Freedom Fighters’ Gallery
Liaquat Ali Khan
by
Isam Hanif Majeed
The first ever Prime Minister of Pakistan, a political theorist, a lawyer, and one of the founding fathers of Pakistan – these are the words that can be used to best describe Liaquat Ali Khan.
He was born in Uttar Pardesh, in 1895. To honour his father’s dream, Liaquat Ali Khan attended the Aligarh University to study political science and later on completed his LLB from the same university. For pursuing higher education, Liaquat Ali Khan went to Oxford University’s Exeter College.
Liaquat Ali returned to India in 1923 and right away entered national politics. He joined the All India Muslim League under the presidency of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
After the first round table conference leading to a disaster, Liaquat Ali and Muhammad Ali Jinnah both left British India and practiced law in England. A few years later, it was Liaquat Ali Khan, who persuaded Muhammad Ali Jinnah to go back to British India and fight for freedom. At this point, Choudhary Rahmat Ali had published his infamous pamphlet “Now or Never”.
In 1940, Liaqaut Ali Khan was made deputy leader of the Muslim League Parliament Party. Jinnah was not able to take active part due to political work, so Liaqaut Ali stood in his place. After achieving independence in 1947, Liaquat Ali Khan was appointed as the first Prime Minister of Pakistan.
On October 16, 1951, Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated in Rawalpindi, while addressing the public. He was given the title “Shaheed-e-Millat” which means Martyr of the Nation. He served as Prime Minister for four years, and his contribution in the founding of Pakistan will always remain priceless.
“Democracy is in the blood of Mulims… I give you an example. Very often, when I go to a mosque, my chauffeur stands side by side with me. Muslims believe in fraternity, equality and liberty…” (Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision for every Pakistani)
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