architect, various visionary leaders contributed to the creation of our beloved nation.
From the two nation theory by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, and the Ideation presented by Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal to the foundation laid by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan was truly privileged to have leaders so dedicated and committed to crafting this nation from an already existing one and bringing its flag to the face of this world.
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan — Founder of the two nation theory
Often referred to as the founder of two nation theory, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan spent his life working for the Muslim representation in the subcontinent, his work in establishing the Anglo-Oriental College (later the Aligarh Muslim University) stressed on the need for promoting education for Muslims.
His intellectual groundwork in defining Hindus and Muslims as two different entities led to the formation of the Pakistan Movement.
Allama Iqbal — The Ideological father
Allama Muhammad Iqbal, better known as the poet of the east, did not only contribute to diverse Persian and Urdu literature through his in-depth poetry and philosophy, but also presented his ideation for a separate Muslim homeland in his 1930 Allahabad Address.
During his speech he suggested the idea of Muslim state in the majority areas of Punjab, North Western Frontier Province, Sindh and Balochistan.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah — Quaid-e-Azam
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah can be simply defined as a person who brought the ideologies of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Allama Iqbal to life, not only did he faced extreme struggle in establishing a Muslim representation amongst others in the subcontinent but through his continued resilience successfully carved Pakistan into a reality.
Jinnah’s demonstration of leadership in the All India Muslim League, to his later 14 points, were all the steps taken in order to pass the Lahore resolution in 1940, resulting in the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
Like every canvas needs colours, Pakistan’s establishment required a lot of other people’s contributions as well.
Chaudhry Rehmat Ali — Coined P.A.K.I.S.T.A.N
Chaudhry Rehmat Ali was amongst the few who struggled to establish a separate homeland. His 1933 pamphlet “Now or Never” is a solid example of his contribution towards the creation of an independent nation. He was also the one who coined the name “Pakistan” an acronym, derived from the names of several regions within the British Raj; P for Punjab, A for Afghania (North-West Frontier Province), K for Kashmir, S for Sindh, and TAN for Balochistan.
Syed Amir-uddin Kedwaii — Designed the National Flag
Syed Amir-uddin Kedwaii was the leader of the committee that designed the national flag. Under his supervision the current national flag’s design symbolizes Islamic heritage, minority inclusion, progress, and enlightenment which was adopted 3 days prior to the Independence on 11th August 1947.
Hafeez Jalandhari and Ahmed Ghulam Ali Chagla — Contributed to the National Anthem
Pakistani National Anthem is accredited amongst one of the best composed national anthems across the world, with its lyrics written by Hafeez Jhalandhri majorly in Persian Language and melody composed by Ahmed Ghulam Ali Chagla, was selected by the National Anthem Committee in 1950, after which the nation welcomed this patriotic song.
Just like no dish is complete without its ingredients, Pakistan would not have come into being without the vision, courage, and dedication of these founding figures. Today on our Independence day lets take a moment to recognize the efforts of our forefathers and everyone who contributed to the creation of this beautiful nation that we all are proud of.
Happy Independence Day, Pakistan Zindabad!
