MULTAN: Post-independence migration deeply impacted the psyche of many refugees who made Pakistan their new home, leaving lasting scars, however, the generosity and hospitality of the local people played a healing role, fostering a resilient spirit that helped build Pakistan from the scratch.
Renowned satirist, poet, columnist, and intellectual Khalid Masud Khan shared that he and his family did not experience the trauma endured by many during the massive migration from India to Pakistan following the 1947 independence. “My family and I were in Multan at the time,” he said. “But I witnessed the immense suffering of countless migrants who chose Pakistan as their new homeland, and the warmth of the people of Multan who welcomed them with open arms.” He added, “The people of Multan have big hearts.”
Khalid Masud Khan recalled the tragic story of Mr. Abdul Rahman, a friend of his father, Abdul Majeed Khan. During the migration, Abdul Rahman lost two daughters who were martyred, and his son, who had fallen ill during the journey, passed away at the Walton camp. “For Abdul Rahman, it was as if he lost his entire family to the migration,” Khalid reflected.
Khalid mentioned that his father graduated from the historic Emerson College, a prestigious institution in South Punjab, established in 1920 and renamed in 1933 after Sir Herbert William Emerson, then governor of Punjab, in recognition of his contributions to education. The college was recently upgraded to university status in 2021.
Khalid shared a memory of Lala Jee, a Hindu librarian who managed the college library before the partition. After partition, Lala Jee left Multan, leaving a void, as no trained librarian remained, and many Hindu and Sikh lecturers and professors also departed, creating a significant gap. Khalid recalled that the college principal, Mr. Muhammad Ibraheem, recognized his father’s deep interest in books. His father frequently visited the library and assisted students in finding the books they needed. Impressed by his passion for the library, the principal appointed him as the new librarian.
This was not an isolated challenge; other educational institutions also lost Hindu and Sikh teachers and professors, as did various departments. Despite this, the void left by these departures fueled a renewed commitment among the remaining educators, who took on additional responsibilities. “Contrary to the usual two to three lectures a day, they would teach five lectures from morning to evening,” Khalid noted, mentioning professors like Peerzada Ejaz and Professor Jalil, who, though originally from Karachi, dedicated their lives to education in Multan.
These educated and skilled individuals who migrated from India to Pakistan played a crucial role in maintaining and advancing the nation’s institutions. “Their contributions and sacrifices will never be forgotten,” Khalid Masud Khan emphasized.
