Role of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the Making of Pakistan with Reference to His Political and Constitutional Efforts
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born on 25th December, 1876 in Karachi. He began to take part in politics during his stay in England. He joined the Congress at first. At that time, he was a staunch supporter of the Hindu Muslim Unity. He was also called the Ambassador of the Hindu Muslim Unity.
In 1909, the "Minto Morley Reforms" were implemented in India. The Muslims of Mumbai elected Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as their representative. In 1913, he joined the Muslim League. He left the Congress in 1920 due to its anti-Muslim policies. In December 1916, the Muslim League and the Congress signed a landmark agreement called "Lucknow Pact". At the same place, he was awarded the title of "Ambassador of the Hindu Muslim Unity". In 1919, the British government passed the Rowlatt Act. Quaid-e-Azam opposed the Act and declared it unconstitutional. He resigned from the Viceroy's Council in protest. In 1929, Quaid-e-Azam presented his famous fourteen points. Three Round Table Conferences were held in London from 1930 to 1932. Quaid-e-Azam attended the first two conferences. In 1934, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah returned home from England. He was given the presidency of the Muslim League. In 1940, the annual meeting of the Muslim League was held in Lahore under the chairmanship of Quaid-e-Azam, in which the Pakistan Resolution was passed. The Muslim League met glorious success in the elections of 1945-46, under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam. On 14 August 1947, Pakistan came into being. On August 15, 1947, Quaid-e-Azam took oath as the first Governor General of this newly born Islamic sovereign state. Shortly before the establishment of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam's health had deteriorated but he continued to work day and night. He never had a chance to rest. This further deteriorated his health. The disease intensified in July 1948 and finally he died on September, 1948.
Consolidation of the State and Making of Constitution, 1947-56
From the very beginning, Pakistan had to face many difficulties in making the constitution. At the time of the emergence of Pakistan, there was no constitution to run the government affairs, therefore, the Government of India Act 1935 was adopted with some amendments. On August 10, 1947, a session of the Constituent Assembly was convened under the Interim Constitution. In addition to the legislation, this Assembly was also playing the role of the Central Parliament.
Early Problems of Pakistan
Pakistan had to face many problems soon after its establishment. Some of them were:
1. Radcliffe Award
After the declaration of establishment of Pakistan, the Viceroy appointed the Boundary Commissions for Punjab and Bengal on June 30, 1947 to determine the boundaries of both the countries. Mr. Radcliffe, an English lawyer, was appointed chairman of both the commissions. He was also given the power of arbitration in case of disagreements. The decision that this commission made was called the Radcliffe Award. The Muslim majority areas adjoining Pakistan were handed over to India. She was granted access to the state of Jammu and Kashmir through inclusion of Muslim majority area of Gurdaspur in India. Thus, the Kashmir issue was created, which remains unresolved till today.
2. Settlement of Migrants
Hindu Muslim riots after independence in 1947 added to the problems. Settlements of peaceful Muslims in India were burned to ashes. Bloodshed was caused and the Muslims were forcibly pushed into Pakistan. Pakistan had to face significant difficulties in rehabilitation and resettlement of refugees coming from India. Millions of people came to Pakistan after suffering enormous difficulties.
Diagram image pending upload by Admin.
Although it was an enormous test for the newly born state, the Muslims generously supported their migrant brothers. They provided them food and clothing. Eventually, this difficult period passed.