The Growth of Muslim Nationalism in Hazara: An Inquiry of the Role of Hazara in the Creation of Pakistan

Abstract

North West Frontier Province was strategically very important, as it was the first defense
line against Russian Empire. Regrettably, because of its location, it lagged far behind from
other provinces in political progress, still, it played an important role in the creation of
Pakistan. Hazara district, though look geographically marginal, played fundamental role
in the recognition of Muslim Nationalism in the province. This article is an attempt to
logically analyze the role of Hazara in the growth of Muslim Nationalism and in the
creation of Pakistan. Likewise, it also sets to refute the literature of the authors who have
regional biases in the construction of history. It is qualitative research that employed the
case study method for the contextual study. The primary material in the shape of
intelligence reports and newspapers and secondary material in the form of books, articles,
and periodicals have been utilized. We argue that without the support of Hazara, North
West Frontier Province could not have become a part of Pakistan. Muslim League got the
organizational, electoral and mass support from Hazara. It is suggested that history on
the growth of Muslim Nationalism is biased and needs re-construction.