Pakistan Movement

EVOLUTION OF MUSLIM NATIONALITY (1857-1930)

INDEPENDENCE OF INDIA; ITS PROBLEMS AND MUSLIMS
IQBAL’S ADDRESS AT ALLAHABAD (1930)
CH. REHMAT ALI AND PAKISTAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT
ELECTIONS (1937) AND THE ATTITUDE OF CONGRESS GOVERNMENT
TOWARDS MUSLIMS
PAKISTAN RESOLUTION
ELECTIONS (1945-46); CONSTITUTIONAL PROBLEMS AND TRANSFER
OF POWER.
ROLE OF ULEMA, STUDENTS AND WOMEN
Background

 Two nation theory basically means cultural, political, religious, economic and social
differences between two major communities, which drew them apart. It has a
historical back ground but especially after 1857 war of independence, Muslims
increasingly felt an inability to live with Hindus.
 After i857, Muslims were humiliated in their economic, social and political rankings.
Congress demanded educational, social and economic changes that suited them. As
Hindu Nationalistic sentiments arose, Muslims reacted to preserve their identity.
 Muslims demand of separate electorate manifested Muslim aspirations. Formation
of Muslim League provided dedicated leadership to Indian Muslims showing their
separate nation hood.
Reasons of Muslim Nationalism After 1857

 Muslims community had grown in India, with own way of life, traditions, heroes,
history and culture.
 The Political and cultural history of the sub-continent shows that Muslim minority
often considered some actions of the Hindu Leaders hostile to Muslim’s interests.
 Some Hindu leaders exploited the differences between Muslims and Hindus in
whatever capacity they got a chance to wield authority.
 This phenomenon increased the differences between the two nations and the concept
of Muslim nationalism in India was re- enforced.
Muslims Nationalism- A Reaction to Hindu
Politics of Intolerance
 The history of Muslim nationalism in India is largely the history of reaction to the Congress
Party. Starting point of the nationalist movement in India was the year the Indian National
Congress came into existence.
 As Congress grew into a political, nationalist organization, Muslim political nationalism also
crystallized.
 Muslim nationalism grew well and did a lot of work during Hindi Urdu controversy.
 On the very issue, Sir Syed fore told about the unstable future of Hindu- Muslim unity. Hindus
struggled vigorously to replace Urdu by Hindi in the offices. This enhanced the importance of
the sense of Muslim separatism.
 Followers of Sir Syed tried their best to save Urdu language. Mohsin ul Mulk was the
outstanding person who organized the Muslims in defense of Urdu.
 Muslim nationalism tried to implement: Equality of opportunity to all citizens irrespective of
caste, sect, religion or region. Religious and Cultural tolerance, Respect for human dignity and
rights, Protection of the rights and interests of non-Muslims and freedom to practice their
beliefs and religions.
Muslims Nationalism and the Division of
Bengal

 Bengal was so large area, Muslim nationalists gave the proposal of partition of Bengal and Lord
Curzon decided in favor of this demand.
 The consciousness of Muslim nationalism took practical formin1906, when a deputation of Indian
Muslims held a meeting with the Governor-General Lord Minto in Simla.
 The Simla deputation secured the Viceroy's consent in respect of separate electorate for Muslims. It
comprised 35 Muslims from all over India.
 In 1906, this deputation called on the Viceroy, it was the most representative Muslim delegation.
This delegation was led by Sir Agha Khan and Nawab Mohsin ul Malik who served as its Secretary.
 Muslim’s Demands of Simla deputations were:
1-They need representation more than their population because of their importance.
2-Separate electorate
3-Reservation of Muslim seats in government jobs.
 After success of Simla deputation. Muslims felt need to establish a political party which should
represent their rights. So All India Muslim league was established.
ESTABLISHMENT OF ALL INDIA MUSLIM LEAGUE- For Representing
Muslims As a Separate Community

- Curzon accepted Muslims demands and finally Bengal was divided. Muslims were
vindicated as this step showed their growing nationalism.
- Seeing usefulness of political negotiations and to protect Muslims rights, All India
Muslim League was established as a mile stone.
- Next important mile stone for Muslim nation was Lucknow pact. Needless to
mention that now even Congress recognized that the Muslim League was the
representative of the Indian Muslims.
- It also weakened the Congress’ claim that it was the sole spokesman of the whole of
India. It showed that the Indian Muslims had separate identity. It was the first and
last agreement between the Hindus and the Muslims.
Other Anti Muslims Actions by Congress
Fuelling Muslim Nationalism

 Reversal of Partition of Bengal on demands of Congress.

 Launching of Hindu Mahasaba with claimed objective of eliminating Muslims.
 Congress demand that nomination of central and provincial legislative councils
should be through general elections instead of nominations, was considered an anti
Muslim demand.
 Tehreeks of Shuddi to convert Muslims to Hinduism.
Problems Leading to Independence Movement

 Cancellation of decision of Partition of Bengal was disliked by Muslims.

 International events, war between Turkey and Italy, dismemberment of Ottomen
Empire had dismayed Muslims. Thus more Muslims started to join Muslim League.
 Lucknow Pact 1916 made an effort towards Self Rule of India but Gandhi
emergence as a Congress leader and growing Hinduism, dampened chances of Hindu
Muslim unity.
 1919 reforms gave British intentions to give limited democracy in India, under
British rule. Both Congress and Muslim League rejected these reforms while looking
at their own stances.
Problems Leading to Independence Movement

 Simon Commission 1927, re analyzed earlier reforms and made its report which was
not accepted by Congress and Muslim League.
 Nehru Report 1928, in response, further stirred anti Muslim sentiment as it
demanded joint electorate to replace separate electorate.
 Quaid e Azam, as leader of Muslim League rejected Nehru Report, calling it narrow
minded and extremely ambiguous, to ruin political future of Muslims.
 Quaid e Azam gave his fourteen points in 1929, as President of Muslim League which
were rejected by Hindu leaders paving way for no other option except a separate
home land for Muslims.
Allahbad Address of Allama Iqbal-1930

PERSPECTIVE AND ANALYSIS

Introduction

 The Allahabad Address (Urdu: ‫ )خطبہ الہ آباد‬is a speech by scholar, poet, philosopher
and President All India Muslim League, Sir Muhammad Iqbal, one of the best-
known in Pakistan history. It was delivered by Iqbal during the 25th annual session
of the All-India Muslim League, on the afternoon of Monday, 29 December 1930, at
Allahabad, British India.
 In this address Iqbal outlined a vision of an independent state for Muslim-majority
provinces in northwestern India, thus becoming the first politician to articulate what
would become known as the Two-nation theory—that Muslims are a distinct nation
and thus deserve political independence from other regions and communities of
India.
Prelude

 Allama Iqbal defined the Muslims of India as a nation and suggested that there could be
no possibility of peace in the country unless and until they were recognized as a nation
 In his speech, he emphasized that unlike Christianity, Islam came with "legal concepts"
with "civic significance," with its "religious ideals" considered as inseparable from
social order
 Iqbal stressed not only the need for the political unity of Muslim communities but the
undesirability of blending the Muslim population into a wider society not based on
Islamic principles.
 During the Third Round-Table Conference, he opposed the Congress and proposals for
transfer of power without considerable autonomy or independence for Muslim
provinces.
Back Ground

 The Hindu-Muslim question had great importance and stood crucial to British Indian
history after 1857.
 Key issue for Muslims remained "separate identity.“ That the Muslims are a separate
nation with different culture and civilization, interests and rights.
 The Congress' perspective of Hindu Muslim relationship was that any perceived rift
between the Hindus and Muslims was the product of the British divide and rule policy.
 According to the Congress, the British had consciously created splits and divisions,
therefore it was an artificial issue which should not be emphasized
 For Muslims it was the core issue, it related to their culture, civilization, heritage and the
type of arrangement that were to be done in the future political and constitutional
arrangements of India.
Separate Home Land for Muslims. Three Issues

1. Decline and degeneration of the Muslims. Most of the Muslim states became the colonies of the
European states. Then the industrial; revolution, development of science and technology became a
preserve of the European nations. So, the question for Muslims was why the decline and
degeneration have set in among the Muslims.
2. How to work for revival and regeneration of Muslims in general and how Muslims could overcome
the decline and again assume their rightful place in the international system.
3. Specific to the Muslims of South Asia, was that of minority, the majority were not Muslims and this
makes the situation in British India different from the situation in the Middle Eastern Countries
where Muslims were in majority. In British India the problem was that they could be overwhelmed
by the other community, therefore they were emphasizing on their identity, value, culture and also
heritage and civilization which gave them a different, distinct and an exclusive identity. They were
not simply a minority but a community and a nation. They did not want to be absorbed into the
majority community.
Development of Political Thought

 By 1930, this sentiment had developed very clearly which was very much demonstrated
in the development of History of Indo Pak or the question of the relationship between the
Muslims and the other communities. It was in this context that Allama Iqbal delivered his
presidential address. Iqbal, political thoughts developed in three phases.
 1st Phase: Pre-1905. Before delivering the address Iqbal addresses the factors for the
decline of the Muslims and he tries to focus on Indian nationality, nationhood or Indian
unity. Iqbal explained about resolving differences in his book Bang-i-Dara and writes
Tarānah-i-Hindī and Naya shawala to reunite Muslims with Hindus.
Islam as Political Entity

 Iqbal expressed fears that not only would secularism weaken the spiritual foundations of
Islam and Muslim society, but that India's Hindu-majority population would crowd out
Muslim heritage, culture and political influence.
 In his travels to Egypt, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey, he promoted ideas of greater Islamic
political co-operation and unity, calling for the shedding of nationalist differences.
 He also speculated on different political arrangements to guarantee Muslim political power;
in a dialogue with Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Iqbal expressed his desire to see Indian provinces as
autonomous units under the direct control of the British government and with no central
Indian government.
 He envisaged autonomous Muslim provinces . Under one Indian union, he feared for
Muslims, who would suffer in many respects especially with regard to their existentially
separate entity as Muslims.
Address 1930

 Iqbal was elected president of the Muslim League in 1930 at its session in Allahabad, in
the United Provinces as well as for the session in Lahore in 1932. In his presidential
address on 29 December 1930, Iqbal outlined a vision of an independent state for
Muslim-majority provinces in northwestern India.
 In 1930 Iqbal delivered the Presidential Address the Allahabad Address, before address
Iqbal also delivered landmark lectures on Islam in 1928 and 1929 in Aligarh,
Hyderabad and Madras Because Iqbal's address eye-plot was based on Islam.
 Iqbal's views on Islam and introversion with the modern conditions and modern
situation helps him to generate the Allahabad Address. In 1932, Iqbal also presided over
All India Conference that was held at Lahore and during that conference, he repeated
some of the ideas and some of the thoughts which he had presented in his Address at
1930.
Allahbad Address
Address Basis

 In 1930 Iqbal delivered the Presidential Address the Allahabad Address, before address
Iqbal also delivered landmark lectures on Islam in 1928 and 1929 in Aligarh, Hyderabad
and Madras. Because Iqbal's address eye-plot was based on Islam. Iqbal's views on Islam
and introversion with the modern conditions and modern situation helps him to generate
the Allahabad Address.
 In 1932, Iqbal also presided over All India Conference that was held at Lahore and during
that conference, he repeated some of the ideas and some of the thoughts which he had
presented in his Address at 1930
Gist of Address

 ‘ India is a continent of human groups belonging to different races, speaking different

languages, and professing different religions ……Personally, I would like to see the
Punjab, North-West Frontier Province, Sindh and Baluchistan amalgamated into a single
State. Self-government within the British Empire, or without the British Empire, the
formation of a consolidated North-West Indian Muslim State appears to me to be the final
destiny of the Muslims, at least of North-West India.’
 Significance of Allahbad Address

 A forceful and logical presentation of the Muslim case in India. His address
arises the awareness that Why should Muslims be treated as a political entity
rather than a minority. His address highlights the following views.
 Territorialadjustments will enable the Muslims to develop themselves in
accordance with their ideas and serve the cause of Ummah.
 Redistribution of territory developed later on the concept of a Muslim
homeland.
Significance of Allahbad Address

 He further expressed these ideas in letters to Jinnah from May 1936 to

November 1937. He talked of a separate federation of Muslim provinces. The
( North Western India and Bengal can be considered as entitled to self-
determination like other nations in India and outside. Shariah's development is
impossible without a free Muslim state or states. He advised the Muslims to be
above self-interest and devote themselves to Islam.
 In difficult times, Islam has saved the Muslims.
 Faith, culture and historical traditions are more important than patriotism.
Ch. Rehmat Ali and Pakistan National
Movement

 A name of utmost respect. Played commendable role in establishment of Muslim

state in subcontinent, also known as architect of idea of Pakistan.
 Born 1893, a journalist, turned teacher of Aitchison College, Did Masters and Bar at
Law from England.
 “ Western part of India is a Muslim majority area, which will make an independent
Muslim state. This is only possible when we separate ourselves from common
nationality and sever our relations from rest of India”- Ch Rehmat Ali- 1915.
 Suggested name of Pakistan in his Pamphlet Now or Never, in 1933.
Ch. Rehmat Ali and Pakistan National
Movement

 Launched Pakistan National Movement in 1933, in England and cultivated

international awareness about necessity of Pakistan.
 For Bengal and Assam, he proposed separate name of Bang I Islam, as a
separate Muslim state.
 His ideas were rejected by British and Hindus during round table
conferences. He suggested name of South Asia instead of Subcontinent.
 He suggested to change name of Lahore resolution to Pakistan Resolution,
which was accepted by Quaid e Azam.
Elections (1937) and the attitude of Congress Government towards Muslims

 Provincial elections were held in British India in the winter of 1936-37 as

mandated by the Government of India Act 1935. Elections were held in eleven
provinces - Madras, Central Provinces, Bihar, Orissa, United Provinces, Bombay
Presidency, Assam, NWFP, Bengal, Punjab and Sindh.

 The final results of the elections were declared in February 1937. The Indian
National Congress emerged in power in eight of the provinces - the exceptions
being Punjab and Sindh. The All-India Muslim League failed to form the
government in any province.
Results of 1937 Elections- A Reason for
Analysis by Muslims
 The Congress ministries resigned in October and November 1939, in protest against
Viceroy Lord Linlithgow’s action of declaring India to be a belligerent in the Second
World War without consulting the Indian people.
 The 1937 elections demonstrated that neither the Muslim League nor the Congress
could get support of Muslims.
 It also demonstrated the provincial moorings of Muslim politics. The Muslim League
captured around 25 percent of the seats reserved for Muslims. The Congress
Muslims achieved 6 percent of them. Most of the Muslim seats were won by regional
Muslim parties.
 No Congress Muslim won in Sindh, Punjab, Bengal, Orissa, United Provinces,
Central Provinces, Bombay and Assam. Most of the 26 seats the Congress captured
were in KP, Madras and Bihar
Day of Deliverance

 On 2 December 1939, Jinnah put out an appeal, calling for Indian Muslims
to celebrate 22 December 1939 as a "Day of Deliverance" from Congress.
 ‘I wish the Musalmans all over India to observe Friday 22 December as the
"Day of Deliverance" and thanksgiving as a mark of relief that the
Congress regime has at last ceased to function. I hope that the provincial,
district and primary Muslim Leagues all over India will hold public
meetings and pass the resolution with such modification as they may be
advised, and after Jumma prayers offer prayers by way of thanksgiving for
being delivered from the unjust Congress regime’.
Atrocities on Muslims During Congress Rule
1937-1939

 Imposing Hindu Nationalisms on Muslims

 Bande Matram singing in assemblies
 Wardha Scheme- preaching Hindu nationalism and non violence as Gandhi
philosophy
 Hoisting of three color flag
 Widdia Mander Scheme
 Hindu Muslim Riots
 Muslims Mass Contact campaigns by Congress
Pakistan Resolution

 The Lahore Resolution ,commonly known as the Pakistan Resolution was a

statement drafted between 22nd to 24th March 1940, by the 25-member Working
Committee of the All-India Muslim League, and then formally adopted by the
Muslim League membership at its general session on 23 March 1940, held at Lahore.
 This resolution asked for greater Muslim autonomy of Muslim majority states such
as Punjab, Bengal, Sindh, NWFP, within British India.
 Most people thought of this as a call for a separate Muslim state, Pakistan. The
resolution was presented at Minto Park (now renamed 'Iqbal Park'), in Lahore, by
Maulvi A.K. Fazlul Huq on the instructions of the Working Committee.
Back Ground and Importance- Pak Resolution

 Annual session of Muslim League 21-24 March 1940. Presided by Quaid e Azam.
 By 1937, Muslim leaders were compelled to consider partition of India.
 Several partition proposals were given even before ie in 1920, 1923, 1934 and 1938 by
Iqbal and even Hindu leaders.
 Pakistan was not demanded as hatred for Hindus but for protection of Muslim
civilization and culture.
 ‘….that geographical contiguous units are demarcated into regions….that the areas
in which Muslims are in a majority…should be grouped to constitute independent
states…..’ See Text.
Back ground of 1945-46 Elections

 On 19 September 1945, the Viceroy Lord Wavell announced that elections to the
central and provincial legislatures would be held in December 1945 to January 1946.
 It was announced that an executive council would be formed and a constitution-
making body would be convened after these elections
 Although the Government of India Act 1935 had proposed an all-India federation, it
could not take place because the government held that the Princely states were
unwilling to join it. Consequently, rather than choosing 375 members, only 102
elective seats were to be filled. Hence the elections to the central legislature were
held under the terms of the Government of India Act 1919.
1945-46 Elections

 The 1945 elections resulted in the Muslim League winning the majority of
Muslim votes and reserved Muslim seats in the Central and provincial
assemblies, performing exceptionally well in Muslim minority provinces such as
UP and Bihar, relative to the Muslim majority provinces of Punjab and NWFP.
 Thus, the 1946 election was effectively a plebiscite where the Indian Muslims
were to vote on the creation of Pakistan; a plebiscite which the Muslim League
won. This victory was assisted by the support given to the Muslim League by the
rural peasantry of Bengal as well as the support of the landowners of Sindh and
Punjab.
1945-46 Elections

 The Congress, which initially denied the Muslim League's claim of being the sole
representative of Indian Muslims, was now forced to recognise that the Muslim
League represented Indian Muslims. The British had no alternative except to take
Jinnah's views into account as he had emerged as the sole spokesperson for India's
Muslims.
 However, the British did not desire India to be partitioned and in one last effort to
avoid it they arranged the Cabinet Mission plan. In 1946, the Cabinet Mission Plan
recommended a decentralized but united India, this was accepted by the Muslim
League but rejected by the Congress, thus, leading the way for the Partition of India.
1945-46 Elections
Results of 1945-46 Elections

 This election proved to be a strategic victory for Jinnah and his colleagues.
Even though Congress won, the League had united the Muslim vote and as
such it gained the negotiating power to seek a separate Muslim homeland as
it became clear that a united India would prove highly unstable.
 Muslim League could emerge as representative of Muslims and avenged the
defeat of 1936-37 elections
Independence Act, 1947

 In the back ground of 3 June Plan accepted by Muslim League and Congress, and
Rad Cliffe Award, Viceroy announced Partition Plan on 4 July, 1947 approved by
British Parliament on 14 July 1947.
 British Control will end on 15 August 1947, India will be divided into two sovereign
states.
 Act of 1935 will remain in force till both countries draft their constitutions.
 Princely states were given the choice to join either country.
 Pakistan came into existence as biggest Islamic country of the world
Rad Cliffe Award

 Acted as Boundary Commission set u in June 147, but since Indian and Pak
sides differed, Rad Cliffe gave his own award.
 Problems emerged in division of Bengal and Calcutta, and Punjab.
 In Punjab, Muslim majority areas of Gurdaspur, Batala and Pathan kot
were given to India.
 Princely states of Juna Garh and Kashmir were militarily occupied by
India.
 Quaid e Azam was bitter about this unjust division but asked Muslims to
accept it as a change at this stage was not possible.
Lets Not Forget
Jinnah Announces Independence of Pakistan
Constitutional Issues After 1946 Elections

 Congress wanted constitution to be made by Legislative Assembly where

Muslims were in Minority so that all powers can be vested in Hindus.
 Muslim League opposed any constitution making without a joint agreement
between Hindus and Muslims.
 The English wanted to transfer power after WW II, but Congress wanted
power transfer to Hindus immediately. Muslim League rejected such
demands by Congress. Both parties were at daggers drawn.
Constitutional Issues After 1946 Elections

 After failure of Cripps Mission in1942, and Simla Conference in 1945, Elections were
held in 1945 Winters. Cabinet Mission was announced to resolve Hindu Muslim
issues in 1946, Quaid e Azam stood on his stance firmly and demanded separate
Muslim state.
 Muslim League accepted Cabinet Mission Plan while Congress rejected it. On 3 june
1947, British Govt approved plan to divide India. After Red Cliffe Award, on 4 July
1947, division of india was announced formally.
 Muslim League declined to have a Joint Governor General of India and Pakistan.
Thus Quaid e Azam was appointed the first Governor general.
Role of Ulema and Mashaikh

 Ulema influenced Muslims to support Muslim League.

 Ulema attended 23 March meeting at Lahore and gave whole hearted support to Muslim
League. Worked hard thereafter to support Muslim League’
 Prominent Pro Pakistan Ulema included:
 Allama Shabbir Usmani
 Maulana Ashraf ali Thanvi
 Pir Jammat Ali Shah
 Pir Sahib Manki Sharif
 Maulana Abdul Hamid Badayuni
Province Wise -Role of Ulema

 KP. Pir sahib Manki Sharif played a very positive role by taking tours of Province and
dispelling rumours by congress.
 Sind. A number of Sufi saints/ Mashaikhs influenced populace to support Pakistan
Movement. Sirhindi family provided great support:
 Jamiat ul Mashaikh Sind- Pir Ghulam mujjadid Sirhindi supported Quaid and merged his party
into Muslim league.
 Sheikh Abdul Majeed Sindhi, a good writer spread literature to support Pakistan.
Role of Ulema- Province Wise

 Punjab. Ulema stirred people through lectures in religious gatherings. Prominent scholars
are:
 Shabbir Usmani
 Zafar Ahmad Usmani
 Balochistan. Qazi Eesa, from Balochistan, and several Sardars provided support to Quaid.
Prominent Muslim Scholars Who supported
Pakistan Movement

 , Mufti Muhammad Shafi,Pir Jamaat Ali Shah, Maulana Rasheed Ahmad Ghangohi, Maulana
Muhammad Qasim Nanotavi, and a lot of others proved crucial in struggle for Pakistan.
 Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi and Shabbir Ahmed usmani supported the Quaid-i-Azam against the
group of Ulema led by Maulana Abu ul Kalam Azad who supported the Congress.
 In every province and district where the spiritual influence of Ulema could be utilized for
the purpose, brief Fatwas and manifestos were issued on behalf of Ulema, in which the Muslims
warned against joining the Congress and the disadvantages from religious point of view of any
association with the Congress should be clearly and emphatically explained to them.
Support by Ulema for Pakistan Movement

 In 1938, a delegation was sent by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi to meet Quaid-i-Azam
about the cause of the principles of Islam. So the anti-Congress Ulema decided to support
the Muslim League in the light of the teaching of Islam.
 Broadly, almost all the Ulema as well as other prominent leaders belonging to all schools
of thought from the entire sub-continent readily propped up the cause of 'Pakistan
Movement'.
Students and Freedom Movement
Students- An Asset for Pakistan Movement

 Students played a significant role in Pakistan's historic freedom struggle. Our history
serves as an inspiration and discovery for students to realize not only their power but also
their destined role in the valiant struggle to build up Pakistan into a progressive,
democratic and economically prosperous state.
Great Role By Students in Pakistan Movement

 Students are the most energetic and enthusiastic segment of a society. These young,
lively, active, dynamic and vigorous men and women have high ambition and goals,
and are also blessed with the energy to fulfil their dreams. Almost all the great
revolutions of the modern world have the youth or student factor in common. The
creation of Pakistan too had many contributors who played a vital role in the
Freedom Movement but the role of students, unquestionably, had been remarkable
throughout.
The Founder of Muslim Students- Sir Syed

 There is no denying the fact that the credit for introducing the educational reforms, and
awakening the Muslims of the Subcontinent, mostly goes to the great Sir Syed Ahmad
Khan. He was so impressive in his efforts that political stalwarts of the Subcontinent
acknowledged his efforts. For instance, Allama Iqbal said:
 “The real greatness of the man (Sir Syed) consists in the fact that he was the first Indian
Muslim who felt the need of a fresh orientation of Islam and worked for it.”
Emergence of AIMSF- Muslim Students
Federation

 It was only the stubbornness of the Congress that led to the formation of a separate
political platform for the Indian Muslims. Similarly, the biasness of the All-India Student
Federation (AISF), which was also known as ‘Baby of the Congress’, resulted in the
creation of All-India Muslim Students Federation (AIMSF) that was formed on January
17, 1936, with Mohammad Wasiq as its General Secretary and Mohammad Noman as
Organising Secretary.
 The constitution of this organisation was presented on December 29, 1937, in a
conference held in Calcutta which focused on uniting and organising the Muslim students
nationwide, to arouse political consciousness amongst them, to work for the betterment
and advancement of the social and economic condition of Muslims, to popularise Islamic
culture and faith, to have friendly relations amongst different communities of India and to
promote cooperation between the Muslim students of India and rest of the world.
Muslim Students’ Activities in Whole of
British India

 Despite facing various issues in initial years, such as lack of skilled individuals, shortage
of funds and absence of strong leadership, the students stood up for the rights of Muslims
of the Subcontinent. Muslim students of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, North West Frontier
Province (NWFP), Bengal, Assam, Bombay, Bihar, Central Provinces (CP), Delhi,
Madras, Orissa, United Province (UP) and Banglore had their own Muslim Student
Federations (MSF) who worked day in and day out for the struggle of Pakistan
Movement. It was noteworthy to witness both Muslim men and women participating in
this great effort.
 Muslim Girls’ Student Federation was set up with Begum Ikramullah, appointed as its
convener. Regardless of the cultural barrier, many female students worked enthusiastically
and helped in arousing political consciousness among Muslim women.
Muslim Students Activities

 Muslim students worked socially, intellectually, journalistically and politically to serve

the national goal. They also interacted with the common people of different villages and
towns, giving them political awareness.
 A Pakistan rural propaganda committee was set up by the Punjab MSF to carry the
League’s message to the villagers.
 Summer schools were held in various colleges and universities to enlighten the students
regarding the political situation. Fund—raising was also an important activity carried out
by the students to financially help Muslim League in the upcoming elections of 1945.
Publishing of Journals by Students

 The journals and pamphlets, published by different MSFs, also played a key role in this regard.
The AIMSF decided to publish a quarterly journal, shortly after their first session in 1937. The
journal was titled ‘Awakening,’ and its Urdu version, ‘Bedari,’ was edited by Hasan Ahmad Razi.
 Another official journal was published by Surat MSF in 1942 named ‘The Crescent,’ which was
available in three languages: English, Urdu and Gujrati.
 ‘Souvenir’ and ‘Muslim Times’ were published by the MSF from Nagpur. The UP MSF brought
about the ‘Spirit of Youth’ in 1942. All these journals promoted the objectives of Muslim League
and its leaders and this effort of the students was no doubt an important contribution to the
national cause.
Political Contribution of Students

 The political role of Muslim students was a valuable contribution towards the independence of Pakistan.
As the time drew closer for the elections of 1945-46, the activities of the students grew faster. Hundreds
of trained volunteers were appointed for different duties in the election campaign, as well as for the
election day.
 This time, too, they had to face enormous difficulties in the form of police and official interference.
Furthermore, they had a tough time in Hindu-majority areas too where they were abused and stoned.
But, nothing could distract them from achieving their goal and ultimately their struggles, effort, sincerity
and hard work resulted in the creation of Pakistan.
 The students were supported, trusted and guided by the Quaid-i-Azam throughout the Movement. He
believed and proved that youth is a Pakistan asset which, if handled properly, can be of great advantage
to the nation.
Men and Women Supported Pakistan
Role of Women in Support of Pakistan
Movement

 There was mass participation of women in the pro-Muslim League demonstrations against the Khizar
Unionist government. This was the first such mass public mobilization of Muslim women anywhere in
pre-independent India. The mobilization of women became a vital element in the League's tactics
during the dramatic last months leading up to Independence and Partition.
 A small group of relatively emancipated female Muslim Leaguers from the Punjab who had been at
the vanguard of the anti-Khizar demonstrations were also instrumental in mobilizing the un
emancipated women of the North-West Frontier Province to protest against the Khan Sahib Congress
ministry. This latter mobilization was evidently so successful that the British governor of the province,
on seeing the crowds of burqa-clad women, was reported to have declared that ‘Pakistan is made’.
 It is perhaps no mere coincidence, then, that Jinnah made his statement about ‘awakening the political
consciousness’ of Muslim women at the same session of the AIML at which the demand for Pakistan
was made as official League policy. The political awakening of Muslim women seemed to be
inextricably linked to the struggle for a separate Muslim state in India.
Role of Women In Pakistan Movement

 Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Founder of Pakistan, himself reiterated the importance of
a nation whose women are side by side with men. He said,
 “ No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you. We are victims
of evil customs. It is a crime against humanity that our women are shut up within the four walls of the
houses as prisoners.”

 The Pakistan movement was of a great historical significance for Muslim women of the
subcontinent as it was the first time they had ever participated in such a great number in any
political movement. It marked the cornerstone for the liberation and recognition of Muslim
women in the political arena and the creation of Pakistan.
Role of Women In Pakistan Movement

 Khilafat Movement was the first instance when the Muslim women made their presence
felt in the political arena. Bi Amman, mother of MaulanaShaukat Ali and Muhammad Ali
Johar, raised her voice against British imperialism and addressed large meetings in
various parts of India.
 The most noteworthy name is of Fatima Jinnah, sister of our founding father. She was
credited with the title Madar-e-Millat (Mother of the Nation), and was the first lady to
have formed the women’s framework for the idea of Pakistan, aiding Quaid-e-Azam
greatly in the process.
Role of Prominent Ladies for Women

 The first women to represent themselves in the Legislative Assembly of Pakistan were
Begum Jahan Ara Shah Nawaz and Begum Shaista Ikramullah. These exceptional women
were deeply committed to the cause of promoting women’s rights and their participation
in national affairs of Pakistan. They managed to include the rights of women in the
agenda of the constituent assembly and played an active part in the formation of laws that
aimed at increasing the political representation of women in Pakistan.
Prominent Muslim Ladies in Pakistan
Movement

 Bi Amman. Mother of Ali Brothers

 Begum Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar
 Miss Fatima Jinnah
 Begum Abdullah Haroon
 Begum Shah Nawaz
 Begum Raana Liaqat Ali Khan
 Begum Salma Tassadaq Hussain
 Begum Shaista Ikramullah