The name of Gujranwala holds great importance in Pakistan Movement. This city suffered aerial bombing in the cause for independence from Foreign Rule. In agitation against the massacre of Jalianwala Bagh Amritsar in 1919, there were huge protests in Gujranwala also. As a result of mass protests, on 14th April 1919, the Railway station, Post office, District Courts and other official buildings were damaged. Michael O’ Dwyer who was then serving as Lieutenant Governor Punjab (also served as Deputy Commissioner Gujranwala) ordered for aerial bombing in Gujranwala. Eight aerial bombs were identified to be inflicted upon the innocent citizens of Gujranwala. Apart from this, heavy aerial firing was carried out on 14th and 15th April 1919. On 5th April 1919, the Army took over the control of Gujranwala District and on 16th April 1919, Martial law was enforced in Gujranwala despite the fact that the situation was under control. Several ordinary citizens of Gujranwala were killed and many were injured because of this whole episode.
Famous leaders in Pakistan movement from District Gujranwala include Maulana Zafar Ali Khan (also known as Baba e Sahaafat), who was born in Tehsil Wazirabad. He was one of the founding members of the Muslim League. He profoundly used his writings as a source of inspiration for the Muslims of the sub-continent.
Moreover, a well known woman leader of Pakistan movement Salma Tassaduq Hussain belongs to Ghakkar Wazirabad Tehsil of Gujranwala. She participated in the freedom struggle and was also elected as a member of Provincial Assembly in 1946 elections. Soon after independence, she served as cabinet minister of west Pakistan.
It was in 1944 when Quaid e Azam accompanied by his sister Maadr e Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah visited Gujranwala twice, first on his way from Sialkot to Kashmir and then on way back from Kashmir. First Jalsa was held in Municipal Daak Bungalow situated on Lahore to Sialkot Road and the second Jalsa was organized in Sheranwala Bagh (now called as Jinnah Bagh). On both occasions, huge crowds welcomed Quaid e Azam and these moments were made part of the history of Gujranwala for lifetime.
Other famous Pakistan movement leaders include Hakeem Niaz Ali, Chaudhry Ikramullah, Mian Manzoorul Hassan, Mian Zia ul Haq, Shaikh Saleem, Hakeem Niaz uddin, Khwaja Muhammad Afzal, Chaudhry Kherat ullah, Barkat Ali Jaffery, SA Rahim and Inayat Kabli.