The Ideology of Pakistan
Ideology of Pakistan is the motivating belief system for which Pakistan was established in 1947.
Based on Islamic principles, the concept underlines a necessity for a separate homeland to be
given to Muslims of the Indian subcontinent so that they may live their lives according to the
tenets of Islam, free from discrimination or suppression.
Definition and Historical Background
The ideology of Pakistan is based on the concept that Islam is not only a religion but a complete
code of life. This ideology emerged during the colonial era when Muslims of India, under British
rule, faced cultural, political, and economic challenges. The decline of Muslim power after the
fall of the Mughal Empire, coupled with British domination and Hindu-majority politics,
prompted Muslim leaders to seek a solution to preserve their identity and rights.
The idea of a separate Muslim state was not the original plan; early leaders focused more on
protecting Muslim interests within a united India. However, growing marginalization under
Hindu-majority leadership led to realizing that a separate homeland was crucial. This led to the
Lahore Resolution of 1940, where the demand for an independent Muslim state was formally
articulated.
Contributions of Allama Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Allama Iqbal, the philosopher-poet, is often regarded as the ideological father of Pakistan. In his
famous Allahabad Address in 1930, Iqbal proposed the idea of a separate state for Muslims,
stating that Islam provides a comprehensive system of life and governance. He envisioned a
society where Muslims could freely practice their religion, culture, and traditions without fear of
oppression. Iqbal's poetry and orations inspired the Muslims to join together for their cause and
instilled a sense of pride in their identity.
The Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, translated this vision into reality. Initially an ardent
proponent of Hindu-Muslim unity, Jinnah's stance was altered by the Congress Party's
discriminatory policies and inability to address the concerns of Muslims. Jinnah's leadership was
a force that brought Muslim masses on board, stating through the Two-Nation Theory why they
needed a separate homeland. His legal mind, political astuteness, and the passion for the cause
sealed the fate of the Pakistan Movement as a success.
The Two-Nation Theory
The Two-Nation Theory forms the bedrock of Pakistan's philosophy of state. It posits that
Muslims and Hindus are two nations alone, with their own religions, culture, traditions, and
social orders. The argument is that their difference is so deep-seated that coexistence in one
state will eventually translate to subjugation of one against another.
Such historical events as the partition of Bengal in 1905, the Urdu-Hindi controversy, and the
Congress's refusal to accommodate Muslim demands were validation for this theory. Jinnah
succinctly articulated the theory by stating, "India is not a nation, nor a country. It is a
subcontinent composed of nationalities."
The Two-Nation Theory provided the ideological justification for the demand for Pakistan. It
argued that Muslims needed a separate homeland to live according to Islamic principles, free
from the dominance of a Hindu majority. This idea resonated very deeply with Muslims across
the subcontinent, culminating in the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.
References:
1. Iqbal, Muhammad. The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam.
2. Jinnah, Muhammad Ali. Speeches and Writings of Mr. Jinnah.
