Every August, as our Independence Day comes near, a fresh wave of patriotism sweeps across the country. Pakistani flags flutter proudly from streets, buildings and homes, while national songs echo everywhere, filling millions of Pakistani hearts with pride and love for our beloved homeland.
Historically, the Muslim community played the central role in achieving a separate and sovereign state under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. However, one neglected chapter of our national history is the contribution of non-Muslims who proactively participated in the success of the Pakistan Movement.
When thousands gathered in Lahore on March 23, 1940, a large number of non-Muslim supporters of the Pakistan Movement were also present there. Among the most prominent Hindu leaders was Jogendra Nath Mandal, who later became Pakistan’s first law minister. His political cooperation with the Muslim League reflected the hopes of marginalised communities for greater political representation and social justice in the Muslim-majority country.
Another name associated with Pakistan’s early history is Jagannath Azad, the Hindu poet from Mianwali. At Quaid-e-Azam’s request, he composed the national anthem for the newly independent country, which was broadcast by Radio Pakistan on August 14, 1947.
In the decisive days of 1947, Dewan Bahadur S P Singha, a Christian leader and speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, played a decisive role in the inclusion of Punjab in Pakistan. Several other Christian members also voted in favour of Pakistan. Sir Victor Turner, a British-born civil officer, served as Pakistan’s first finance secretary to establish our early financial and administrative institutions. Justice Alvin Robert Cornelius, a distinguished Christian jurist, rose to become the chief justice of Pakistan.
For many non-Muslims, Quaid-e-Azam’s August 11, 1947 address offered a powerful vision of such an inclusive and tolerant Pakistan where all citizens would enjoy dignity, security and equal civic rights. The assurance that citizens would be free to worship in their temples, mosques, and other places of worship inspired the confidence of non-Muslims in the future of the new country. On the appeal of Quaid-e-Azam, many Hindu families, including elder members of my own family, declared Pakistan as our beloved motherland – Dharti Mata.
Nearly eight decades later, that spirit of patriotism remains alive. I have always taken pride in the fact that if my elders supported Quaid-e-Azam in the Pakistan Movement, I am trying my best in my own way to continue that legacy by promoting the vision of a prosperous, peaceful and tolerant Pakistan in accordance with Quaid-e-Azam’s vision.
As a Pakistani Hindu parliamentarian, I have spent more than two decades advocating minority rights, interfaith harmony, humanitarian service and religious tourism. On August 1 this year, I had the honour of receiving the Global Hindu Award 2026 in Calgary, Canada, in recognition of my social and humanitarian services. A few years ago, I was also honoured by the UAE with the Global Tolerance Award for my sincere efforts to promote tolerance, harmony, inclusivity and co-existence in society.
However, sometimes, I am sad when I think about how the historic contributions of non-Muslim leaders to the Pakistan Movement have gradually faded from our collective memory. Even today, the achievements of patriotic non-Muslim Pakistani citizens are sometimes overlooked because of prejudice, intolerance and pressure from extremist elements.
In my view, the need of the hour is to give the contributions of patriotic non-Muslim Pakistanis due recognition in our curriculum, media and national narrative. The story of Pakistan should include everyone who contributed to its independence, defended its ideology and continues to work for its progress.
While celebrating Independence Day, we must understand that Pakistan is the beloved homeland of every patriotic Pakistani citizen who believes in its glorious past, bright future, and continued efforts towards peace, progress and prosperity.
The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts @RVankwani
