23 March 1940 and Minar-e-Pakistan

Recalling history

It was on 23 March that the goal of achieving a separate homeland for Muslims was declared formally for the first time. Though Sir Syed Ahmed Khan presented his two nation theory, reflecting his suggestion for a separate country a century earlier, but it was not until 23 March 1940 that every Muslim leader united and came to an agreement (Qarardad e Pakistan) to get Pakistan

Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, has witnessed the ups and downs of many empires in its long history. Starting from the Ghaznavid Rule and till 1947 it went through many phases, turmoil, tranquility and seasons which no one can envisage. Who knew that Lahore would also observe the partition of the sub-continent which would divide India and make Pakistan a separate Muslim state? If I go through the pages of history, the most noteworthy event that took place in Lahore was the creation of Pakistan. Yes, that too was witnessed by Lahore at Minto Park where the Minar-e-Pakistan proudly stands today, surrounded by the recently developed Greater Iqbal Park.

It was on 23 March that the goal of achieving a separate homeland for Muslims was declared formally for the first time. Though Sir Syed Ahmed Khan presented his two nation theory, reflecting his suggestion for a separate country a century earlier, but it was not until 23 March 1940 that every Muslim leader united and came to an agreement (Qarardad e Pakistan) to get Pakistan. Hence this day and the monument is a milestone in the history of the sub continent. The day is celebrated to commemorate the event when the Muslim League adopted the Pakistan resolution (Qarardad e Pakistan) at the Minto Park or Minar-e-Pakistan for establishing an independent federation comprising provinces with Muslim majority located in north-western and north-eastern regions of British controlled territories in India (excluding autonomous princely States) on 23 March 1940. The Muslim League held its annual session at Minto Park, situated near Badshahi Mosque, in Lahore that lasted from 22 till 24 March 1940. During this event, the Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other founding fathers, narrated the events regarding the differences between Hindus and Muslims, and moved the historical resolution that cemented the formation of a nation-state in South Asia as Pakistan, even though it did not actually mention Pakistan at all. The resolution was passed on 23 March and had signatures of the founding fathers of Pakistan. In Pakistan this day is celebrated with full patriotism and zeal.

Let me take you to a small tour of Minar-e-Pakistan. This is a tall minaret located inside Greater Iqbal Park close to Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort. It is one of the significant national monuments of Pakistan and you will surely see it everywhere depicting and reflecting Pakistan. The site where Minar e Pakistan is built is the exact place where on 23 March 1940, seven years before the formation of Pakistan, the Muslim League passed the Pakistan Resolution (Qarardad e Pakistan). It was the first official declaration for the creation of Pakistan.

We developed the park where our ancestors vowed to gift us a separate homeland where Muslims could practice their customs and traditions, where they could be safe and prosperous, where they could flourish, become educated and responsible and become a productive part of the world

The base of the structure of Minar-e-Pakistan is in the shape of a five point star and is enclosed within crescent shaped pools. The overall height is approximately sixty meters and the entire structure is constructed of concrete and furbished with stone and marble walls and floors. The tower reflects a blend of Mughal/Islamic and modern architecture. Minar e Pakistan was designed free of cost by Nasreddin Murat Khan, an architect/engineer from Daghistan. Its structural design was given by a civil engineer, Abdur Rahman Khan Niazi from Lahore, who was working with Murat khan. The design approved by the president was built by Mian Abdul Khaliq and Company. The foundation stone was laid on 23 March 1960. The construction took eight years and was completed in 1968. The Minar was completed on 31 October 1968. The large public space around Minar e Pakistan is commonly used for political and public meetings.

The park surrounding Minar-e-Pakistan was a lifeless place until December 2016 when the ruling Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the park which was given a new look and refinement by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA). Greater Iqbal Park also serves as a new place for citizens of Lahore to visit and hold picnics and enjoy waterfalls, fountains and majestic scenes. Many visitors come to the park to take pictures of beautiful moving fountains installed with coloured lights. Sprawling across 120 acres, the Greater Iqbal Park offers a library, an open-air gymnasium and dancing fountains among other things to its visitors.

We developed the park where our ancestors vowed to gift us a separate homeland where Muslims could practice their customs and traditions, where they could be safe and prosperous, where they could flourish, become educated and responsible and become a productive part of the world. My question to all of us is that have we been able to accomplish what our forefathers designed for us? There is no doubt that Pakistan and Pakistanis have huge potential to grow but this potential is not being realized. Therefore the importance of Pakistan Day should be known to every Pakistani especially the new generation that dreams to study and work abroad thinking Pakistan a failing state.

My dear youth, Pakistan was not an easy task. It took the blood and sacrifices of many of our ancestors, left many orphaned and widowed, and the atrocities towards females and children especially cannot be forgotten. So we need to remember the achievement of 23 March to realise how difficult it was to have a separate homeland and treasure it. We have inherited courage and talent and we should work hard to show the world that we can do anything and above all that we are a daring and patriotic nation.