Jammu & Kashmir in Quaid-e-Azam’s strategic vision |
As a visionary leader, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had a deep affinity and enduring attachment with the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir. One of the most consequential leaders of the twentieth century, he viewed Kashmir not merely as a territorial question but as vital to Pakistan’s strategic security and ideological coherence. His oft-quoted assertion; “Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan and no nation would tolerate its jugular vein remaining under the sword of an enemy” captures both the gravity and foresight of his thinking. Today, as New Delhi consolidates its occupation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), particularly after revoking the region’s special status in August 2019, Quaid-e-Azam’s vision stands vindicated in stark relief.
Historical records reveal that Quaid-e-Azam visited Kashmir on four occasions, each visit reflecting a deeper engagement with the state’s political, social and human realities. His first visit, in 1926, was private in nature, ostensibly a holiday, yet effectively a fact-finding mission. During this stay, he observed first-hand the socio-economic conditions of the Kashmiri people and the oppressive nature of Dogra rule. At the time, Kashmir lacked political awakening and organization; its people were denied basic rights under a harsh and discriminatory regime. Disturbed by what he witnessed, Quaid later secured the passage of a special resolution at the All-India Muslim League Working Committee session in Lahore in 1926. The resolution unanimously urged the Maharaja’s government to........