- SZABUL rightly committed to guide on Pakistan’s struggle for independence and unity
Interview with Dr. Kashif Riaz — Associate Professor, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University of Law (SZABUL)
[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=””]Profile:
Dr. Kashif Riaz, Associate Professor, PhD in Management Sciences is associated with Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University of Law (SZABUL). He has published several research papers in numerous national and international journals that are recognized by Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Teaching and training have been his passion. He is associated with the education sector for more than 18 years. He has participated in numerous national and international conferences. He is fortunate to be part of a family which had the firsthand experience of initially living under a British dominated society, later participated in the Pakistan movement and experienced the transformation from a colonized society to an independent and free society that developed in Pakistan.[/box]
PAGE: How would you comment on PAKISTAN DAY celebrations this year?
Dr. Kashif Riaz: 150 Muslim men and boys heavily bruised with broken limbs faced the worst police brutality in Uttar Pradesh. In another news 52 people have been ruthlessly martyred, over 200 injured, properties destroyed in targeted attacks by Hindu mobs against Muslims in India’s capital. As news of such brutalities against the Muslims living in India continues to travel, the significance and necessity of Pakistan Resolution is being realized by many. Few who criticized the Pakistan Resolution and were of the opinion that a separate nation for the Muslims would economically weaken the subcontinent and as such was not required are becoming silent after seeing such brutalities in India against the Muslims. The political foresight of our great leaders envisioned what is happening to the Muslims in India today some 80 years ago. Therefore, the most crucial and critical decision made on this Day needs to be celebrated with all enthusiasm especially this year because this decision ensured our way of life and provided us with, political, economic, social and religious freedom. A concept which many of our neighboring Muslims brothers and sisters are now being deprived of.
PAGE: The Pakistan Resolution was adopted in 1940, a resolution that is considered as one of the most powerful political movements in the world of politics. What is your perspective about it?
Dr. Kashif Riaz: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend”. A very famous, ancient and logical statement that was negated by the visionary leader known as Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Initially Muslims and Hindus were working together to gain freedom from the Britishers. Gandhi on several occasion suggested Muhammad Ali Jinnah to become the Prime Minister of Independent India however his suggestion was not welcomed by many of his party leaders. Nehru along with other prominent members of congress displayed severe displeasure and were of the opinion that Hindu dominated country would not accept a Muslim head of state. Logically the freedom movement against British rule would get weakened by Pakistan Resolution as Muslims decided to formally separate themselves from Hindus and demand a separate nation for themselves. However, it was a great foresight by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his companions that made them realized that for Muslims not demanding a separate state would mean a change from British rule to Hindu rule, a cruel fact being lived by the Muslims in India today. The decision to demand a separate nation was considered a political marvel because Pakistan Resolution would mean that Muslims would now not only have to face Britishers but also Hindus. There were also growing fear that Hindus might join with Britishers and work against Muslims. However, it represented the people’s desire and although in minority it united the Muslims across India and provided them with a dream, for which in subsequent years they sacrificed their wealth and lives to attain a nation for themselves that is known as Pakistan.
PAGE: Pakistan Day is a public holiday observed in Pakistan every year. Your comments, please:
Dr. Kashif Riaz:Â No matter what your religion, cast, ethnicity and language is if you are living in this country the Pakistan Day needs to be remembered and celebrated because it had an impact on everyone. This resolution provided everyone living in Pakistan the freedom to live a life in accordance with religion of their choice. The day needs to be celebrated because this resolution united the people, provided them with new energy, encouragement and accelerated the pace of freedom movement. On individual level it teaches the importance of commitment and foresight which our visionary leaders like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Maulana Muhammad Ali Johar and Allama Muhammad Iqbal had that led to the demand of a separate nation for the Muslims; an idea which was considered ludicrous and impossible even by some Muslims living in the subcontinent at that point in time. It teaches us the importance of believing in your dreams and to face all challenges, criticisms and hardship that comes in the realization of those dreams. Nations around the globe celebrate their national days so that future generations remember the sacrifices made by their forefathers, to rise against oppression and injustice. It is an important lesson that our children must learn so that one day if they find themselves in similar situation, they should not lose hope. Events should be organized that should depict the sacrifices made by remarkable people who against all odds stood against oppressions and tyrants, never lost hope and achieved their dreams. Similarly, Pakistan Resolution should also be celebrated every year to remember the sacrifices made by our forefathers to provide us with the freedom that we enjoy today while living in this great country. Belonging to a migrant family, my family like many others saw our loved ones being slaughtered and brutally tortured, left our homes and wealth to realize the dream known as Pakistan. We must remember their sacrifices and honor them every year as in their history lies the biggest lesson of life which is to believe in yourself, be compassionate to others and together any milestone can be achieved.
PAGE: The Muslim leaders knew that Muslims and Hindus had different beliefs and cultures. They wanted a separate political- and socio-economic system. Could you give your views on it?
Dr. Kashif Riaz:Â The biggest struggle of human race is to have and maintain an identity. Islam is a monotheistic religion meaning Muslims believe in one God whereas Hinduism is polytheistic religion which implies that Hindus believe in multiple Gods. The basic foundation of any religion is belief since there was a clear divide in the belief system between Muslims and Hindus these two communities had distinct and different identities. Prayers, rituals, festivals, customs, traditions and culture were all different between these two communities who were living together in the subcontinent at that point in time. Commonality between these two communities was not to be found and the majority that were the Hindus were trying to superimpose their beliefs and cultures on to the minority which were the Muslims. It was feared that if this was to continue Muslims in the subcontinent would not be allowed to freely practice their belief, follow their culture and will eventually lose their identity. It is now evident in India that under the fascist regime of Modi, history has revealed that our forefathers were right on demanding a separate nation without which our freedom would not have been ensured.
PAGE: Pakistan Day is observed with usual enthusiasm and fervor at various embassies all over the world and Pakistani diaspora participate in myriads of activities. How would you comment on it?
Dr. Kashif Riaz:Â Pakistan Day provides a significant lesson not only to Muslims living in Pakistan but also to people across the globe following different religion and having different background. It makes us understand the value of an idea, it shows that even in dire circumstances one should not lose hope. It entails that even in severe hardship, hopeless and violent conditions, no matter how impossible it seems an idea can unite the people, provide hope and ultimately make them free. Therefore, irrespective of where you live and who you are if you are a Pakistani you need to celebrate this day and explain it to the world how Pakistan Resolution which seemed impossible at that time became a reality because people set aside their differences and got united.
PAGE: Pakistan Resolution contains an important lesson which needs to be taught to our students. Universities across the country can play an important role. How would you comment on it?
Dr. Kashif Riaz:Â Universities across the country and around the world teach and train the youth which becomes a valuable asset for the nation. Pakistan Resolution should not only be taught but should be properly celebrated in universities as well. Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University of Law (SZABUL) is among the top universities of Sindh and I have the privilege and honor to be a part of such an esteem organization. We at SZABUL have dedicated courses designed to teach the importance and significance of Pakistan which is offered to our student in various programs offered in Law, Business Administration and Criminology departments. Pakistan Resolution is celebrated amongst the staff and students with all zeal so that we remember and realize the sacrifices made by our forefathers under the visionary leadership of the great Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and provided us with freedom that we take for granted today.