Wrote a question that could come in Pak Affairs paper and answered it. Please give me your feedback. Thanks

Q. Describe the ideology of Pakistan with regards to Quaid and Iqbal’s vision.

A. The ideology of any nation reflects the ideals and aspirations of its people, and religion and cultural shape, their thinking which binds them together. An ideology in the positive sense is a system of beliefs, values, ideals, convictions, institutions, goals and a body of knowledge which a people considers true, binding and practicable. The ideology of Pakistan took shape through an evolutionary process. Historical experience provided the base; Allama Iqbal gave it a philosophical explanation; Quaid-i-Azam translated it into a political reality. The ideology of Pakistan has been a matter of debate throughout the history of the nation. Various leaders have proposed differing views on the beliefs and ideas that Pakistan stands for. However, with reference to Quaid’s and Iqbal’s vision, we can safely deduce that Pakistan was created under an Islamic ideology.

Quaid-e-Azam was a strong advocate of a separate Muslim homeland in his post-exile political life. He believed that there was no possibility of Muslim and Hindu unity in an India where Hindus were in the majority. On several occasions, the Quaid highlighted the key social and cultural differences between the Hindus and Muslims. He was of the view that Muslims in a united India will always be a minority and the Hindus always in majority. Because of this situation democracy will not be able to work in an equitable basis. On this basis he propounded his “Two Nation Theory”. The basic argument was that because Muslims will always be a minority and Hindus will have a permanent majority, democracy will not be able to work in an equitable manner. His motive for creating Pakistan was to provide the Muslims of India a homeland where they would be able to live under an Islamic way of life with the Quran as their guide. When questioned about the constitution of Pakistan he clearly stated that the constitution will be the Holy Quran. However, in his first address to the constituent assembly on August 11, 1947, the Quaid asserted and clarified that the religion of the citizens of Pakistan was not the business of the state. He clearly stated that Pakistan will not be a ‘Theocracy’ and that Pakistanis will all be equal citizens of the State irrespective of their religious beliefs. In some speeches the Quaid mentioned ‘Islamic Socialism’ as one of the goals of Pakistan. By this he again meant that Pakistan will be a modern state and the main objective will be to promote the welfare of citizens in all respects. One view is that he wanted a modern state for the Muslims but not an Islamic State ruled by the mullahs.

The ideology of Pakistan according to Iqbal was purely Islamic. His thesis is beautifully propounded in his lectures that are collectively known as ‘Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam’. After his famous speech in Allahabad, it was clear that Iqbal was an advocate of the fact that Islam was the savior of the Muslims. The Muslims of India needed a separate homeland in which they could live their lives according to the principles of Islam. This homeland would need to have an Islamic ideology as under an Islamic State, the Muslims of India could move forward and prosper. Iqbal was of the view that the Parliament should have the right to rule over even religious matters according to the Islamic Principle of ‘Ijmaa’. He was also of the view that the judiciary should have the power to rule if any interpretation is required to remove controversy in religious issues.

From the speeches of the Quaid and the writings of Iqbal, we can safely assume that Pakistan was created under an Islamic ideology. Whether the current ideology of Pakistan is the same as the fathers of our nation envisioned is a different argument altogether.

Although it is a good attempt, yet you need to work on a quality answer. I mean you should start your answer with a quotation, because this type of questions need quoataions with little historical background. Apart from that, divide your answer into headings and sub-headings to ease your reader, the reader has to check hundreds of copies, he would likely be no longer interested in reading long paragraphs. If I were you, I would have attepted it in the follwoing headings:

-Introduction

-Definition of Ideology

-Definition of "Ideology of Pakistan"

-Historical background

-Ideology of Pakistan under the spot light of Quaid-e-Azam:
-Ambassador of "Unity" & empirical realities
-Advocate of Ideology of Pakistan
-Propounded Two Nation Theory
-Ultimate separate electorate mission
-Pakistan Resolution

-Ideology of Pakistan: Dream of Allama Iqbal
-Vision for a separate home land
-Assertion of Two Nation Theory
-Legacy of pure nationalism
-Doctrine of Islamic Ideology
-Demarcation of India: Allahabad Address

-Critical Analysis

-Conclusion

While attempting paper, must sketch down your outlines in the last pages of the answer copy, then go for attempt.

Regards:

Allama Iqbal and nationalism??????? He was strong proponent of UMMAT-E-MUSLIMAH, a concept opposite to nationalism....... correct me if i am wrong....

Thank you for your advice. Will need more practice in writing with headings and outlines then.

you are absolutely right

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Yes you are wrong, because at initial stage, he retained "nationalism" by his ideas and poetry, contained verses like Tarana-e-Hind. Later on, on account of two nation theory, which ultimately led him to Allahbad Address for separate homeland.

But this question is about "ideology of Pakistan" and he is actually known as opponent of nationalism. You have mentioned "PURE NATIONALISM" which is not correct in this question. He may be in favour of nationalism at the earlier stages of his life but then his views changed at 180 degrees. It would not wise to write this facet in question like this.

It was a shift of his ideology. Hence, the question is about ideology. If I don't depict his "pro-nationalism" ideas in the ideology of Pakistan. Then the question would be incomplete in my way. Therefore, I strongly disagree with your stance.

your disagreement is more than welcome. However, I am also not convinced with your logic. You are mentioning LEGACY OF PURE NATIONALISM. His legacy is not at all of nationalism let alone PURE nationalism. If one wants to include his earlier nationalistic ideas in question, there are other ways. but writing a heading of LEGACY OF PURE NATIONALISM would not at all good (in my opinion)

Still I disagree, because, he was born in united India, nationalism was in his heart, mind and wisdom. His poems of Tarana-e-Hind depict his "Legacy of pure nationalism" that's why he articulated his views by saying in his words "Sary Jahan Say Acha ....".