Chapter # 1 Ideological Basis of Pakistan

1.3 Pakistan’s Ideology; In the light of Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam’s Speeches

1.3.1. Summarize the speeches of Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1946, speech at Islamia College, Peshawar; address on 23rd March 1940);

Summary of Allama Iqbal’s Allahabad Speech

Allama Iqbal spoke at the All India Muslim League session in Allahabad on December 30, 1930. In his speech, he called for a separate country for Indian Muslims. He was the first Muslim leader to propose this idea. Iqbal believed that Hindus and Muslims would struggle to coexist peacefully under Western democratic principles because Hindus outnumbered Muslims. He feared that in a united India, Muslims would be sidelined in politics and other areas.

Iqbal thought that forcing both communities to live together would lead to civil conflict and violence. Therefore, he suggested creating a separate Muslim state in the north-western regions of Punjab, NWFP, Sindh, and Balochistan. He saw this as the best political solution for India. Iqbal’s call for a separate homeland for Indian Muslims laid the foundation for the Two-Nation Theory, which is why he is honored as its founder in Pakistan today.

Summary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s speech at Islamia College, Peshawar

In 1946, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed the students of Islamia College Peshawar, urging them to join the Pakistan Movement and work towards the creation of Pakistan. Jinnah believed that establishing a separate homeland was the only path to salvation and true freedom for Indian Muslims. He saw the demand for a separate state as more than just acquiring a piece of Land; it was a means to demonstrate that Islam could serve as a universal source of guidance for humanity. Jinnah envisioned Islam as the foundation of Pakistan, distinguishing Muslims as a distinct nation from Hindus, making co-existence with opposing religious and ideological perspectives impossible. This summary of key speeches by Jinnah and Iqbal aims to provide a better understanding of their views on the Two-Nation Theory.

Summary of Quaid-e- Azam Muhmmad Ali Jinnah’s 1940 Speech at Minto Park in Lahore

On March 23rd, 1940, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah gave a significant speech at Minto Park in Lahore. He said that Hindus and Muslims are like two different groups, not just because of religion, but also because of their ways of life, customs, traditions, clothes, food, heroes, and even how they name things. He believed that these differences were bigger than what brought them together.

Jinnah pointed out that Muslims wouldn’t be treated fairly in a country where Hindus were in charge. So, as the leader of the All-India Muslim League, he supported the idea of having separate areas for Muslims, where they were the majority. He thought these areas should be in the northwest and southeast parts of India.

This speech was a big deal because it laid down the groundwork for the idea of Pakistan. It was about Muslims having their own country where they could live according to their beliefs and culture without being dominated by another group.