Pakistan Study Ch 2 PDF

# Section 1: History of Pakistan ## UNIT 02: Establishment of Pakistan In this unit, students will be able to: * Analyze the important developments in India between 1906-1920 (from Simla Deputation till Khilafat Movement) * Analyze the important political developments between 1920-1939 (from Khil...

# Section 1: History of Pakistan ## UNIT 02: Establishment of Pakistan In this unit, students will be able to: * Analyze the important developments in India between 1906-1920 (from Simla Deputation till Khilafat Movement) * Analyze the important political developments between 1920-1939 (from Khilafat Movement till Day of Deliverance) * Evaluate the political developments that undertook during 1940 till 1947 * Discuss the role of political leaders, including women and minorities in the making of Pakistan ## Important Developments between 1906-1920 ### Simla Deputation (1906) The Indian National Congress formed in 1885 claimed to be dedicated to safe guarding the interests of all communities residing in the Indian subcontinent. The Congress opposition to the partition of Bengal in 1905, which proposed splitting it into two provinces, East Bengal and West Bengal, created mistrust among Muslims towards the Congress. The rise of Hindu nationalist movements posed a threat to the Muslim community. After the failure of the 1857 War of Independence, Muslims who had been victimized and disheartened regained their confidence in the early 20th century. On the other hand, in 1905, the Liberal Party led by Lloyd George won the elections in England. The Liberal Party declared its intention to introduce constitutional reforms in India. Muslim Leadership believed that it would be wise to present Muslim demands to the government for consideration in these future reforms. A delegation of 35 Muslims led by Sir Agha Khan and representing various regions of India, met with the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto, on October 1, 1906. The delegation presented the following demands to the Viceroy: * Given that the circumstances in India are distinct from England due to the presence of two major communities, Muslims and Hindus. * It was demanded that, considering the Muslim population minority status, a system of separate electorates should be introduced in India. * It was demanded that a quota in government services must be reserved for Muslims. * The delegation demanded that Muslim judges should be appointed in courts to handle cases involving Muslims. * The delegation highlighted the historical background of Muslims in India and demanded additional seats for them in legislative assemblies beyond their proportionate population. * It was demanded that Mohammedan Anglo Oriental (MAO) College should be granted university status. Viceroy Lord Minto showed respect to the Muslim delegation and ensured that their demands will not be ignored. ## Success of Simla Deputation The Muslim community had been facing challenges since 1857. However, the Simla deputation brought about some successes for the Muslim nation. 1. The Simla deputation bridged the gap between Muslims and the British government. 2. The Simla deputation boosted the confidence of the Muslim community. 3. The success of the Simla deputation paved the way for the establishment of the All India Muslim League. 4. The demand for separate electorates for Muslims was accepted through the 1909 Minto-Morley Reforms. 5. The Muslims were recognized as a separate nation through the acceptance of the separate electorate demand. 6. The Muslims felt that they could present their demands directly to the British government without the support of the Indian National Congress. ## The All India Muslim League (1906) The Urdu-Hindu Controversy, the establishment of extremist Hindu organizations, and Congress's anti-Muslim policies forced Muslims to form a platform to protect the rights of the Muslim community. ## Establishment of All India Muslim League The annual session of the All India Muslim Education Conference was held in Decca in 1906, and prominent Muslim leaders from India attended the meeting. After the meeting, Nawab Salim Ullah Khan of Decca called a meeting to discuss the formation of a political party. This meeting took place on December 30, 1906, and was presided over by Nawab Waqar-ul-Mulk. He proposed the formation of a political party, and the participants such as Nawab Salim Ullah Khan, Maulana Zafar Ali Khan and Hakeem Ajmal Khan supported the idea, leading to the establishment of All India Muslim League. ## Objectives of the All India Muslim League 1. To protect rights of the Muslim community and to present the Muslim demands before the British Government in a respectful way. 2. To create feelings of loyalty among Muslims towards the British Government and to remove misunderstandings about government policies. 3. To cooperate with other communities of India without damaging the above objectives. On December 30, 1907, the first annual session of All India Muslim League was held in Karachi. The next session of the League was held in Aligarh on March 18, 1908, and Sir Agha Khan was elected as the president, and Hasan Bilgrami as the secretary. Syed Amir Ali was appointed as the president of London Branch. The League provided a platform for Muslims, the second-largest community of India after Hindus. The All India Muslim League played a very important role from 1906 to 1947. ## Minto-Morley Reforms (1909) Lord Minto, the Viceroy of India, prepared a draft of constitutional reforms and sent it to the Secretary of State for India, Mr. Morley. The British Parliament passed the Bill, which was implemented in India in 1909 and given the name Minto-Morley Reforms. The salient provisions of the Reforms are mentioned below: 1. The Muslim demand for a separate electorate for Muslims was accepted. 2. The membership of the central and Provincial Council was increased. 3. The powers of the Legislative Councils were enhanced. 4. Indians were included in the Executive Council of the Viceroy and in the Provincial Executive Councils. 5. Local Bodies were allowed to elect their representatives. ### Analysis Minto-Morley Reforms 1909 were fruitful for Muslims as their demand for a separate electorate was accepted, recognizing Muslims as a separate nation. The membership and powers of the Legislative Councils were increased. ## Lucknow Pact(1916) A joint session of the All India Muslim League and the All Indian National Congress was held in Lucknow in December 1916. This event marked a historic moment in India. Both parties reached an agreement on the following points. 1. The All Indian National Congress accepted the League's demand for a separate electorate for Muslims. 2. Provincial autonomy should be ensured, and provincial councils should be empowered to levy taxes and vote on budget. 3. There will be one-third (1/3) Muslim representation in the central council. 4. In case a bill pertaining to a particular community is presented, and three fourths (3/4) of the members of that community oppose the bill, then the bill will be rejected. This clause was in favor of the minority community. 5. In provincial legislative councils, four fifths (4/5) of the members will be elected, while one fifth (1/5) will be nominated. 6. In the Muslim-majority provinces of Bengal and Punjab, Muslims seats will be reduced, while in Muslim-minority Provinces of Bihar, Bombay, Madras, C.P. and U.P., Muslim seats will be increased. 7. The members of the legislative assemblies should be granted the right to ask questions and present an adjournment the motion. 8. There should be a separation of the executive and the judiciary. ### Analysis The Lucknow Pact was important for various reasons. Congress accepted the Muslim demands of separate electorates for Muslims and one-third (1/3) Muslim representation in the central council. It was a significant milestone for Muslims when the Congress accepted them as a separate nation. ## Khilafat Movement (1919) During the First World War, Turkey, the seat of Khilafat fought against the Allied forces and was defeated. The Ottoman Khilafat, which had been established in 1299, was under threat from the Allied forces. Muslims of India started Khilafat movement with the aim of safeguarding the institution of Khilafat in Turkey. There were three main demands or objectives of this movement. 1. The Turkish Khilafat should not be abolished. 2. Muslim sacred places should not be disrespected. 3. The territories that were under Turkey's control before the start of the war must not be taken away from Turkey. ### Events Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar, Maulana Shokat Ali, Maulana Abdul Bari, Hakeem Ajmal Khan, Dr. Mukhtar Ansari and Barrister Jan Mohammad Junejo were prominent leaders of the Khilafat movement. They organized rallies and protests to emphasize the significance of the Khilafat institution to the British government. A delegation, comprising Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, Syed Husain, Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Hasan Hayat, was sent to England to highlight the issue. The delegation met with British parliamentarians, including the prime minister, and highlighted the importance of the Khilafat institution. Unfortunately, the attitude of the British government was not favorable toward the Turkish issue, and the delegation returned to India empty-handed. ### Gandhi's Role and Hindu-Muslim Unity: Gandhi, a prominent Hindu leader, joined the Khilafat movement and earned respect from the Muslim community. During the Khilafat movement, Hindu-Muslim unity was at its peak. Gandhi advised Muslims to resign from government jobs, abstain from attending educational institutions, boycott courts and renounce their titles. ### Hijrat Movement: Maulana Abdul Bari Farangi and Maulana Abu-al-Kalam Azad issued a fatwa stating that India was a Dar-ul-Harb (House of War), and they believed there were threats to the lives of Muslim and the practice of Islam. Consequently, they advised Muslims to consider leaving India and seek refuge in an Islamic country. Following the issuance of this Fatwa, approximately 18,000 Muslims attempted to migrate to Afghanistan. However, the Afghan government refused to enter Indian Muslims into their territory, leaving the helpless individuals with no choice but to return to their homes. ### Gandhi's Decision to Call off the Khilafat Movement: Gandhi announced his detachment from Khilafat movement for two specific reasons. Firstly, the Moplas, who were from Arab descent and settled on the Malabar shores, protested during the Khilafat movement. Some were arrested, and nearly 400 of them were killed by the British government. The Moplas subsequently rebelled, engaging in guerrilla warfare against the British government and targeting British officers as well as some Hindu neighbors. The government took measures to suppress the Moplas rebellion. Gandhi strongly criticized the violent activities of Moplas. Secondly, in the beginning of 1922, Gandhi launched his non-cooperation movement from Chauri Chaura, a small town in Farakhabad District. On February 5th, 1922, people of Chauri Chaura staged a demonstration and declared their refusal to pay taxes and obey government laws. The police attempted to disperse the demonstrators through the use of force. The mob set fire to 22 policemen. Gandhi immediately called off the non-cooperation movement and the Khilafat movement. ### Results The Khilafat Movement was initiated with great enthusiasm by the Indian Muslims; however, it ultimately ended in failure. The historical institution of the Khilafat was not abolished by the Allied Forces, but rather by Mustafa Kamal Ataturk, a Turkish Muslim. The Khilafat movement left the significant influences on Indian politics. The Muslims learned a lesson not to trust Gandhi's philosophy. They gained confidence and political maturity. ## Important Developments between 1920-1939 ### Simon Commission 1927 The Indian government introduced Montague-Chelmsford Reforms in 1919. It announced that after ten years, a commission would be sent to India to assess the results of reforms and recommend further reforms for Indians. The government fulfilled its promise, and in 1927, it instituted a commission under the leadership of Sir John Simon. Not a single person from India was included as a member of the Simon Commission. The two major political parties, the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League, boycotted the Commission. Protests were held in India against the Simon Commission, which was received with slogans such as "Simon Go Back, Simon Go Back." ### Nehru Report (1928) The Secretary of State for India, Lord Birkenhead, declared in the British Parliament that the Indians were divided and unable to prepare unanimous proposals for further reforms in India. Indian leadership accepted the challenge, and an all-party conference was held in February 1928. A committee was established to prepare unanimous proposals with Moti Lal Nehru as its head. Other members included N.A Joshi, M.R. Jaikar, G.R. Pardhan, Tej Bahadur Sapru, Sir Ali Imam and Shoaib Qureshi. The committee ignored the interests of the Muslim community and passed a report known as the Nehru Report. The Muslim members refused to accept the proposals. The following proposals were outlined in Nehru Report. 1. The method of separate electorates should be replaced with the method of joint electorates. The Muslims were less in number compared to Hindus in United India. Under separate electorates, seats for Muslims had to be reserved. The Congress realized that it could win more seats under joint electorates. 2. One-fourth (1/4) of seats should be reserved for Muslims in the central legislative assembly. 3. Sindh should be declared a separate province, Balochistan and the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) should be granted more powers. 4. Hindi should be declared as official language. ### Analysis The demands of Muslims, which had been accepted under the Lucknow Pact (1916), were reversed by the Congress in the Nehru Report. Muslim interests were harmed, leading Muslims to believe that the Congress could not accommodate their interests. ### Fourteen Points of Quaid-e-Azam 1929) Under the Nehru report (1928), Muslim interests were adversely affected. Quaid-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah convened the session of All India Muslim League in 1929 and presented his fourteen points. 1. Provincial autonomy should be equally granted to all provinces. 2. A federal system should be introduced, and residuary powers should be vested in the provinces. 3. Effective and adequate representation should be provided to minorities in all the legislative assemblies, but their majority should not be converted into a minority. 4. There should be a separate electorate system for Muslims. 5. Sindh should be declared a separate province. 6. One-third (1/3) of seats should be reserved for Muslims in the central legislative assembly. 7. Reforms should be introduced in Baluchistan and the North West Frontier Province (NWFP). 8. If the demarcation of the provinces is necessary, then the Muslim majority in the provinces of Punjab, Bengal and North West Frontier Province (current Khyber Pakhtunkhawa) should not be turned into a minority. 9. There must be one-third (1/3) of ministers from the Muslim community in the central and provincial ministries. 10. Seats should be reserved for Muslims in government jobs. 11. All the communities in India should be granted religious liberty. 12. A bill belonging to a particular religious community should not be passed by the legislature if three-fourths (3/4) of the members belonging from that community oppose the bill. 13. Muslim culture, education and language should be granted constitutional protection. 14. Amendments to the constitution should be made after obtaining approval from the provinces and states. ### Analysis The Quaid's fourteen points were a prompt and appropriate response to the Nehru Report. These were moderate and genuine demands of the Muslim community presented at the right time. Muslims continued their struggles in the subsequent years based on the framework of fourteen points. ### Address of Allama Iqbal (1930) The annual session of the All India Muslim League was held in Allahabad in 1930, and it was presided by the great Muslim thinker Allama Iqbal. This session holds significant importance because Allama Iqbal presented the idea of a separate homeland for the Indian Muslims. Iqbal addressed the following points in his presidential speech. He expressed that Islam is a complete code of life that guides in all aspects of human life. Iqbal emphasized the concept of two-nation theory within the Indian context. He also criticized the Western world, noting that in the west, religion has been declared a private affair of every individual. In Islam, there is no concept of separating matter from spirit, and both are equally important. Islam is a dynamic force that has consistently protected Muslims. Iqbal strongly rejected the idea of India as one nation and asserted that Muslims and Hindus cannot be considered a single nation. India is home to different nations with significant differences. Comparing India to the Western world would be inaccurate. Muslims have valid reasons for seeking a separate homeland because it aligns with the fundamental principles of Islam. Allama Iqbal said: "India is a continent where different nations coexist, and they possess differences among themselves. If a constitution or future adjustments are based on the idea that 'all Indians belong to one nation, it could potentially ignite a civil war in India. Therefore, I demand the establishment of a consolidated Muslim state in the best interests of Muslims of India. The formation of a consolidated Muslim state in North-West India seems to be the ultimate goal for Muslims, particularly in the North-Western region of India." ### Analysis Allama Iqbal's address holds great significance in the political struggle, as it provided a clear direction for Indian Muslims. He demanded for the establishment of a separate Islamic state in Muslim-majority areas. This marked the first instance in which a Muslim had demanded a separate homeland for Indian Muslims at the All India Muslim League platform. ## The Round Table Conferences (1930-1932) Quaid-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah wrote a letter to the British Prime Minister, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, urging him to convene a conference of all political parties in India to present their demands before the government. The first session of the Round Table Conference was held from 12th November 1930 to 19th January 1931. The Congress boycotted the first session. Prominent leaders such as Quaid-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar, Sir Agha Khan etc., represented the Muslim League in the first session. Eight sub-committees were established to address various issues. The Prime Minister announced the introduction of a federal system at the centre and responsible government in the provinces in India. The government did not make any decision regarding the Muslim demands. The second session of the Round Table Conference was held from 7th September 1931 to 1st December 1931. Gahndi represented the Congress, while the Muslim League was represented by Allama Iqbal, Maulana Shoukat Ali and Sir Ali Imam. Ghandi tried his best to prove India as one nation. Due to Gahndi's rigid attitude, a resolution on the minorities issue could not be reached. The session was ended without reaching any conclusion. The third session was held from 17th November 1932 to 24th December 1932. The Congress did not attend the third session, while the Muslim League was represented by Sir Agha Khan. The third session ended without achieving anything. ## The Communal Award (1932) The British Prime Minister, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, announced the Communal Award in August 1932. According to the award, separate electorates were extended to Muslims, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans and depressed classes (scheduled castes). The award favored the minorities in India, reserving one-third (1/3) of seats for Muslims in the Central Legislative Assembly. Following the principle of weighting, minorities were allocated more seats in the provincial legislatures than their population in the respective provinces. However, this decision was against the interests of Muslims, as their majority was converted into a minority in the provinces of Punjab and Bengal. Political parties in India did not accept the Communal Award, and the Muslim League also rejected it due to the reduction in Muslim seats in the legislative assemblies of Punjab and Bengal. ## Government of India Act (1935) The British Government began the process of crafting the future constitution of India, taking into account the Nehru Report, Quaid's fourteen and the outcomes of the three round-table conferences (1930-1932). The following were the main characteristics of the 1935 constitution: * **Bicameral Legislature**: There was a bicameral legislature. The Council of States served as the upper house (chamber), comprising a total of 260 members, with 156 representing the provinces and 104 representing the states. The Federal Assembly, serving as the lower house (chamber), consisted of 375 members, with 250 representing the provinces and 125 representing the states. * **Federal System**: Federal system was introduced, consisting of provinces and states. * **Division of Powers**: The powers between the centre and the provinces were distributed among three lists: the federal list, the provincial list and the concurrent list. * **Provinces**: India had 11 provinces under the 1935 Act, each with the authority to make laws on subjects enlisted in the provincial and the concurrent lists. * **Provincial Autonomy**: Provincial autonomy was increased. * **Council of Minister**: Each province had a council of ministers, and the governor was obliged to act upon the council's advice. However, the provincial governor was subordinate to the Governor General of India. * **Abolition of the Indian council**: The Indian council was abolished. * **Federal Court**: The Federal Court, consisting of the Chief Justice and six other judges, served as the highest court. The Act provided details of the powers of the Federal Court. ### Analysis The 1935 Act failed to satisfy different sections of Indian society due to its inability to meet their expectations. The provincial governors and the Viceroy of India held significant powers. The federal system introduced under the Act had some flaws. The central portion of the 1935 Act was not implemented, and only the provincial part was put into effect. ## Formation of Congress Ministries (1937-1939) Under the Government of India Act 1935, provincial assembly elections were held in 1937. The total number of seats for the provinces was 1585, and the Muslim League won 108 Muslim reserved seats out of 495. The Muslim league could not perform well due to different reasons. The Congress formed provincial ministries in 8 out of the total 11 provinces of India. However, the Muslim League was unable to establish a ministry in any province. Shortly after the formation of Ministries in 8 provinces, the Congress started actions against Muslims, as detailed below. * **Hoisting of the Party Flags**: When the Congress ministries had been formed in 8 provinces, the Congress issued instructions to government officials to hoist the Congress's flags on government buildings. * **Bande Matram Anthem**: "Bande Matram" was a song taken from Bankim Chandra Catterjee's noval 'Anandamath'. This song portrayed a negative image of Muslims and advocated the expulsion of Muslims from Hindustan, suggesting that India is only for Hindus. The Congress declared "Bande Matram" as the national anthem and issued instructions that the beginning of the day in government offices and educational institutions must start with its recitation. * **Widdia Mander Scheme**: It was a new educational scheme introduced in the provinces where the Congress party formed its ministries, and the aim of the scheme was to erase Muslim culture. The scheme intended to convert Muslims into Hinduism and was implemented in all educational institutions. Students were forced to pay homage to Gandhi's picture every day during their school assemblies. * **Wardha Scheme**: This scheme was the outcome of Gandhi's philosophy, preaching Hindu nationalism and emphasizing the importance of non-violence. The main purpose of this scheme was to instill respect in the minds of young students for Hindu heroes and religious leaders. The scheme was designed to create the sense that there was only one nation in India. It was intentionally introduced to convert Muslims into Hinduism. * **Attacks on Muslims**: Attacks on Muslims had become a troubling routine in the provinces under the Congress party's rule. Muslims were forced to abandon their religion and allegiance to any party other than the Congress. ### The Resignations of Congress Ministries and Day of Deliverance: World War II began in 1939, and Britain, while fighting against Germany, called upon Indians for their support. The Congress believed that the British government could not overlook it at this time and announced that it would not cooperate with the government in wartime activities. In November 1939, Congress ministries gave their resignations from provincial ministries. Quaid-e-Azam appealed Muslims to peacefully observe the Day of Deliverance on December 22, 1930. ### Analysis The rule of Congress ministries was a critical period for Muslims, as their lives, properties and religion came under attack. Congress introduced anti-Muslim educational schemes to promote a sense of one nation in India. Muslims peacefully criticized these policies and were happy after the resignations from Congress ministries. ## Lahore Resolution / Pakistan Resolution (1940) In March 1940, the All India Muslim League's annual session was held in Lahore at Minto Park, which was later known as Iqbal Park. Quaid-e-Azam presided over this session, and it marked an important event in the political struggle of India's Muslims as they demanded a separate homeland for themselves based on their religion. Prominent Muslim leaders from different parts of India participated in this session. Quaid delivered his presidential speech and raised some important points. He said that it was untrue to think that only one nation resided in India. There were two main nations: Muslims and Hidus, and they belonged to different civilizations with differing worship styles. Despite living together in India for centuries, each remained its separate identity and did not mix with other. Quaid emphasized that India's issue should not be seen as an inter-communal matter but as an international one. ### The Resolution: Molvi Fazal-ul-Haq, the chief minister of Bengal, presented the resolution on March 23, 1940. The resolution said: "No constitutional plan would be workable or acceptable to the Muslims unless it is designed on the following basic principles, viz, that geographically contiguous units are demarcated into regions which should be constituted, with such territorial readjustment as may be necessary that the areas where the Muslims are numerically in majority, as in the North Western and Eastern zones of India, should be grouped to constitute 'Independent States' in which the constituent units shall be autonomous and sovereign." All of the leaders and participants assembled in the gathering endorsed the resolution. ### Reactions The Muslims were quite happy because the Lahore Resolution showed them their destination. Under the kind leadership of Quaid-e-Azam, they devoted their energies to achieving freedom. On the other side, Hindus and the Congress rejected the resolution. ## Cripps Mission (1942) In March 1942, a delegation from the British government arrived in India under the leadership of Sir Stafford Cripps. The objective of the delegation was to view the political situation in India and present its recommendations to the government. The delegation submitted its report to the government in April 1942. The recommendations were as follows: 1. After the end of World War II, a Constituent Assembly will be formed, consisting of members from the provinces and the states. 2. India will be granted dominion status after the end of the war. 3. The Constitution shall be framed by the Constituent Assembly. 4. The proposals of the Cripps Mission would be accepted or rejected as a whole. ## Quit India Movement (1942) Britain was participating in the Second World War. The Congress realized that Britain would not succeed in the war and tried to exert pressure on the government to leave undivided India. In August 1942, the Congress started Quit India Movement. The Congress made efforts to create hurdles in the formation of a separate Muslim state. Hindus engaged in violent activities to achieve their agenda. However, the government managed to control the situation, and this movement ultimately failed. ## Divide and Quit India Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah referred to the 'Quit India Movement' as anti-Muslim. He believed that the movement was a conspiracy against Indian Muslims. Quaid-e-Azam responded to the 'Quit India Movement' with the slogan, 'Divide and Quit India.' This was the best response given by Quaid-e-Azam. He devoted all his energies to secure a separate Muslim state for Indian Muslims. ## Gandhi-Jinnah Talks (1944) On 17th July 1944, Gandhi wrote a letter to Quaid-e-Azam expressing his desire to meet him. Gandhi-Jinnah Talks began on 9th September 1944 and lasted untill 27th September 1944 in Bombay. Gandhi told Quaid-e-Azam that he had come to meet him in his personal capacity and not as a representative of the Indian National Congress. Quaid-e-Azam expressed that the Muslims were a separate nation and they must be given a separate state. On the other hand, Gandhi said that all Hindustanis were one nation, and the division of India would destroy the unity of India. On 27th September 1944, Gandhi-Jinnah Talks ended. The talks failed due to Gandhi's unjust viewpoint that all Hindustani were one nation. ## Simla Conference (1945) In June 1945, following the end of World War II, Indian Viceroy Lord Wavell summoned a conference in Simla and invited political leaders from India to discuss his plan. The Muslim League delegation, lead by Quaid-e-Azam, and the Congress delegation, led by Maulana Abu-al Kalam, participated in the conference. The Congress nominated Maulana Abu-al Kalam to claim that it also represented Muslims. However, a deadlock occurred when Quaid-e-Azam insisted that all five members of the executive council must be from the Muslim League. Khazir Hyayat, the chief minister of Punjab, demanded that one seat in the council, allocated to Muslims, should be given to his Unionist party. The Congress also supported the demand of the Unionist party. Quaid-e-Azam rejected this proposal, stating that the Muslim League was the sole representative party of Muslims and called upon the government to hold elections to determine the representative claims of all the parties. The conference ultimately ended in a failure. ## Elections of 1945-46 The elections for the Central Legislative Assembly were held in December 1945. Quaid-e-Azam visited all corners of India and highlighted the importance of these elections for Muslims. The Muslim League prepared its election manifesto on two-nation theory. All 30 seats reserved for Muslims were won by the Muslim League. In the beginning of 1946, the elections for the provincial assemblies were held, with 482 seats reserved for Muslims. The All India Muslim League also performed well and won the majority of the reserved Muslim seats. The 1945-46 elections proved that the All India Muslim League was the true representative party of Indian Muslims, while the Congress primarily represented Hindus. The Muslim League's victory in these elections paved the way for the creation of Pakistan. ## Delhi Convention (1946) On 19 April 1946, a convention of the Muslim League's winning candidates of the central legislative assembly and the provincial assemblies was held in Delhi. The political situation in India was comprehensively discussed. Quaid-e-Azam emphasized that Muslims would suffer a lot in united India under Congress rule. He said that the creation of Pakistan is the destination of the Muslim community. The participants of Delhi convention passed a resolution for the establishment of a separate Muslim state. ## The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) The British Prime Minister, Lord Attlee, sent a delegation to India known as the Cabinet Mission Plan to discuss constitutional issues with the Viceroy and Political leaders of India. The delegation consisted of three members: Sir Stafford Cripps, A.V. Alexander and Pethick Lawrence, and it arrived in India on March 24, 1946. The delegation met with the leadership of both parties, the Congress and the Muslim League and listened to their views. It announced a formula in May 1946 and the following were its main points. 1. India will be a union consisting of British India and the states. The central government would deal with subjects such as defense, foreign affairs, communication and the imposition of taxes. 2. There would be three groups of the provinces. Group A would consist of six Hindu-majority provinces. Group B would consist of the provinces of Punjab, Sindh and the North West Frontier Province (Khyber Pakhtunkhawa). Group C would consist of the provinces of Bengal and Assam. 3. The provinces and the states would be the basic units of the Indian union. The provinces would have powers over subjects not included in the union subjects. The provinces would also enjoy residuary powers. 4. If the majority of the provincial assembly of any province would like to secede from the Indian union, it would be able to do so, but only after a period of ten years. 5. Political parties would have to accept or reject the plan as a whole. The party that accepts the plan would be included in the interim government. ### Reactions The Congress accepted the plan and it was quite happy because the Muslim demand for a separate state was not fulfilled. Quaid-e-Azam and the Muslim League expressed their reservations but decided to accept the provisions of the plan. ## Interim Government In 1946, an interim government was formed in India, which continued its functions till independence. The Congress tried its best to keep the Muslim League out of the interim government, but it could not do so. The members of the interim government taken from the Muslim League included Liaquat Ali Khan (finance), Raja Ghazanfar Ali (health), Ibrahim Ismail Chandigarh (commerce), Abdur Rab Nishtar (Communications), and Jogendara Nath Mandal (Law). The members of the interim government taken from the Indian National Congress included Jawaharlal Nehru (foreign affairs), Rajagopal Acharya (education), Jagjivan Ram (Labour), Rajendra Prasad (food and agriculture), Patel (interior, information and broadcasting), and Asif Ali (transport and railway). Three minority members included Baldev Singh (defence), John Matthai (industries and supplies) and C. H. Bhaabha (works, mines and power). ## 3rd June 1947 Plan **Background**: Lord Mountbatten was appointed as the last Viceroy of India, and he arrived in India on March 22, 1947. His important task was to facilitate the peaceful transfer of power to the Indians. Mountbatten started negotiations with the political leadership of India. He met with Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, the representatives of the Congress. Mountbatten listened to their points of view. Quaid-e-Azam also met with Mountbatten and presented his perspective on the division of India. Mountbatten went to England to take approval of the scheme for the division of India from the British Government. The British Prime Minister, Lord Attlee, and his cabinet approved the scheme, and Mountbatten returned to India. **3rd June Plan**: The initial plan for partition was set for August 1948; however, Mountbatten advanced the date to August 15, 1947 due to certain reasons. Mountbatten announced partition plan on 3rd June 1947. The important clauses of this plan were as follows: 1. Sindh Assembly would decide whether it wanted to join India or Pakistan. 2. A referendum would be held in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) to determine the province's willingness to join India or Pakistan. 3. The legislative Assemblies of Punjab and Bengal would decide their future. 4. A referendum would be held in the District Sylhet in Assam province to determine the willingness of the people to join India or Pakistan. 5. Balochistan' royal jirga and Quetta Municipal Corporation would decide their future. 6. The Government of India Act 1935 would be implemented as the interim constitution in India and Pakistan. 7. The princely states would decide for themselves about their future. ## The Independence Act 1947 The British Prime Minister, Lord Attlee, presented the Independence of Indian Bill before Parliament, and it was passed. It was implemented on July 18, 1947, and was named the Independence Act 1947. The important clauses of the Act were as follows: 1. The British rule over India would end on August 15, 1947, and two countries, Pakistan and India, would be established. 2. The legislative assemblies of both countries would have the power to legislate. The Government of India Act of 1935 would be implemented as the interim constitution in both India and Pakistan. 3. The princely states were given the choice to join either country. 4. The powers of the British Crown would cease to exist, and the Governor Generals of both countries would have the power to approve the bills passed by the legislatures. Under the Independence Act of 1947, Pakistan came into being on August 14, 1947, with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as the first Governor General and Liaquat Ali Khan as the first Prime Minister. ## Role of Political Leaders, Women and Minorities in Making of Pakistan ### Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah Quaid-e-Azam was born in Karachi on December 25, 1876, and was a great Muslim leader of the twentieth century. He dedicated his energies to protect the rights of Indian Muslims and gain independence