August is the month when we enthusiastically and proudly observe Independence Day, experiencing both joy and a sense of sovereignty. This is my last column for August, aimed at offering historical insights for the initial years following Pakistan's founding. I am convinced that younger generations possess only a limited understanding of key historical events. Reflecting on our past is crucial for comprehending the origins and values upon which our esteemed nation is built.
Upon its inception in 1947, Pakistan was immediately engulfed in the task of managing the consequences of partition. The mass migration, widespread communal violence, and the burden of accommodating millions of refugees placed enormous strain on the fledgling state. The period from 1947 to 1965 in Pakistan's history represents a journey filled with aspirations that gradually turned into disillusionment and power struggles. Born out of the vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the All-India Muslim League, Pakistan was envisaged as a separate nation for Muslims and other religions, free from the dominance of Hindu-majority India. The term "Pakistan," meaning "Land of the Pure," encapsulated the aspirations of millions who sought a homeland where they could freely practice their faith and culture. This vision, however, faced immense challenges from the outset. The passing of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of the newly established nation in 1948, left a leadership vacuum that proved difficult to fill. His successor, Liaquat Ali Khan, was assassinated in 1951, exacerbating the instability.
Pakistan's first constitution was adopted in 1956, nearly ten years after the country's founding, due to a fragile political landscape. The constitution aimed to balance Islamic principles with democratic values, but divergent interpretations led to conflicts. Despite the efforts, instability persisted due to varying interpretations of the constitution, leading to more conflicts. The military saw the chaos as a national security risk and took control, with General Ayub Khan staging a coup in 1958, claiming it was needed to restore order and fight corruption. The responsibility cannot be solely attributed to General Ayub Khan's personal ambitions, it was a collective effort involving politicians, bureaucrats and notably Iskander Mirza.
We should also examine why Liaqat Ali Khan built a closer connection with Iskander Mirza, a relative of Mir Jaffar from Bengal? In addition, we need to consider the roles of Iskander Mirza and Liaqat Ali Khan in selecting General Ayub Khan as Chief of Army Staff (AKA “C-N-C”). He was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army in 1951 by the then-Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, in a controversial promotion over several senior officers. It is not surprising that President Iskander Mirza had the backing of Ayub Khan when he declared martial law in 1958, given his significant role in appointing Ayub Khan as the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army. However, two weeks later, Ayub Khan deposed Iskander Mirza in a bloodless coup and assumed the presidency. He relinquished the post of army chief to General Musa Khan the same year. Iskandar Mirza was unable to secure a burial site in Pakistan and was laid to rest in Iran.
Ayub Khan's regime brought initial stability and economic growth, particularly through land reforms and industrialization. However, the benefits of these policies were unevenly distributed, with West Pakistan, especially urban areas, reaping more rewards than East Pakistan. The central government's failure to address these concerns adequately contributed to the growing demand for autonomy in East Pakistan. One of the most significant issues during this period was the neglect of Pakistan's cultural and linguistic diversity. The 1962 constitution further centralized power in the presidency, eroding democratic principles and fuelling dissatisfaction among the population.
Fatima Jinnah, often revered as "Madir-e-Millat" (Mother of the Nation), played a pivotal role in Pakistan's history as a close confidante and sister of the country's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Her entry into the political arena as a presidential candidate in the 1965 elections marked a significant moment in Pakistan's political narrative. Despite her formidable presence and the respect, she commanded, Fatima Jinnah faced defeat. The political environment was heavily skewed in favour of Ayub Khan, who utilized state machinery and resources to consolidate his power. Fatima Jinnah's campaign was marked by her advocacy for democratic principles, civil liberties, and a return to civilian rule. Her speeches resonated with many who were disillusioned by Ayub Khan's autocratic regime.
Fatima Jinnah's defeat in the 1965 elections was a result of a confluence of factors, including state manipulation, gender biases, and the inherent flaws of the electoral system. While the immediate aftermath solidified autocratic rule, her campaign and the ideals she stood for continued to inspire future generations and paved the way for eventual democratic reforms in Pakistan. Fatima Jinnah's defeat led to widespread disillusionment among the populace, who had pinned their hopes on democratic reform. Despite her loss, Fatima Jinnah's legacy as a champion of democracy and civil rights remained intact. She continued to be an advocate for the principles her brother envisioned for Pakistan. The 1965 elections highlighted the need for electoral reforms and a more transparent political system. I, along with many others, believe that if Fatima Jinnah had won, Pakistan and India might have averted a full-scale war in 1965 over the Kashmir conflict. The repercussions of the conflict were extensive. The war strained Pakistan's economy and exposed the vulnerabilities of its regime. It also highlighted the deep-seated issues within the country, exacerbating regional and political tensions.
The initial period of Pakistan’s history was marked by intense power struggles among the political elites and bureaucrats, compounded by frequent leadership changes as no single politician or party managed to create a lasting government. Widespread corruption and nepotism led to a significant decline in public trust in the administration. This focus on internal power dynamics detracted from essential issues like education, healthcare and infrastructure development. The period from 1947 to 1965 was a complex and tumultuous chapter in Pakistan's history. Pakistan's hopes of being a "Land of the Pure" were marred by political instability and regional inequalities. Neglecting cultural and linguistic diversity, along with power conflicts and corruption, steered the country away from its original goals. These persistent issues would go on to influence its political and social history profoundly.
