The idea was first proposed by Allama Iqbal, but it was not a serious option until 1940 when in Lahore, the leaders of muslim India, declared that Pakistan was the objective. The man most associated with the drive towards creation was Mohammed Ali Jinnah, now known as 'Quaid-e-Azam' (urdu: Great Leader).

Jinnah was a man of tremendous integrity. This was recognised even by his adversaries of the day. Educated as a barrister, he was uniquely placed to put the case for Pakistan before the departing British. Many have remarked that he was a cold, calculating man, eptimised by his protrayal in the film Gandhi . Aloof, he certainly was, but he also was a passionate man. He more than most realised the need for Pakistan and he was unwavering in his determination to see a successful outcome.

The partition of India was not smooth and easy. When the borders were announced, millions found themselves on the wrong side, resulting in the largest migration of people in recorded history. During the migration, tens if not hundreds of thousands, muslims, hindu's and sikh's lost their lives. Unspeakable attrocities were committed by all sides.

For the people of the new Pakistan, it was also a time for new hope. With Jinnah as the leader and his trusty lieutenant Liaquat Ali Khan as the Prime Minister, the new country was alive with optimism.