13th August 1947 – The Last Day Before Pakistan’s Independence
H2: Lahore’s Streets Awaken to Restlessness
In the morning, a wave of restlessness ran through the streets of Lahore despite the cool air. People were awake, but it wasn’t like any ordinary day. This was the day before the night of August 14 — a day where every moment felt heavier than a century.
Bazaars were bustling, not for trade, but for hope. Children carried Pakistani flags — some made of paper, some of cloth. A few boys crafted kites, painting the crescent and star by hand. On the radio came repeated announcements:
"Tonight at midnight, the birth of Pakistan will be declared. Everyone should raise the national flag on their homes.
Radio Pakistan Lahore – The Voice of History
At Radio Pakistan Lahore — still functioning as All India Radio — preparations had begun since last night. Microphones were being tested. A young announcer, sitting with Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi, said:
"Qasmi Sahib, history is about to be spoken from our lips… this is the moment that changes the destiny of nations."
Quaid-e-Azam’s Final Night in Delhi
Meanwhile, in Delhi, preparations for Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s departure were complete. His aircraft was scheduled to leave for Karachi on the morning of August 14, but on the night of August 13, he was still signing final documents.
Though calm, his eyes carried the fatigue of decades spent fighting for the Two-Nation Theory. Around him, Liaquat Ali Khan, Fatima Jinnah, and close associates sat quietly, waiting for the dawn of history.
A Nation Divided – Hope and Fear in the Air
In Delhi’s streets, fear lingered. Hindu Mahasabha members declared openly: "This dream of Pakistan will not last long." Muslim neighborhoods stayed tense — doors locked, eyes peeking from curtains — yet those eyes shone with hope, knowing something monumental was about to happen.
From Lahore to Karachi, Peshawar to Calcutta, every city felt the same silent anticipation. People knew the next morning would be freedom’s morning.
The Rooftops Await Midnight
That night, elders told their children:
"Son, this green crescent flag… it has been colored with our blood. Never let it bow."
People climbed rooftops, gazed at the moon, counted the stars, and waited for the crescent and star to become their identity.
Slogans, Songs, and Faith
On the streets, volunteers chanted:
"We will take Pakistan, Pakistan will be ours!"
"What is the meaning of Pakistan? There is no god but Allah!"
Girls in white dresses with green scarves sang national songs. Some recited Maulana Zafar Ali Khan’s poetry; others sang Allama Iqbal’s “Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua.”
The Last Evening Before Freedom
It was August 13…
The final evening of waiting…
The highest point of faith…
After which, there was only the light of freedom.
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