Minar-i-Pakistan stands aloft in Iqbal Park, across the road from the historic Badshahi Masjid and the Lahore Fort, symbolising the spirit and struggle launched by the Muslims under the principled leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for the creation of a separate homeland.

The concept of such a homeland, presented by Dr Mohammad Iqbal at the 25th All India Muslim League session at Allahabad on December 29, 1930, was set down in concrete terms at the historic session of March 22–24, 1940, at Minto Park. That vision was realised within just seven years. The Minar commemorates the men, women and children who struggled and sacrificed for this cause at the very site where the Resolution was adopted on March 23, 1940. To mark this defining moment, March 23 is celebrated annually as Pakistan Day through meetings, seminars and rallies, culminating in a military parade in Islamabad. In 2026, however, celebrations were subdued as official functions were curtailed under austerity measures owing to ongoing regional tensions.

A visit to the Minar at any time of the year, particularly in March, rekindles the spirit of sacrifice and struggle and revives the determination to work towards the ideals for which Pakistan was created. It also helps clear certain historical ambiguities. While the Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940, is widely remembered, the clarifications introduced through the Delhi Resolution of April 9, 1946, are less frequently considered alongside it. Yet both must be read together to fully understand the constitutional vision underpinning Pakistan’s creation. The texts of both resolutions are inscribed prominently on the Minar, inviting visitors to reflect and renew their commitment as citizens.

It asserted that no constitutional plan would be viable unless it was based on the principle that geographically contiguous units be demarcated into regions where Muslims were in a numerical majority, particularly in the north-western and eastern zones, and that these regions be grouped into independent states with autonomous and sovereign constituent units. It further emphasised that adequate and mandatory safeguards must be provided in any constitutional arrangement to protect the religious, cultural, economic and political rights of minorities, both within Muslim-majority areas and in regions where Muslims themselves were a minority. The Resolution also authorised the Muslim League’s Working Committee to frame a constitutional scheme in line with these principles, including provisions for defence, external affairs, communications and other essential functions.

These principles were further clarified by the Delhi Resolution of April 9, 1946, which specified that the Muslim-majority zones of Bengal and Assam in the north-east, and Punjab, the North-West Frontier Province, Sindh and Balochistan in the north-west, be constituted into a sovereign independent state, with a clear and unequivocal commitment to establishing Pakistan without delay. Read together, the two resolutions remove many misconceptions and provide a coherent understanding of the demand for an independent Muslim state. The Lahore Resolution was moved by A.K. Fazlul Haq and seconded by Chaudhry Khaliquzzaman, with leaders from across the subcontinent lending their support.

The construction of Minar-i-Pakistan itself reflects a story of perseverance. Conceived as the Pakistan Day Memorial, its foundation stone was laid on March 23, 1960, by the then Governor of West Pakistan, Akhtar Hussain. Construction began in 1964 and was completed on March 22, 1968, though it was never formally inaugurated. Designed by architect and engineer Nasreddin Murat-Khan and executed by contractor Mian Abdul Khaliq, the project was revived through the efforts of Commissioner Lahore Mukhtar Masood, who retrieved the neglected file. Notably, no materials used in its construction were imported; all were sourced locally, making the Minar a symbol not only of historical memory but also of national self-reliance and unity.

Pakistan Day continues to draw large numbers of citizens, especially the youth, to this landmark. Their presence reflects an enduring connection to the nation’s founding ideals and a renewed pledge to build a strong, united and prosperous Pakistan through collective effort and shared responsibility.

Muhammad Zahid RifatThe writer is Lahore-based Freelance Journalist, Columnist and retired Deputy Controller (News), Radio Pakistan, Islamabad and can be reached at zahidriffat@gmail.com

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