It was a poet’s idea to create Pakistan.
Poetry is a passion of the Pakistani people, so it is fitting that a poet inspired the creation of Pakistan. In the early 20th century, Muhammed Iqbal had an idea for a new nation for the Muslim people of South Asia, most of whom lived in what is now the Pakistani province of Punjab. Iqbal urged Muslims of the region to remember their past and fulfill their destiny by becoming a great force in the world.
In a poem called “To the Punjab Peasant” he wrote:
His words became as famous to his countrymen as these lines are to Americans:“Trampled in the dust is your ages-old history.
Deep in that dust has been smothered your flame.
Wake, and hear dawn its high summons proclaim …
Break all the idols of tribe and of caste.
Break the old customs that fetter men fast!”