“WE are only demanding what is absolutely due to us. I say to the Hindus, live with freedom and honour in Hindustan and let us live with freedom and honour in Pakistan. We will live like good neighbours. Let us turn out the British in India on the basis of this fair deal,” declared Mr. M.A. Jinnah addressing a crowded gathering of Muslim women in Lahore on Thursday.

In the course of his speech Mr. Jinnah said: “Why are we fighting for Pakistan? Why is it that Musalmans — man, woman and child — are prepared to shed their blood for Pakistan? Because if we don’t achieve Pakistan, Islam and Muslims will perish in India. We shall be reduced to the status of Sudras. Muslims do not want a change of masters. They shall never become slaves of Hindus. Why do the Hindus insist on our shouting ‘Gandhi-ji-ki-jai’? We shall never never accept it.” …

Referring to the Hindu Press Mr. Jinnah said that it contained 99 per cent malicious propaganda against the Muslim League. “It revels in telling the world that Muslim League is an organisation of Nawabs and Khan Bahadurs and that Mr. Jinnah’s is the lonely cry in favour of Pakistan….”

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2021