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INTRODUCTION

TO
IDEOLOGY
OF
PAKISTAN

Ideology
An ideology is a set of ideas, beliefs, and attitudes, consciously or
unconsciously, reflecting or shaping understandings or
misconceptions of the social and political world.
The Ideology of Pakistan is deeply rooted in Islam, which lays down
the code of life for Muslims. The Ideology of Pakistan guarantees
equality, justice, and human dignity for all citizens regardless of
their caste, creed, or religion. It envisages a just society where
everyone will have equal rights and opportunities.

Significance
Ideology gives a nation a clear sense of shared purpose and
identity. Ideology holds profound significance in society, shaping
worldviews and guiding principles. It underpins political movements,
defining goals and stances on crucial issues. Ideological alignment
fosters social cohesion, forging a shared identity among like-minded
individuals. It influences policies and laws, dictating approaches to
governance and societal organization. Additionally, ideologies drive
social change, fueling justice, equality, and reform movements.
They also impact cultural expression, influencing art, literature, and
music, reflecting the values inherent to a particular ideology.
Ideology wields profound influence over societies, offering a
structured framework of beliefs, values, and principles that shape
individual worldviews and collective behaviors. It provides a guiding
compass, dictating perceptions of justice, morality, and the role of
governance. Through ideological lenses, individuals interpret
complex phenomena, from social inequalities to political conflicts,
providing a sense of purpose and direction. Ideologies serve as the
bedrock of political movements, molding parties and policies around
core tenets.
EVOLUTION
OF
TWO-NATION
THEORY

The evolution of the idea of Pakistan is a complex and multifaceted


journey that encompasses various pivotal events and ideological shifts.
This narrative begins with the Urdu-Hindi controversy in the late 19th
century, which laid the foundation for linguistic and cultural differences in
the Indian subcontinent. This controversy, marked by the demand for
recognition of Urdu as a distinct language, set the stage for subsequent
developments.
The Urdu-Hindi controversy emerged in the late 19th century and
revolved around the recognition and promotion of two major languages
spoken in the Indian subcontinent: Urdu and Hindi. Both languages share
a common linguistic base, but they evolved differently due to cultural and
religious influences. Urdu developed in the context of the Muslim courts
and administration in North India, incorporating Persian vocabulary and
adopting the Nastaliq script. Hindi, on the other hand, evolved in the
Hindu heartland of the subcontinent, drawing heavily from Sanskrit and
written in the Devanagari script.
As the nationalist movement gained momentum in the late 19th and
early 20th centuries, the question of language became intertwined with
questions of national identity and political representation. This period
saw a growing assertion of linguistic and cultural identities, with leaders
like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan advocating for the recognition of Urdu as a
distinct language, and Lala Lajpat Rai championing the cause of Hindi. The
Partition of Bengal in 1905 further contributed to the growing sentiments
of separatism. The British decision to partition Bengal along religious
lines, ostensibly for administrative reasons, was met with vehement
opposition from various quarters. The move was seen by many as an
attempt to "divide and rule," as it aimed to weaken the growing
nationalist movement by creating religiously divided regions. The
partition was particularly resented by the Bengali intelligentsia and
political leaders, who viewed it as an assault on Bengali linguistic and
cultural identity.
The Swadeshi Movement that emerged in response to the partition
played a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and resistance among
Indians. The movement encouraged the use of Indian-made goods and
the promotion of indigenous industries. The annulment of the partition
in 1911, in the face of widespread protests, was a significant victory for
the nationalist movement and marked a turning point in the struggle for
self-determination. However, this episode left a profound impact on the
political landscape of India, as it highlighted the significance of religious
identity in the struggle for self-determination. The idea that religious
communities should have their distinct territories gained traction,
especially among Muslims, who were beginning to see themselves as a
separate political entity with distinct interests. The Simla Deputation of
1906 was a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Pakistani movement.
Led by Aga Khan III, this delegation of Muslim leaders met Lord Minto,
the then Viceroy of India, to articulate the demands and concerns of the
Muslim community. The delegation sought separate electorates for
Muslims and greater political representation, marking a significant step
towards the realization of a distinct Muslim political identity. The demand
for separate electorates was rooted in the belief that Muslims, as a
distinct religious community, needed to have their representation to
safeguard their interests in a predominantly Hindu-majority country. The
Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, which granted separate electorates for
Muslims, were a significant concession by the British government to the
Muslim leadership. Allama Iqbal's address at the All-India Muslim League
session in 1930 provided a philosophical foundation for the idea of
Pakistan. In his address, Iqbal articulated the concept of a separate
Muslim state, where Muslims could practice their faith freely and
preserve their distinct cultural and social identity. He argued that a
unified Muslim state would enable Muslims to achieve their full potential
and contribute to the progress of humanity.
Iqbal's vision played a pivotal role in shaping the ideological
underpinnings of the Pakistani movement. His concept of a separate
Muslim state resonated with many, as it provided a compelling
intellectual framework for the demands of the Muslim community.
Iqbal's poetry and philosophical writings continue to be revered in
Pakistan as a source of inspiration for the nation's founders and
subsequent generations. The Congress Ministries of 1937 marked a
turning point in the struggle for a separate Muslim state. The Congress,
having won the majority of seats in various provinces, formed
governments in several regions of British India. This development, known
as the "Congress Raj," raised concerns among Muslims about their ability
to safeguard their interests within a united India. The policies pursued by
the Congress ministries, particularly in areas with substantial Muslim
populations, exacerbated these concerns. Issues such as cow slaughter,
the promotion of Hindi, and the dominance of Hindu rituals in public life
were viewed by many Muslims as threats to their religious and cultural
practices. This further reinforced the idea that Muslims needed a
separate political entity to protect their rights and interests. In response
to these developments, the All-India Muslim League, under the
leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, began to advocate more forcefully
for the creation of a separate Muslim state. Jinnah, a skilled lawyer and
astute politician, emerged as the chief architect of the Pakistan
movement. He argued that Muslims and Hindus were distinct nations
with irreconcilable differences and that a united India would inevitably
lead to the dominance of the Hindu majority. The Lahore Resolution of
1940 was a watershed moment in the quest for Pakistan. Proposed by
A.K. Fazal-ul-Haq and supported by the All-India Muslim League, this
resolution outlined the demand for an independent Muslim state
encompassing regions where Muslims were in the majority. The
resolution, passed on March 23, 1940, in Lahore, laid down the
foundation for the subsequent creation of Pakistan.
Multiple sources:
“The Great Partition” by Yasmin Khan.
“The Making of Pakistan” by K.K Aziz.

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