Unlocking historical mysteries can be crucial in offering unseen possibilities for addressing contemporary challenges, particularly those arising from democratic crises and institutional instability. Pakistan’s tumultuous history reflects its leaders’ failure to uphold the principles of the Lahore Resolution, including sovereignty, autonomy, and nationalism. However, Pakistan’s resilience presents an exceptional narrative of both opportunities and challenges in South Asia. As we approach 2047 — the centenary of Pakistan’s independence — there is an opportunity to rethink our course and work towards a future that honours the nation’s founding ideals.

The British imperialists’ biased attitude toward their subjects tarnished their image as rulers who showed little regard for human dignity in India. Ayesha Jalal, in her book Muslim Enlightened Thoughts in South Asia, argues that colonial rulers reframed history to serve their empire, suppressing indigenous narratives. The British failure to respect Indian sentiments ultimately led to the War of Independence in 1857. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan emphasised that Muslims should draw lessons from their past and cultivate adaptability in changing circumstances. For him, the empowerment of Muslims through both historical awareness and modern education was the key to their transformation.

One of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s key ideas was to make Muslims conscious of their distinct identity, laying the groundwork for the Two-Nation Theory. This theory unified Muslims across classes and castes, fostering cultural and linguistic bonds. These connections strengthened the Muslim community, creating a religio-cultural homogeneity that solidified the idea of a separate identity. Over time, this unity bolstered the demand for separate electorates, a demand that was eventually accepted by the British under the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909.

The Indian National Congress (INC) acknowledged Muslims as a separate community for the first time, largely due to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s efforts. As an INC member, Jinnah ardently championed Muslim rights. However, as Hindu antagonism grew, Jinnah parted ways with the INC in 1920. Events like the Khilafat and Hijrat Movements reinforced the belief among Muslims that the Two-Nation Theory was valid. These experiences demonstrated that a long-term coalition with Hindus was not feasible.

As Pakistan approaches its centenary, the need to reflect on its founding ideals has never been more urgent. Can the nation realign itself with the principles of sovereignty, autonomy, and inclusion that once inspired its creation?

In response to political upheaval and communal tensions, the British formed the Simon Commission in 1927 to assess the implementation of the Government of India Act of 1919. However, the commission failed to gain cooperation from the INC and the All-India Muslim League (AIML). Meanwhile, the British imposed the Rowlatt Act, curtailing civil liberties and fueling resentment. Discontent escalated with the Amritsar massacre, a brutal act that became a focal point of national unrest.

The Nehru Report (1928) opposed separate electorates for Muslims and called for Hindi to be the official language. In response, Jinnah’s 14 Points (1929) advocated a federal system with uniform autonomy for provinces and safeguards for Muslim culture. These points laid the foundation for the legal and political struggle of Muslims in the subcontinent.

Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s 1930 presidential address at the AIML’s annual meeting played a pivotal role in shaping Muslim political consciousness. His vision gained clarity in the 1933 pamphlet Now or Never, which introduced the term ‘Pakistan’. The Government of India Act of 1935 proposed a constitutional framework granting the provinces autonomy. However, both the AIML and INC had reservations about the Act.

Despite concerns, both parties contested the 1937 elections. Congress emerged dominant, forming ministries even in Muslim-majority provinces. Congress introduced the Wardha Scheme, marginalising Muslims. This experience underscored the perils of a Congress-led government. H.V. Hudson cites Jinnah as stating that “Congress leaders were so obsessed with smashing the Muslim League that they left no stone unturned to do so.”

World War II altered the political landscape. The Viceroy unilaterally declared India at war with Germany, and the British promised India full dominion status post-war. However, the INC refused to cooperate and resigned from ministries, marking December 22, 1939, as the Day of Deliverance for Muslims. The Lahore Resolution of 1940 transformed the Muslim League into a mass movement. Congress dismissed it, labelling it the Pakistan Resolution.

The resolution declared that no constitutional plan would be acceptable unless it was designed to group Muslim-majority regions into independent states. This resolution solidified the Two-Nation Theory and provided Muslims with a clear political direction. Jinnah asserted that India’s 90 million Muslims were a nation, not a minority, demanding a separate homeland.

The Lahore Resolution underscored Muslims’ distinctiveness from Hindus and provided a roadmap for resolving political identity issues. By emphasising territorial sovereignty, it laid the legal foundation for a Muslim nation-state. The resolution transformed the AIML’s strategy, shifting focus from securing rights within a united India to demanding full independence.

The creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947, was a monumental success but came with challenges, including securing economic and military resources, managing large-scale migration, and handling disputes with India. Security threats led Pakistan to join US-led alliances under the Eisenhower Doctrine amid Cold War tensions.

Post-independence, Pakistan faced a leadership crisis that exacerbated security concerns, delayed constitution-making, and deepened regional and ethnic divisions. Political and bureaucratic elites’ policies fostered disharmony, intolerance, and extremism. Internal rivalries among provinces hindered national unity, as political discourse fluctuated between resource exploitation and regional grievances.

During the 1950s and 1960s, politics in Pakistan was shaped by evolving identity consciousness. The One Unit scheme, aimed at enforcing integration, fueled resentment among smaller provinces. The Civil Service of Pakistan (CSP) consolidated power under General Ayub Khan’s military regime, curtailing democracy and intensifying political conflicts. The failure to uphold the Lahore Resolution’s principles contributed to the traumatic dismemberment of Pakistan in 1971.

The post-1973 political landscape saw successive military regimes fostering extremism and intolerance. Political polarisation deepened, leading to institutional imbalances. Electoral processes lost credibility, with rigging allegations undermining democracy. General Ziaul Haq’s excessive religionisation of politics destabilised Pakistan’s democratic framework. His era ended abruptly in 1988, but its effects lingered.

From 1988 to 1996, four general elections resulted in alternating PPP and PML-N governments. Political instability persisted until 1999, when the military seized power under General Pervez Musharraf. His tenure saw Pakistan embroiled in the US-led war in Afghanistan, further compromising national sovereignty.

The 2008–2018 period saw two successive civilian governments, but political instability continued. The 2013 elections marked PTI’s emergence as a political force. In 2018, PTI formed the federal government but was unable to complete its tenure, exacerbating instability. The current government faces economic challenges and political compromises, with unrest in Sindh over Indus River canal projects being a major concern.

To realign governance with the Lahore Resolution’s spirit, the government must ensure provincial autonomy, strengthen institutions, and promote transparency. Matters between the federation and provinces should be deliberated within the Council of Common Interests (CCI), as mandated by Article 154 of the 1973 Constitution. An independent judiciary must be safeguarded to ensure the fair administration of justice.

Pakistan’s legal framework must be reformed to address contemporary security challenges. A robust judicial system is crucial for maintaining law and order. Furthermore, digital transformation must be gender-inclusive and accessible nationwide to preserve history and culture. Encouraging youth to study history can help counter falsehoods and misinformation against Pakistan.

Unless the government prioritises national interests over political expediency, there is little hope for sustainable development. As we celebrate March 23, it is imperative to chart a new course — one that fosters economic growth, institutional reforms, and technological advancements. Only by doing so can we create a country brimming with opportunities for future generations.

The writer is a professor and director of the Pakistan Study Centre, University of Sindh, Jamshoro.