An evolutionary process gave birth to Pakistan ideology. Historical knowledge acted as the foundation and Allama Iqbal offered the philosophical justification. Quaid-e-Azam interpreted it as a political reality. Besides, the Pakistani Constituent Assembly, by adopting Objectives Resolution in March 1949 gave it official legal status.

What is Ideology? Why is it Significant?

Any nation’s ideology represents the hopes and ideals of its citizens, and religion and culture influence their thought, which ties them together.

It is inevitable to build because a country is motivated by its ideology. Revolutions take shape thanks to ideology, which also gives rise to new civilizations and cultures. Besides, it provides a historical interpretation, a rationale for the present, and a forecast for the future.

Pakistan Ideology and Quaid-e-Azam

A leader who made history by influencing events is Muhammad Ali Jinnah, also known as Quaid-e-Azam. He exhibited a flair for political mobilization, imaginative leadership, and dedication to the cause. He truly embodied the definition of a charismatic leader.

Role of Jinnah – Pakistan Ideology

On March 8, 1944, Quaid-i-Azam delivered a speech at the Muslim University of Aligarh in which he stated,

“Indeed, Pakistan was created when the first Hindu embraced Islam—this occurred during a time when Muslims were not in power. Instead of state or ethnicity, Kalama-e-Tawheed is the cornerstone of Muslims. A new nation was created when a Hindu changed his faith and joined a different nation.“

Jinnah was instrumental in putting the Muslim demands into words. He overcame fierce resistance from the British and Hindus in pursuing them. He joined the Indian National Congress in 1906, which was the beginning of his political career. And then he joined the All India Muslim League (AIML) in 1913 after being elected to the Legislative Council in 1909. He was now affiliated with both political parties.
Jinnah left Congress in 1920 because he disagreed with Gandhi about the issues of Swaraj (self-rule), total independence from the British, and the use of extraconstitutional methods.

Also read: | Pakistan Ideology and Allama Iqbal

Lucknow Pact and Jinnah

The Lucknow Pact (1916) revealed Jinnah’s early attempts to advance Hindu-Muslim cooperation. The Hindus agreed to the demands of the Muslims:

1. Protection of minority rights
2. Separate Electorate
3. One-third Seats in Central Legislature

Nehru Report and Aftermath – Pakistan Ideology

The Nehru Report disregarded the recognized rights of Muslims. In 1929, Jinnah replied vehemently by outlining 14 Points. He outlined the characteristics of Muslims and motivated them in the name of Islam. Moreover, he persuaded others that Muslims are distinct from Hindus and Congress. In his lectures and pronouncements, he mentioned Islamic ideals, symbols, and values.

In February 1935, Jinnah referred to the Indian Muslims as a NATION (Legislative Assembly). He stated that a minority is a SEPARATE ENTITY when its culture, religion race, and other factors are combined. Furthermore, he said that Muslims and Hindus may reach an agreement as TWO Nations in Bombay in March 1936. He also said that there is a third party, the Muslims, in India in 1937. And then he exclaimed, “The Muslims and Hindus are two countries, and they are going to exist as a nation, and they are going to play a part as a nation,” in 1939.

Speeches and statements: 1940-47

As he claimed that Islam, being a dynamic force, can bring Muslims together. Jinnah had faith in the power of the religion. He believed that it could aid in resolving the current problem. It serves as a source of motivation and direction, offering a moral framework, social order, and civilization.

Guidance for constitution-making and Governance

Additionally, he discussed contemporary ideas of democracy, civil and political rights, the state, and the constitution. He pledged that the elected parliament will draught Pakistan’s constitution.

Modern democratic and Islamic State

He guaranteed religious minorities in the new state their freedom and liberties, as well as the equality of all people.