- Lahore Resolution preserved Islamic identity, ensuring future generations retained faith and cultural integrity in Pakistan
Interview with Mr. Adnan Ghaffar, Principal at The Aura School
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Adnan Ghaffar: I work as the Principal at The Aura School which provides education from pre-school to matriculation. I have over 20 years of teaching experience, including teaching at the matriculation, intermediate levels, graduate and undergraduate levels.
PAGE: Pakistan Day commemorates the Lahore Resolution passed on March 23, 1940. How would you comment on its significance?
Adnan Ghaffar: The Lahore Resolution, passed on March 23, 1940, called for separate independent state for the Muslims in British India, based on the idea that Muslims were a distinct nation deserving their own government. This resolution was a major turning point in the fight for Muslim rights, inspiring widespread support and leading to the creation of Pakistan in 1947. Today, it is celebrated as Pakistan Day, promoting unity, pride, and a sense of identity among Pakistanis. The day honors the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle and strengthens the nation’s dedication to progress and sovereignty.
PAGE: Pakistan is facing a confluence of economic, social and political challenges, including an increasing population, climate change, unemployment and poverty. What is your perspective on it?
Adnan Ghaffar: In my perspective, one of the underlying issues is the deviation from Islamic principles, such as self-reliance and equitable distribution of wealth, which could help address these problems. Instead, the country has relied heavily on loans from international organizations like the UNO, leading to the adoption of policies that often result in increased taxes and inflation, burdening the common people. Additionally, widespread corruption exacerbates these issues, as resources are misused or embezzled, further hindering economic growth and development. Addressing these challenges requires not only adherence to Islamic values of justice and accountability but also effective governance, transparency, and sustainable policies to ensure long-term stability and prosperity
PAGE: Pakistan Day parade is an imperative event. What is your take on it?
Adnan Ghaffar: The Pakistan Day parade is an extremely important and essential occasion. It highlights the significance of the parade in celebrating Pakistan’s history, unity, and national pride, while also serving as a reminder of the country’s struggle for independence and its commitment to sovereignty and progress.
PAGE: On March 23,1940, the Muslims of the British Indian empire demanded a separate nation, as well as the declaration of Pakistan as an Islamic republic. How would you comment on it?
Adnan Ghaffar: It was a visionary idea that the Muslims of the British Indian empire, under the leadership of the All-India Muslim League, passed the Lahore Resolution, demanding the creation of separate independent states for Muslims in regions where they were in the majority. This resolution was rooted in the Two-Nation Theory, which highlighted the fundamental differences between Islam and Hinduism as two distinct and opposing religions. One option at the time was to aggressively preach Islam and dominate, but the leaders of the independence movement recognised that this would be difficult under non-Muslim rule. They identified a more pressing issue: the merging or mixing of Hindu customs and practices into Muslim culture, which posed a significant threat to the Islamic identity of future generations. To protect the religious and cultural integrity of Muslims and ensure that upcoming generations retained their Islamic identity, the demand for a separate homeland became imperative. This decision ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan as an Islamic Republic, reflecting its commitment to preserving Islamic values and principles.