The Government Islamia College on Railway Road in Lahore, often referred to as the “Aligarh College” of Punjab before independence, is a monumental institution in the history of the Pakistan Movement.
Founded in 1892 by the Anjuman Himayat-e-Islam, the college was established to uplift the educational standards of Muslims in Punjab at a time when their institutions faced severe oppression. The Anjuman Himayat-e-Islam, formed in 1884, aimed to improve the welfare and education of Muslims amidst growing threats to their educational institutions from Hindu dominance.
By 1899, Islamia College had emerged as a pivotal center of learning and activism for the Muslim community, playing a crucial role in the struggle for independence. The institution became a beacon of hope and a hub for those advocating for a separate homeland for Muslims. One of the college’s most notable associations is with Allama Iqbal, a key figure in the creation of Pakistan. Iqbal’s connection with the college is deeply rooted in his role as a teacher there. It was within the college’s hostel that he first recited his renowned poems, ‘Shikwah’ and ‘Jawab-e-Shikwah,’ which inspired many in the struggle for independence.
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The Muslim Students Federation, established within the college, emerged as a significant force in the independence movement, with students actively participating in the fight for a free nation. From 1937 to 1947, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah visited Islamia College 11 times, delivering speeches that energized and mobilized support for the cause of Pakistan. The historic Habibia Hall within the college proudly showcases photographs and records of these significant events and Jinnah’s impactful speeches.
The rear grounds of Islamia College hosted numerous gatherings crucial to the success of the Pakistan Movement. The college was associated with prominent figures like Chaudhry Rehmat Ali, who coined the name “Pakistan,” and Abdul Malik, the first martyred student of the freedom struggle.
The legacy of struggle and independence is deeply etched in the fabric of Government Islamia College Railway Road. Though the heroes of that era may no longer be with us, the college remains a silent witness to the monumental efforts and sacrifices that contributed to the creation of Pakistan.
