Pakistan was founded as a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent, where equality, justice, and fair play could be the guiding principles but was lost in the wilderness within a short span of just 5 years. Its founder, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, succumbed to an ailment only after 13 months, and his ablest lieutenant Liaquat Ali fell prey to machinations of the vested interests in 1952.
The power game, starting after Liaquat Ali’s martyrdom plunged the newborn State into the kind of rigmarole that no one had visualized. Instability, caused by frequent changes at the top level, created uncertainty in the country. Luckily for all of us, the civil-military leadership has finally came to the country’s rescue, giving it a new hope with the slogan — One Nation, One Destination.
The slogan, apart from being enlightening in character, is a motto for progress, development and growth. All combined in one showing the path reaching its destiny. But for that, the present and coming generation need to be reminded of our history, chequered but promising. Such a reminder is an absolute must.
Pakistan Resolution Day, also known as Republic Day, is a national holiday in Pakistan commemorating the Lahore Resolution passed on 23 March 1940, calling for establishing an independent state for the Muslims of sub-continent. Pakistan resolution was the landmark in the history of Muslims of South-Asia. Its acceptance accelerated the pace of freedom movement.
The Muslim League held its annual session at Minto Park in Lahore, Punjab, which lasted from 22 to 24 March 1940. During this event, the Muslim League led by the Quaid-e-Azam narrated the events regarding the differences between Hindus and Muslims and introduced the historical resolution that cemented the formation of a nation-state in South Asia as Pakistan.
This year, 23rd March is being celebrated to further the agenda of, “One Nation, One Destination”. National days urge everyone to play their part in the progression of this sacred motherland for which hundreds and thousands of lives were sacrificed. To achieve such great height, every segment of society has to play a pivotal role on their part.
Inspired by the historic last Sermon of Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W), Quaid-e-Azam too showed the same light to Muslims of India, who on his call began to migrate to Pakistan, and his appeal to the businessman of the Gujrat who brought all their investments to Pakistan, assets contributing to the industrial development of the newly found State.
In his August 11 speech, he stated loud, clear, and unambiguous that there was no difference between caste or creed, Hindus or Muslims, Parsis or Christians. All were equal citizens of the new State and enjoyed equal rights as its citizens.
Unfortunately, divisive tendencies shattered Quaid’s dreams. But now the new slogan of One Nation, One Destination has given new hope, and this year’s Pakistan Day celebrations will indeed carry a new message for the country. It will inspire the nation to start marching ahead to the role it was originally destined to play, and be counted among the comity of nations. It is a tremendous, very powerful slogan, no doubt.
