Allah granted the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent a leader, a figure of truth and integrity. This leader fought tirelessly for the Muslims’ demand for an independent homeland. At that time, Britain was the sole superpower, yet through the strength of his arguments, this leader secured not one, but two Pakistans.

He gained both West Pakistan to the right and East Pakistan to the left. This was a tremendous achievement, as both the British and the Hindus were unwilling to give Pakistan, but the leader succeeded in obtaining two.

This leader is rightfully called Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the greatest political figure of the subcontinent. Under his leadership, the two regions of Pakistan were united as one nation.

The army that Pakistan inherited after partition became the Pakistan Armed Forces. During the partition, they played an essential role in protecting caravans of displaced Muslims, helping them reach their destination in Pakistan. Where the army wasn’t present, people took up arms themselves, defending each other as they moved towards Pakistan.

These efforts were filled with a unique spirit and devotion, which resurfaced in 1965 when the Indian army crossed international borders in the dead of night, launching an attack on Lahore and Sialkot. The enemy had penetrated deep into Pakistani territory, even reaching the Shalimar Gardens. At that time, we didn’t expect India to violate the established international border.

In response, Pakistan’s leader, Ayub Khan, delivered a historic speech, declaring that the enemy didn’t know who they had challenged. He called upon the people to recite La ilaha illallah and strike the enemy. United in their love for the country, the people joined hands with the armed forces, and soon the enemy was forced to retreat in panic.

The 1965 war was imposed upon us because we demanded the fulfillment of the promise regarding Kashmir, a promise made by Jawaharlal Nehru. Quaid-e-Azam had declared Kashmir the jugular vein of Pakistan.

He also spoke about Palestine, advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people. These issues were rooted in humanity and peace. Ignoring them has endangered global peace, but the world can still achieve peace if the rightful parties in these two matters are given their due rights, and promises are honored.

In the context of Palestine, the Treaty of Jerusalem is a reminder of such promises. When the Muslims laid siege to Jerusalem for over three months, the religious and political leader of Jerusalem, Sophronius the Patriarch, offered to surrender the city’s keys to the Amir al-Mu’minin (Leader of the Faithful), Umar ibn al-Khattab.

Upon receiving this message, Umar appointed Ali as his deputy and traveled to Jerusalem, where the keys were handed over to him. The treaty guaranteed the safety of the people, their churches, and their possessions. However, it was agreed that Jews would not reside in Jerusalem, although they could visit for worship.

For centuries, this treaty was respected, but after World War I, Protestant and Catholic rulers disregarded it, allowing Jews to settle in Jerusalem. Today, the Orthodox Christians, led by Russia, remain opposed to this, and their leader is still known as the Patriarch. The violation of this treaty is one of the reasons for the current global instability. To restore peace, it is crucial to honor international agreements.

Similarly, respecting the Durand Line, the British-established border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, is essential. Pakistan, with its missile technology and nuclear capabilities, stands as a powerful military force. The message of September 6 is that we must also become economically strong.

This can only be achieved by freeing the country from reliance on Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and constructing projects like the Kalabagh Dam for affordable energy. We must also commit to bringing our judiciary among the top ten in global rankings.

By reviving the spirit of September 6, 1965, and implementing measures such as providing free education up to matriculation, as guaranteed by the 1973 Constitution, we can strengthen our nation’s defense and contribute to the cause of oppressed people in Kashmir and Palestine. Insha’Allah!

Written By: Moulana Ameer Hamza