Power seekers better unite on one platform: What are the natural resources for?
Let us go back in search for a better future. The demand for an independent Muslim homeland in the sub-continent was made in March1940 through the Lahore Resolution at the 27th annual session of the All-India Muslim League.4uaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali -innah’s attitude in preliminary talks with the viceroy reflected the clarity and inflexible determination about his vision of the future. He insisted Muslims must have a sovereign nation-state with armed forces of its own. A year later, on March 2, the 4uaid addressed the Punjab Muslim Students Federation with intent to prepare the youth for the future goals which still lie ahead.
His followers, especially the Muslim Leaguers of all brands, need to recall the points he often emphasised.There are at least three pillars which go to make a nation, according to the founder of Pakistan. “One is education, without which we are in the same position as we were in a pandal last night in darkness. Next, no people can ever do anything very much without making themselves economically powerful in commerce, trade and industry. And, lastly, when we’ve got that light of knowledge by means of education and when we’re strong economically and industrially, then we’ve got to prepare ourselves for defence against external aggression--and maintain internal security.”The 4uaid, on March 2 of 1942, appealed to the MSF to work for the ideals they cherished because there’s a great deal more to be done and, therefore, young and old, men and women must work. The great leader’s appeal lives on today as does his advice to the Aligarh Muslim University Union of the same month.
QUAID’ APPEAL STILL ALIVE
The appeal of the founder of Pakistan is not time-barred. Only true lovers of Pakistan, military and civil, will realise that time has again come for them to shelve politics and devote themselves more and more to the constructive work, like spreading education among the masses, their social uplift and economic betterment. He declared in March 1947 in Bombay that “if there’s anything good (in the world), that’s just Islam.”
The architect of Pakistan and the millions he led had an unending urge for an independent homeland. And that desire emanated from the 4ura’n and the belief that the spirit of democracy and socio-economic justice is enshrined in Islam. One has to differentiate the Islamic concept of democracy from the Western type of democracy being practised by the so-called politicians in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan since Independence.
The truth is that land belongs to Almighty Allah, who has delegated the proprietary rights to those who cultivate the land themselves. There’s no room for absentee landlords, feudalism and capitalism in Islam, which teaches fraternity, equality and liberty and guarantees socio-economic justice, irrespective of caste, creed or colour.
And that is called democracy practised by Prophet Muhammad (peace upon him) in the welfare state of Madina, and later followed in letter and spirit by the caliphs according to the 4uran, which is a book of wisdom and guidance to mankind in all spheres of life---social, economic and political---and, above all, a source of principles of democracy and justice to the deprived, the needy and the poor in an undemocratic state and society.
Let’s unite on one platform, wear -innah cap and work hard together to achieve what is needed for survival with honour and dignity without borrowing money from others.
The question still to ponder is: What are the natural resources for? The writer is senior journalist and former editor of The Pakistan Times, The Frontier Post and Special Correspondent of Dawn.