The Untold Contribution of Christians in the Making of
Pakistan
Reflecting on the history of Pakistan's formation in
1947 prompts us to question our current state, the choices we've made, and the
justice we seek. The struggle for freedom involved various factions, including
the Indian Congress, Muslim League, and Christians.
This narrative aims to shed
light on the often-overlooked role of Christians in the creation of Pakistan. Religious and political tensions intensified within the Congress, leading to the formation of the Muslim League in 1906.Christians, having trusted in the unity of the future nation, were later exploited by the Muslim majority in various aspects of life.
The Early Years: The late 19th century saw the
inception of the Indian Congress in 1884, with Muslims and Hindus collectively
striving for independence from British rule. Influential figures like Molana
Abu Al Kalam Azad, Quid – E – Azam, and Sir Allama Iqbal played pivotal roles.
The Christian Perspective: Christianity's place in the
narrative gained importance as discussions arose about the partition of Muslim
and non-Muslim areas. Despite expectations that Muslims, who worship one God,
would respect Christians, the reality proved otherwise.
The Christian Contribution: The Christian community,
particularly the Indian Christian Association led by SP Singa, supported the
idea of a separate nation. Christians voted for Pakistan in June 1947, aligning
with their belief in the sanctity of minorities in the new state.
Promises and Betrayals: Promises were made regarding
the sacred trust of Christians as a minority in Pakistan, with assurances of
respect and equal rights. However, the practical fulfillment of these promises
fell short. The current plight of the Christian community reflects a stark
contrast to the commitments made during the formation of Pakistan
Challenges Faced: Post-independence, numerous Christian
villages and churches faced destruction, and false cases were imposed on the
Christian population. Despite their sincere contributions, Christians continue
to struggle for their basic rights, facing injustice and discrimination even
after 67 years.
Conclusion: The untold story of Christian
contributions to the birth of Pakistan reveals a complex history marked by
sacrifice and exploitation. It is imperative for the nation to recognize and
rectify the injustices faced by the Christian community, fostering an
environment of respect, justice, and equality for all citizens