Project Reports

Ideology of Pakistan could be understood through concept of ‘earth rootedness’ in Iqbal’s philosophy which means relation to earth. For example, the thing which germinates closer to earth is lesser in energy to the thing which is away from earth rootedness. The difference in the calories of carrot and date is the argument behind this philosophy. If any national ideology is linked to geography or material roots, it would be weaker and inferior while the ideology having spiritual foundations would be stronger and superior. Geography, color, race and language have earth rooted essence. Therefore, these foundations are weak. Contrary to these, our spiritual recognition is better foundation which is basis of Ideology of Pakistan.

In an interview to a famous British journalist, Quaid-e-Azam enumerated the features of Pakistan that Muslims are a nation and Islam, instead of collection of prayers, is a complete way of life. Muslims are a separate nation and their heroes and history are distinct from those of the Hindus. These views of Quaid-e-Azam are being proven absolute reality today as Muslim minority of India is under violence just for consuming beef. On the first anniversary of Pakistan on 14th August 1948, Quaid-e-Azam stated that they had faced the yearlong difficulties with courage and achieved marvelous success against opposite powers. Such conspiracies against Pakistan still continue. However, it is state of deep sorrow that a few politicians of Pakistan are creating unrest in the country. To establish peace in Pakistan and its economic growth, we must adopt the national harmony following the path of Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam.

Whenever we compromise on our ideological foundations, we will face damages. We have witnessed the same fate when East Pakistan incident happened due to compromise on the ideology of Pakistan. Pakistan would become a welfare state if 63 articles of the Treaty of Medina (Misaq-e-Medina) are included in the constitution of Pakistan. According to the article 62 of Misaq-e-Medina, it is the responsibility of state to provide peace and security to all of its citizens. The speech of Quaid-e-Azam about the rights of minorities on 11th August was the reflection of Misaq-e-Madina which guaranteed interfaith harmony as well.

We are highly unfortunate that we couldn’t understand Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal in real sense. True intent of Quaid-e-Azam can be ascertained from his address to Council of All India Muslim League in 1939. He said that it is my sole wish to see his nation free and prosperous. I also wish to die with certainty and confidence of Allah (?) that Jinnah accomplished his task and discharged the debt of his nation. When Quaid-e-Azam visited Kashmir, instead of making rhetoric, he only addressed the Kashmiris that we should be united as one nation.

We kept together religion and geography, unfortunately divisions on the lingual and nationalist basis still pose challenge to our unity. The situation of Pakistan at the time of independence was worse, yet initial difficulties and challenges were overcome with the passion of local people to welcome and provide shelter to the refugees. Owing to this passion and ideological foundations, we were a great nation even in difficult times. At that time the government was unable to pay the salaries but we were passionate to work voluntarily and people were talking about their responsibilities. Regretfully, today no one fulfills responsibility but demands rights only. We need the same passion today for prosperity of Pakistan.

Creation of Pakistan on Laylat al-Qadr (27 Ramadhan) itself carries a spiritual foundation. In Laylat al-Qadr, time passes swiftly and this single night is considered equivalent to one thousand months. If spiritual foundations of Pakistan are solid, why is Pakistan unable to overcome the crises? It is a possibility that we may have been misled regarding the interpretation of the spiritual and ideological foundations of Pakistan. Fate and planning are interrelated. Islam finds agreement between fate and planning. Without planning, reliance on mere fate is not acceptable in Holy Qur??n and Sunnah. Quaid-e-Azam made it clear in 1937 that Muslim should dwell upon circumstances vigilantly and decide about their fate. Otherwise, Muslims will be themselves responsible for their destruction and downfall.

Pakistan came into being as a result of sacrifices rendered by tens of thousands of people and especially by the prayers of Sufi mystics. Unfortunately, we inherited a fragile State. Even after salvation from slavery, we are still facing its aftereffects which are deep rooted in our system. The culture of book reading is diluting from our societies. Once a respectful teacher is facing disrespect in our society today at the hands of poor education system. If we had invested in our education system on modern grounds, everybody would have wished his child to become a teacher, a researcher and a scholar. We should impart in our coming generations such sentiments so that they can better play their part in the progress and prosperity of our beloved country.

Pakistan has been bestowed with every kind of blessings but we only lack in loyalty towards the beloved nation. If we crush all kind of social evils especially bribery and nepotism, we can make Pakistan a far better place to live and prosper.

Pakistan is the ideological country and Allama Iqbal foresaw this great state. He was a great thinker and intellectual who said “If wit incites a man to say ‘No God but He’ it brings no gain: it has no worth at all I think, unless affirmed by heart and brain”. Spiritual basis is imperative as it enables one to achieve greater heights. While addressing in Islamia College Peshawar on 13th January 1948, Quaid-e-Azam stated that manifesto of Pakistan was not only achievement of independence and autonomy. Rather, purpose of Pakistan was application of Islamic ideology which is a precious asset. We should struggle in the fullest of our capabilities for prosperity, progress and wellbeing of our country. Our existence is linked with the integrity of state and Pakistan is our identity.

Today’s proceedings are aimed at to encourage the nation that the path shown by Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal is the most appropriate way forward.

Iqbal’s poem Masjid-e-Qurtaba which is known for his beauty of encompassing the mixture of art and intellect.

In my opinion, the mosque was the prediction regarding the establishment of Pakistan when Pakistan was a dream yet to be actualized. Today there is a dire need to explore the vision of Pakistan in Iqbal’s works. I am grateful to the august audience, distinguished speakers for their valuable contribution.