Independence is a unique emotion, and its full meanings, impact and value can only be realized by an individual under detention or a nation in subjugation. The full spectrum of independence contains large frequencies of happiness.
The earliest reference to political and religious slavery is found in Egypt where the ancient Israelites had been kept under the Pharaohs’ cruel and inhuman subjugation for centuries.
Political Independence, in the context of Pakistan, has special meanings. It is way beyond individual and personal experiences and encompasses national and collective life. Its ethos have several shades of meanings and purpose. It has different meanings for those who struggled during Pakistan’s Independence Movement and for the younger generation that is enjoying the fruits of their long struggle. The sacrifices and sufferings of those who lived through the horrific and long shadows of partition cannot be expressed in words.
The heroes of the Independence must never be forgotten. The younger generation living in the virtual bubble of life and in the age of social media needs to be taught the meanings of Independence through examples and character, as actions speak louder than words. It is in the nature of human mind that it grows only in a free atmosphere, watered with truth. Only then life has a purpose, and independence has meanings.
Our forefathers had envisioned independence in a different way. They faced the British colonial rule that had destroyed their culture-educational system and left them rudder less after the horrors of 1857, with permanent scars on their souls and spirits. Fortunately, the likes of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan lifted them from the ruins of Delhi and revived hope through education. They proved beacons of life in the darkest hour of hopelessness and ignorance. They identified the goal of independence, without declaring it, from the foreign rule and an aggressive and vindictive religious majority – the Hindus – whose cultural, social and economic outlook had changed during the colonial times due to the intrigues and conspiracies of the colonizers and concoctions.
The vision of the founding fathers, particularly that of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Quad-e-Azam, who had been once identified as the ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity, but felt alienated later due to the Gandhian/Hindutva ideas of Ram Raj. His vision became a movement with every passing day, and the demand for Pakistan united the people under his leadership. They demanded Pakistan where they could freely go to their mosques, temples and churches.
M. A. Jinnah’s speech of August 11, 1947 before the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan defines his meanings of independence. Those meanings can only be understood if one visualizes Jinnah’s struggle from 1920 to 1947 and his agony all along. That speech has left an immutable mark on our history that has created two groups amongst the intelligentsia and the people of Pakistan.
One group, led by some historians and other scholars of varying professions, declared Jinnah to be secular who wanted a secular Pakistan. However, there are some people who unwittingly claim that Jinnah deviated from his chartered path he had followed during the Pakistan Movement.
One of them, a self-declared pundit of history, even made some derogatory remarks against the Quaid in his latest book. It is a very common practice that people find it convenient to gain relevance by creating controversies about towering figures like Jinnah. But that is one of the blessings of freedom of speech that must be rebutted with the truth and argument and not otherwise. The other group went to the other extreme. Jinnah lived all his life without contradicting himself. His speech envisioned a Pakistan that had religious freedom for all.
M. A. Jinnah held the office of the Governor-General for a period of little over a year. He issued several orders as the Governor-General of Pakistan but never said anything that would undermine religious and other freedoms.
The Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, from 1947 to October 1954, made several amendments to the Government of India Act, 1935, that was adapted as the Provisional Constitution under Section 8(2) of the Indian Independence Act, 1947 vide G.G.O. 22 of 1947, but no amendment was made that would convert Pakistan into a religious state. Those who made Pakistan were clear in their vision and future of Pakistan.
The modern state is a secular-political construct which has its origins in the history of Europe and western political thought of the seventeenth century. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees fundamental rights to all the citizens. They include the right to life, liberty, freedom of expression and conscience and protection of property. It gives specific protection to the minorities.
Our forefather made Pakistan for which they paid heavily in blood, sweat and tears. The horrors of 1947 swallowed a whole generation. Pakistan has survived all existential threats. The historic victory over the many times larger enemy on 10 May 2025 shattered the myth of Indian hegemony in the region. This moment is unique and it must be utilized to turn Pakistan into an economic giant and self-reliant country in all spheres of life, where true independence reigns high.
The true meanings of independence can only be realized when freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution are ensured and promises made in the preamble of the Constitution are fulfilled and when our external boundaries are safe and our homes are protected from all fears. And, in the words of the late Ahmad NadeemQasmi
(Khuda Karay Ke Meray Aik Bhi Ham Watan Key Leyiay – Hayat Jurm Na Ho Aur Zindagi Wabaal Na Ho).
Long live Pakistan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026