Peshawar, March 22, 2026 The historic day of March 23, 1940 occupies a special place in world history and represents a turning point in the political and democratic struggle of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent for the creation of Pakistan.
This historic day marked the adoption Lahore The decision, later known as Pakistan The resolution passed by millions of Muslims at Minar-e-Pakistan 86 years ago laid the foundation for the creation of Pakistan.
Pakistani resolution, which was passed during the conference India The annual session of the Muslim League in Lahore on 23 March 1940 was a symbol of the unwavering determination and heroic political struggle of Muslims seeking a separate homeland where they could practice their religion, culture and traditions freely.
Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus Khan, head of the Department of Pakistani Studies at Islamia College Peshawar, described Pakistan’s decision as a strong declaration of the collective will of Muslims.
He said, “The adoption of the resolution was not just a political statement, but rather the culmination of decades of aspirations, sacrifices and tireless efforts of Muslims who were pushed to the wall in that era of discrimination after the 1857 uprising against the colonial rulers.”
Led by the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the resolution called for the creation of separate states for Muslims in the northwestern and eastern regions of the Indian subcontinent, giving rise to the idea of Pakistan.
It was a sign of Muslims’ determination to carve out a space in the Indian subcontinent where they could flourish as a distinct nation, while maintaining their identity, rights and independence.
Dr. Yunus highlighted the Muslim rejection of Congress policies through the resolution, emphasizing the role of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the independence movement.
“The province’s support for the great leader was evident when he visited Peshawar To mobilize the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Pakistan after the decision has been taken. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, which was then the North-West Frontier Province, received him with great enthusiasm and decorated their homes, markets and vehicles with Muslim League flags. They showered him with rose petals, showing their firm commitment to the cause of Pakistan.”
The great leader received a warm welcome in Peshawar in 1945, where his presence inspired people from all districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Former Vice Chancellor of ICP, Professor Dr Muhammad Naushad Khan, shared a memorable incident when ICP Muslim Students Federation students presented Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah with Rs 8,000 as a fund for the Pakistan Movement and pledged to contribute 8,000 educated workers for the noble cause.
the love The legendary leader’s position in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was so profound that the Muslim League won more than 50 seats in the province, cementing the region’s crucial role in the movement for Pakistan’s independence.
The great leader visited the Islamia College Peshawar three times in his life, i.e. in 1936, 1945 and 1948, and each visit was an acknowledgment of the contributions of the faculty, staff and students of the college in the creation of Pakistan.
Dr Yunus said that the great leader considered the students of the Communist Party and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a frontline force in the constitutional and peaceful struggle for independence.
On his last ICP visit as Governor-General of Pakistan on 12 April 1948, the Father of the Nation delivered an inspirational message to the students, urging them to contribute to the prosperity of Pakistan by developing discipline, character, initiative and academic excellence.
He also shared his vision of a quality university in Peshawar. His long-held dream came true in 1949 by establishing the University of Peshawar, located near the Islamic College.
This institution was to become a center of culture and knowledge, spreading its influence throughout the country, Afghanistan and Central Asia.
“Mr. Jinnah’s deep connection with the ICP was evident even in his will,” he said. In 1939, he appointed the Islamic College in Peshawar, along with the Aligarh Muslim University and the Sindh Madrasah. IslamAs heirs of his property.
The Quaid Trust later contributed Rs 10.81 million to the college, which was used to build Quaid-e-Azam College of Commerce, Jinnah Women’s College, Jinnah residential quarters, among other developments.
Dr. Yunus concluded by saying that March 23 is not just a day to reflect on the past, but a day to renew our commitment to working hard for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.