Pakistan's Political Landscape - The Interwoven Past of Allama Mashriqi, Bhuttos, and Zardaris
By
Nasim Yousaf, New Age Islam
4 April
2024
Recognizing Mashriqi’s Influence And Power,
Notable Figures From Sindh Acknowledged Mashriqi's Potential To Challenge British
Rule, Leading Them To Align With The Khaksar Movement To End British Rule
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A
historical review of Pakistan's political landscape reveals intriguing
connections that have shaped the course of the nation's history. Delving into
the intertwined past of Allama Mashriqi, the Bhuttos, and the Zardaris uncovers
fascinating relationships that have often remained unexplored. From Sir Shah
Nawaz Khan Bhutto's affiliation with the Khaksar Movement (source: Gul Hayat
Institute, Sindh) to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's deep admiration for Mashriqi, and
President Zardari's ties with Mashriqi's descendants, these historical threads
offer insights into the intersections of politics, ideology, and familial
bonds. As a biographer of Mashriqi, I have been asked to shed light on these
connections for the record. I will delve into the historical tapestry of the
Mashriqi-Bhutto and Mashriqi-Zardari relationships separately.
Before
delving into Sir Shah Nawaz Khan's association with the Khaksar Movement and
Bhutto's deep admiration for Mashriqi, we need to understand the context or
background of the reference. Keep in mind that Mashriqi was no ordinary
personality; he was a world-famous mathematician who shattered academic records
at the University of Cambridge, becoming the first Muslim scholar whose book, “Tazkirah”
was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature by scholars from both the East
and the West. Scholars worldwide acknowledged his work, including Albert
Einstein, who admired Mashriqi and introduced him to his wife during a meeting
at his house in Germany in 1926. For more details, refer to my piece "Einstein
& Other Scientists’ Meetings with Allama Mashriqi."
Mashriqi's
establishment of a formidable private army was recognized by British
authorities as the most potent threat to their rule. The British worked with
weaker leaders without street power, easily side-lining them if they resisted their
agenda. Yet, they kept these leaders in the limelight to portray them in masses
as influential. Mashriqi refused to accept any form of control. Consequently,
there was no collaboration or partnership between Mashriqi and the rulers.
Mashriqi's
first wife, Wilayat Begum, was the sister of Mohammad Sharif, who was titled
"Maulvi" (an honorary title) and appointed as a Justice of the
Peace by the British Governor General in Council in united India. His large
land holdings led to the naming of Sharifabad near Nawabshah after him. His
second wife, Kaniz Fatima, was a politician and District Council Member. In the
1960s, President Mohammad Ayub Khan went to Nawabshah to seek the support of
Sharif's family against Fatima Jinnah, a sister of Jinnah. There, Kaniz Fatima
received the President at the Nawabshah airport. Mashriqi's niece, Waheeda
Begum, married Mohammad Yousaf, son of Estate Magnate Mohammad Shafi (also
titled Maulvi), after whom Shafiabad Railway Station was named. Aisha Begum,
Mashriqi's sister, married into Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah's family,
Sindh's Premier and first Governor post Pakistan's formation, showcasing the
esteemed Mashriqi lineage and the family's significant influence.
Recognizing
Mashriqi’s influence and power, notable figures from Sindh acknowledged
Mashriqi's potential to challenge British rule, leading them to align with the
Khaksar Movement to end British rule. Members included G.M. Syed, Muhammad
Hashim Gazdar (a Member of the Legislative Assembly), Yusuf Abdullah Haroon (son
of Sir Abdullah Haroon), and Barrister Ghulam Mustafa Khan Bhurgri. Mir Ali
Ahmed Talpur, Mir Rasool Bakhsh Talpur, and Pir Ilahi Bakhsh (who served as
Chief Minister) also joined the Khaksar Movement. Moreover, influential
families like the Bhuttos, Talpurs, Soomros, Abros, Khuhros, Halepotos, and
Jatois from Sindh rallied behind the movement. Refer to the "Note" at
the end for some of these prominent names.
Understanding
Sir Shah Nawaz Khan's Khaksar Movement affiliation and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's
admiration for Allama Mashriqi is evident. Bhutto's profound respect for
Mashriqi surfaced notably in the 1970s during meetings with Mashriqi’s
daughter, Masuda Yousaf (my mother), and son, Inamullah Khan Akram (my uncle).
Bhutto swiftly confirmed Masuda's appointment, expressing unusual haste,
through his Military Secretary. During their meeting in Rawalpindi, Bhutto
hailed Mashriqi as an "inspiring personality," "mathematical
genius," and "indomitable freedom fighter." This admiration
extended to Akram, culminating in Bhutto offering him a parliamentary seat
despite Akram's lack of political activity or involvement with the Pakistan
People’s Party (PPP), solely due to his lineage as Mashriqi’s son.
Bhutto's
admiration for Mashriqi was more than mere words; it manifested in his policies
and actions, resonating with Mashriqi's vision for a just and empowered
society. Bhutto's focus on grassroots mobilization, fiery speeches, and
dedication to social justice echoed Mashriqi's ideals for an equitable society
and the upliftment of the masses. His initiatives to empower women, notably his
daughter Benazir Bhutto, reflected a larger vision for social and economic
reform akin to Mashriqi's endeavors in the 1930s. Explore further in my works:
"The Khaksar Women Who Fought for Our Freedom: Allama Mashriqi Pioneered
Female Empowerment" and the book "The Khaksar Women: Warriors for
Independence."
Bhutto's
formation of the Federal Security Force (FSF), akin to Mashriqi's Khaksar
Movement, presents an intriguing parallel despite their differing goals.
Politicians often draw inspiration from historical figures like Mashriqi,
evident in Jinnah's adoption of some of Mashriqi's ideas such as the Muslim
League National Guard and the Women’s National Guard. Jinnah's iconic slogan “unity,
faith, and discipline” echoed the core ideology of Mashriqi’s Khaksar Movement,
illustrating the common practice of leaders finding inspiration from
predecessors without explicit acknowledgment.
The
enduring ties between the Bhutto and Mashriqi families are highlighted by the
late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's appointment of Syed Qaiser Hussain Zahidi,
an ICS and Mashriqi’s niece's husband, as Director-General of the Prime
Minister’s Inspection Team. Additionally, a 2013 meeting between Fatima Bhutto,
Ghinwa Bhutto, and Mashriqi’s daughter-in-law, Dr. Sabhia Arshad Al-Mashriqi,
at the provincial headquarters of the Khaksar Movement in Larkana underscores
the Bhutto family's ongoing interest in and connection with Mashriqi's legacy,
where both Fatima and Ghinwa sought information on Mashriqi.
Turning to
the Zardari family, we discover Hakim's alignment with Mashriqi's goal of
ending British rule through the Khaksar Movement (The Express Tribune, March
25, 2011). This led him to join the party and commence his political journey
within its ranks. Zardari, donning a Khaksar uniform, holding a belcha—a symbol
of the Khaksar Movement reflecting the power of the labour class and the levelling
of society—and marching; he also actively disseminated Khaksar material,
spreading Mashriqi's message of freedom from British rule. Like Mashriqi, Hakim
critiqued the Governor General of Pakistan Jinnah’s politics vehemently; I have
yet to hear a Pakistani politician with the guts to denounce Jinnah like that.
Hakim’s interview is on the Internet.
The
relationship further evolved with a close friendship developing between Hakim's
son, Asif Ali Zardari, and Mashriqi's nephews, the sons of Sharif mentioned
above (Ehtesham, Ehsan, Inam, Ikram). This friendship deepened, along with a
growing bond between Asif's sister, Faryal Talpur, and Mashriqi's niece, Gul
Bano. Residing in Nawabshah (Sindh), they found a second home in each other's
company, with their bond solidifying further when both Asif and Ehtesham
enrolled at Cadet College Petaro.
The
connection extended beyond the Sharif family, leading to a new chapter in their
intertwined histories. Asif Zardari and Waheed-ud-Din Akbar (Mashriqi’s son,
also at Cadet College Petaro) forged a friendship. Meanwhile, Akbar, along with
numerous dissatisfied cadets, including Asif, boldly took over the college from
its principal, S.S. Azim, on April 5th, 1972.
Akbar,
known for his remarkable leadership akin to his father Allama Mashriqi, assumed
the role of Principal following the takeover, with Zarar Lucman as Vice
Principal, Mohammad Nasim as Adjutant, and Asif Zardari (then Asif Ali Baluch)
as Bursar. This event marked a significant moment in the history of Cadet
College Petaro's history, catching the administration off guard. A letter from
the principal, dated April 6th, 1972, detailed their occupation of various
offices on April 5th and 6th, 1972. Copies were dispatched to high-ranking
officials, including the Governor of Sindh, highlighting the magnitude of the
event both within and beyond the college.
In 1973,
Ehtesham faced tragedy, a brief account of which follows: During a break from
Cadet College Petaro, Ehtesham and his elder brother Inaam Sharif were
unwinding at their family farmhouse in Sharifabad on August 13, 1973. Suddenly,
they were ambushed by unknown assailants who opened fire in the darkness of the
night. The attack proved fatal for Inaam, who tragically lost his life on the
spot. Ehtesham was quickly taken home, where Asif promptly arrived. Ehtesham's
brothers (Ahsan and Ikram) and Asif rushed him to the hospital. The doctors
later revealed the grim news: Ehtesham had been left paralyzed by the bullets
that had grievously injured his spinal cord, so the three moved him to Jinnah
Hospital in Karachi. This life-altering event occurred when Ehtesham, a Junior
Under Officer from Iqbal House at Cadet College Petaro, was just beginning to
enjoy a brief respite from his studies.
Ehtesham
stayed in the hospital for 18 months. Ikram stayed with him, taking care of his
brother. I went to see Ehtesham in Karachi. Asif regularly checked on his
progress and brought homemade food for both brothers. If Asif couldn't make it,
he would send the food with his driver. I also remember Asif had left free
passes for Bambino and Scala cinemas, both owned by his father and located in
Karachi. Sadly, Ehtesham eventually succumbed to his injuries and passed away
on January 14, 1975. Ehtesham and Ikram greatly admired Asif’s brotherly
gesture. To them, Asif was "A friend in need is a friend indeed,"
which I am told by others too.
Following
Ehtesham’s tragic passing, the bond between Asif and Ikram grew stronger. In
1986, Ikram got married, with notable guests from Nawab Shah and beyond
attending, including Brigadier Afzal Malik (Ikram’s maternal uncle) and Lt.
General Zakir Ali Zaidi. Asif Zardari played an integral role, standing
alongside Ikram as a friend, akin to a brother. The subsequent year saw Asif
marry Benazir Bhutto with Ikram reciprocating the support. Upon Benazir
Bhutto’s assumption of the Prime Minister office and her residence in
Rawalpindi, Ikram frequented the Prime Minister's house, continuing their close
association.
Despite
Ikram’s subsequent passing, the enduring link between the Zardari and Mashriqi
families persisted. On a death anniversary of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Hameedud Din
Al-Mashriqi (son of Allama Mashriqi, who passed away on January 10, 2010) and
Dr. Sabiha al-Mashriqi (Mashriqi’s daughter-in-law) visited Garhi Khuda Bakash
in Larkana District (Sindh). They offered condolences and prayed that God may
grant Bhutto eternal peace.
In
conclusion, the connection between the Bhuttos, Zardaris, and Allama Mashriqi and
his descendants remains a notable aspect of history. This remains true despite
the different objectives pursued by the Bhuttos, the Zardaris, and Allama
Mashriqi and his descendants. Exploring this historical connection could yield
valuable insights for historians. However, this exploration is hindered by the
inaccessibility of documents related to Mashriqi, spanning from his birth in
1888 to his death in 1963. Currently, only a few British files and a scant
number of other materials, which can be counted on fingertips, are available in
libraries. The sheer volume of Mashriqi's Khaksar material is so immense that
it would require extensive archival facilities to store it adequately. It would
be a great service to the nation if President Zardari, who is in power, could
order the declassification of Mashriqi and the Khaksar Movement's pre- and
post-partition of India confiscated documents. This is something no other
President or Prime Minister of Pakistan has done in its history for mere
political reasons, ignoring the nation's interest in knowing the hidden facts
of its history. Asif Zardari would be remembered as a daring President who took
this step, for no government has released these papers to date, to uncover the
truth for the people.
Note:
The names below are examples sourced from the Gul Hayat Institute in Sindh:
Wadero
Arbab Khan Bhutto (Salar), Wadero Arbab Ali Bhutto (Salar) Abdul Rahim Bhutto,
Mir Haji Khair Muhammad Khan Talpur (Salar), Molvi Muhammad Juman Khan Talpur
(Salar), Allah Dino Soomro, Doda Khan Soomro, Muhammad Mian Halepoto (Salar),
Muhammad Qasim Halepoto (Salar), Mir Muhammad Khan Halepoto (Salar), Faqir
Muhammad Abro, Nawaz Khuhro, Ali Nawaz Jatoi (Salar), Muhammad Khan Bhurgri
(Salar), M. Hussain Bhurgri (Khaksar Salar), Suleman Khan Bhurgri (Salar).
Scholar
Nasim Yousaf has dedicated over two decades to writing about the history of the
Indian subcontinent, beginning his research in 1996. As the grandson of the
freedom fighter Allama Mashriqi, Yousaf has authored 19 books and digitized 19
rare works. His monumental works include digitizing Mashriqi’s historic and
rare journal 'Al-Islah', a book on Khaksar women, and a 2.5-hour documentary
titled "The Road to Freedom: Allama Mashriqi's Historic Journey from
Amritsar to Lahore". Detailed information about his biography and books in
world libraries is available on the internet
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Nasim Yousaf is a biographer and grandson of
Allama Mashriqi. Yousaf’s works have been published in peer-reviewed
encyclopedias and academic journals (including at Harvard University and by
Springer of Europe), and he has presented papers at academic conferences,
including at Cornell University.
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism