Nawab of Junagadh Reaffirms Historical and Legal Claim of Junagadh to Pakistan

Islamabad: A special ceremony organized by the Pakistan Federation of University Women paid tribute to Allama Iqbal, with the Nawab of Junagadh, Nawab Ali Murtaza Khanji, as the chief guest. During the event, he highlighted the historical and legal facts surrounding Junagadh and condemned India’s illegal occupation of the region. “Junagadh was Pakistan yesterday, Junagadh is Pakistan today, and it will always remain a part of Pakistan,” he declared.

The ceremony began with opening remarks by Professor Qaisra M. Alvi, President of the Pakistan Federation of University Women, who emphasized that the nation’s progress depends on introducing the younger generation to Allama Iqbal’s teachings.

Nawab Ali Murtaza Khanji paid tribute to Allama Iqbal and underscored the importance of acting upon Iqbal’s philosophy for Pakistan’s advancement. He also praised Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s efforts against India’s illegal occupation of Junagadh and expressed commitment to fulfilling Jinnah’s unaccomplished vision. He acknowledged the MUSLIM Institute, led by the Dewan of Junagadh, Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali, for publishing a research-based book in English on Junagadh for the first time in Pakistan’s history to promote the cause internationally.

The Nawab stressed that Junagadh’s accession to Pakistan is a historical fact recognized under international law, and the case represents not only a territorial issue but also the pursuit of historical justice. He highlighted the contributions of the late Nawab Jahangir Khanji and the Dewan of Junagadh in keeping Junagadh’s representation alive on Pakistan’s map.

He urged universities and academic institutions to conduct research on Junagadh’s historical and legal aspects to counter Indian propaganda and raise public awareness. According to him, under international law, his status as “Sovereign in Exile” remains valid.

Recalling history, Nawab Ali Murtaza Khanji noted that on 15 September 1947, the Nawab of Junagadh signed the Instrument of Accession with Pakistan’s first Governor-General, making Junagadh the first princely state to formally accede to Pakistan. He added that Pakistan’s Foreign Minister raised the Junagadh issue at the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, and in 1951, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that both Junagadh and Jammu & Kashmir remain pending disputes, with Pakistan not recognizing India’s occupation.

The Nawab also praised the role of the Pakistan Army in supporting the Junagadh cause and appealed to media, civil society, and academic institutions to collectively highlight Junagadh’s historical and legal significance to the public and the international community.

Professor Dr. Alia Sohail, former Vice Chancellor of Rawalpindi Women University, also addressed the gathering, stating that India, in 1947, used the pretext of an alleged external threat to deploy its forces into Junagadh, occupying the state while the Nawab was present in Pakistan.