'People started weeping when they first entered Pakistan'

In 1947, millions of Muslims from across the border boarded trains to come to Pakistan. This journey was made amidst feelings of fear, loss, hope and joy.

Javed Akram Malik, born in 1944, recounts his father's words about thousands reaching Pakistan via train for the first time and their first steps on their new homeland. Malik was three years old when his father made the journey to Pakistan.

"It was announced, 'Now we are entering into Pakistan'. The train nearly halted, and people started weeping. Their lips were moving as if to say, "Long live Pakistan". But their throats refused to cooperate, because their hearts were overflowing with emotions."

He adds, "Their sounds were hoarse as a result of shouting slogans, and it was a scene worth seeing... My father tells me that it was a sight to witness, people were kissing the soil saying this is Pakistan—they were prostrating and kissing the soil that the land of our dreams we have finally reached."

This article is part of a week-long series on achieving independence and the early years of Pakistan, run collaboratively by Images and The Citizens Archive of Pakistan (CAP).

CAP is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultural and historic preservation. It seeks to educate the community, foster an awareness of our nation’s history and instill pride in Pakistani citizens about their heritage.