When Pakistan was created on August 14, 1947, it was not only the birth of a new country—it was the aftermath of one of the largest and most tragic human migrations in history. On one hand, millions rejoiced for their freedom, while on the other, an untold number experienced pain, loss, and sacrifice as the price for independence.
Freedom Came at a Cost
The news of the independence of Pakistan made love and peace dwell in the hearts of people but also brought hatred and bloodshed of such a magnitude as never before seen in the history of the subcontinent. Overnight, communities that had lived together for centuries turned against each other.
Millions Lost Their Homes
Muslims who lived in India had no choice but to abandon their houses and businesses and become strangers to the past (their own memories). Some families were so impacted by the move that they could barely pack and head off on a journey full of uncertainty and danger.
Families Separated Forever
As a result of the uproar of Partition, many family members were separated. Due to the rush at the border, many who had fled never saw their loved ones again. In some cases, they found themselves on the other side with no way to get back.
The Ghost Trains
One of the most unforgettable illustrations of Partition was the ghost trains carrying refugees. Although these trains were loaded with passengers who had high hopes of getting safety, in most cases, they arrived at their destination only with the dead.
Fear in Every Street
Violence, riots, and killings in the name of revenge spread like wildfire not only in small villages but also in large cities. No one felt safe from their enemies, even within their own homes. Trust among neighbors was gone just like that, overnight.
Children Left Alone
Within days, thousands of children became orphans and had no one to look after them. They wandered streets and refugee camps, desperately searching for parents they would never find.
Women Faced Horrors
The brutality of the Partition had a particularly bad effect on women. A great number of women were abducted, sexually abused, or forcibly married to people living on the other side of the border. A significant portion of them never went back to their families.
The Abandoned and the Weak
In the rush to flee danger, the elderly and the sick were often left behind. A considerable number of them passed away alone in the houses that they decided not to abandon.
Pain, Hunger, and Loss
The road to freedom was paved with acts of starvation and the spread of diseases, along with deep psychological wounds. For a large number of people, it was a challenge to live from one day to the next.
Yet Hope Survived
Though the people encountered sufferings which were beyond imagination, they still clung to their dream of starting afresh in a free Pakistan. In effect, they became the carriers of the hope for a safer and brighter future not only for themselves but for their children as well.
Their Sacrifice, Our Duty
The right to freedom which we enjoy now was made possible by the sacrifices of those who experienced 1947—both the living and the dead. We owe it to them to protect our freedom, value our unity, and remember their struggle.
Pakistan Zindabad
“Pakistan Zindabad”—definitely not only a slogan but also a tribute to the lives lost and the dreams fulfilled in the creation of our homeland.