THE struggle for Pakistan started with Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. He was the first person to float the two-nation theory and suggest various reforms for uplifting Muslims socially. Two follow-up events that ended in the creation of Pakistan are: Aligarh University and the formation of All- India Muslim League.

The creation of Pakistan was not a one-man show. It was the Muslims of South Asia who made Pakistan possible. Millions of people lost their lives and property in this struggle.

Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah never used the term ‘secular Pakistan’ in his speeches. His Aug 11, 1947, speech was aimed at assuring the minorities of their safety in the new state and not about making Pakistan a secular state.

It was the Muslims and not the British colonial power which had a major role in uniting India. Besides, under a written agreement the Mughal Emperor ceded power to the East India Company. The All-India Muslim League, therefore, had every right to demand sharing power with Congress. The Congress (Hindus) refused but agreed to India’s division thinking the new state wouldn’t survive even for 70 days. We not only survived, but celebrating 70 years of our creation.

Amjad Mirza

Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2017