WE gained independence in 1947. It was followed by a large community of Muslims migrating to their dream land, Pakistan, in dire circumstances and impoverished conditions. Though people of my generation are not aware of what happened at the time of Partition — bloody communal riots — as they were either too young at that time or born after the event, they did get to hear a lot from their elders or read about it in historical accounts.
A recently published book has added to those perceptions. Fauji Aik, Kahanian Baishumar is a military memoir written by Brig Salahuddin which details his life as an army soldier, covering his childhood, school days, early education and, indeed, migration to Pakistan.
He recalls that in June 1947, communal tensions had increased, but things got much worse in August as Sikhs and Hindus started coming to Delhi and were allowed to settle in Muslim-majority localities. They started to forcibly evict Muslims from their homes. When lootings and killings started, Muslim families had to take refuge in Purana Qila. Facing lack of facilities and security, the brigadier’s family moved to Bombay (now Mumbai), from where they took the sea route to Karachi. My own family came by train to Lahore, which was a nightmarish journey.
My heart bleeds when I see people, including political leaders, indulging in venomous attacks on those who actually created Pakistan. Such an attitude only gives credence to what Maulana Abul Kalam Azad had said all those decades ago.
Malik ul Quddoos
Karachi
Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2026