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PESHAWAR, Dec 24 (APP): Islamia College Peshawar (ICP) holds a unique and distinguished place in the history of Pakistan Movement, being the only institution in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that was visited three times by father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
These historic visits stand as a lasting testimony to the pivotal role played by the college and its students in the struggle for Pakistan.
The Father of the Nation visited Islamia College in 1936, 1945 and 1948, acknowledging the patriotism, discipline and unwavering commitment of its students towards the cause of an independent Muslim homeland.
His final visit on April 12, 1948, as the first Governor General of Pakistan, further cemented the institution’s place in national history.
Established in 1913 by the prominent Muslim League leader Sir Abdul Qayyum Khan, Islamia College later attained the status of a public sector university. From its inception, the institution remained a stronghold of political awareness and Muslim identity in the region.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Younas Khan of the Pakistan Studies Department at ICP told APP that Quaid-e-Azam was deeply impressed by the students’ active role in the Pakistan Movement.
“When Quaid-e-Azam visited ICP in 1945, the students and the Muslim Students Federation presented him with Rs 8,000 as a contribution to the Pakistan Movement.
They also pledged to provide 8,000 educated and committed workers for the cause,” he said, adding that this commitment helped move the freedom struggle towards its logical conclusion.
The Quaid’s arrival in Peshawar in 1945 turned the city into a scene of historic celebration. Homes, bazaars, markets, towns and villages were decorated with All-India Muslim League flags, while slogans of Pakistan Zindabad and Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad echoed across the region.
“The enthusiasm of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was unprecedented,” Dr. Younas recalled. “Major buildings were adorned with national flags, and the entire city wore a festive look.”
Retired Information Officer Misal Khan vividly remembered the scenes of those historic days.
“I witnessed a sea of people coming from across KP and the erstwhile FATA in trucks, cars, rickshaws and buses to catch a glimpse of their beloved leader in 1945 and later in 1948,” he told APP.
He said the deep affection of the people of KP for Quaid-e-Azam was reflected in the 1946 elections, when the All-India Muslim League secured an overwhelming victory in the province—an achievement that removed the last major hurdle in the path to Pakistan’s independence.
During his final visit to Islamia College on April 12, 1948, Quaid-e-Azam addressed students with words that continue to inspire generations:
“I am indeed very happy to be present here today and to have the privilege of addressing the students of this great Dar-ul-Uloom, who are the future builders of Pakistan.”
He urged students to develop discipline, character and a strong academic foundation, reminding them of their responsibility towards the nation.
“Your government is like your own garden. It flourishes according to the care and effort you put into it,” he advised.
Quaid-e-Azam also expressed his desire for the establishment of a university in Peshawar. Fulfilling this vision, the University of Peshawar was established in 1949, just a year after his visit, adjacent to Islamia College.
His affection for ICP was further evident in his historic will dated May 30, 1939, in which he named Islamia College Peshawar, Aligarh Muslim University and Sindh Madrassatul Islam as inheritors of his property. Later, the Quaid Trust paid Rs 10.81 million to ICP, which was utilized for major educational projects including the Quaid-e-Azam College of Commerce, Jinnah Residential Quarters, Jinnah College for Women and the Takbeer Block at ICP.
Quaid-e-Azam also held immense respect for the tribesmen of the merged tribal districts for their loyalty and sacrifices. On April 17, 1948, he addressed a Grand Tribal Jirga at the Governor House in Peshawar, praising their steadfast support for Pakistan.
Former Ambassador Manzoor-ul-Haq described Quaid-e-Azam’s speeches to ICP students and tribal elders as timeless.
“Every national objective can be achieved by strictly following Quaid-e-Azam’s principles of unity, faith and discipline,” he said.
On the occasion of Quaid-e-Azam’s birth anniversary, students from various schools visited Islamia College to pay homage. Anaya Bibi, a 5th grade student from Peshawar Model School, said she was deeply inspired after seeing Quaid-e-Azam’s portraits and the historic Khyber Union Hall where he once addressed students.
“The role of ICP students in the Pakistan Movement and Quaid-e-Azam’s love for this great institution impressed me the most,” she said.
As the nation commemorates the 149th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, his enduring bond with Islamia College Peshawar stands as a powerful reminder of the transformative role of education, character and youth in shaping Pakistan’s destiny.