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{{Multiple issues|{{cleanup-rewrite|date=October 2012}}|POV = September 2012|peacock = September 2012|original research = September 2012|tone = September 2012|essay-like = September 2012|unreferenced = September 2012|restructure = September 2012}} By Abdul Rafeh Rahat |
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'''Mohammad Jalal-ud-din Khan''', commonly known as 'Jalal Baba', was born in March 1903, at the village of upper Malik Pura, in the municipality of [[Abbottabad]], in [[NWFP]] area of [[British India]]. He was the tenth of the twelve children of his parents. His father Sheikh Ghulam Mohammad was a blacksmith who had migrated to this area from the [[United Provinces]] of India. |
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Jalal Baba was brought up in a moderately humble household in the city of Abbottabad. Before completing his matriculation he left school in 1919{{citation needed|date=October 2012}}, and joined the “Hijrat Movement” and left for Kabul{{citation needed|date=October 2012}}. But his father sent after him and brought him back from [[Landi Kotal]] whilst en route to Kabul. Since he had given up his education, he came back and started his own small business {{citation needed|date=October 2012}}. |
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==Politics== |
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Jalal Baba had an interest in politics since 1919, yet it was not before late thirties when he had established himself as a businessman that he could enter politics{{citation needed|date=September 2012}}Jalal Baba joined the Muslim League in 1937{{citation needed|date=October 2012}} at Abbottabad in the first public meeting held in the Company Bagh. This meeting was presided over by Chaudhary Khaliq-uz-Zaman{{citation needed|date=October 2012}}and Jalal baba was also accompanied by K.B. Saadullah Khan. Due to his political machinations and efforts, he was given the nickname Jalal 'Baba' (i.e. an elder, wise man or expert etc in the local [[Hindko]] dialect){{citation needed|date=October 2012}} ; and soon climbed up the party ranks and was elected Hazara district president in 1939 {{citation needed|date=October 2012}}. He subsequently held the office as unopposed president for fourteen years. The Hazara Muslim League acquired great strength and popularity under his leadership. |
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The different people and castes such as [[Dhond Abbasi]], [[Tanoli]], [[Swati]] and various [[Pathan]] clans were able to come together for a common goal under his leadership i.e. to demand a separate homeland for the muslims of India. His leadership unified these scattered groups into one. |
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The Quaid-i-Azam was his ideal of a leader and he had great love affection and respect for the Qauid. When the Quaid-i-Azam under took a visit to Peshawar, he was warmly welcomed by a mammoth gathering. Jalal baba leading a procession of thousand of Muslim League workers form Hazara reached Peshawar. Sitting on the horse back with sword in his hand Jalal Baba was escorting the Quaid’s car. He was followed by a band of national Guards. Musical band of National Guards from Hazara also participated in this historical procession. The musicians were playing the tunes of : |
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When Jalal Baba Raised the flag of the Muslim League, it was the time when doing such a thing was like raising a flag of treason. The congress was so strong all around that none dared take name of the Muslim League. Such a person was called not only a communalist but was branded as a “Toady “ and a “Stooge” of the British. They were derided for not only being unpatriotic but sown right parochialists and selfish. Burning the Torch of the Muslim League in the face of such a tempestuous opposition and hatred was a herculean task. But Jalal Baba never cared for any opposition and proved to all the Muslims of not only Sarhad but the entire India that an selfless leader could fight against any odds and conquer all obstacles and achieve his goal at last. |
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Jalal Baba put life and soul into the body of the Hazara Muslim League. He did not hesitate from any sacrifice for it. It was the result of his tireless efforts that even before the partition the Muslim League had become a force to reckon with. The people started flocking into its fold. The curtains of opposition and misunderstanding began to left, and cracks started to appear in the ranks of the Congress. New Leaders came forward to carry own the Mission of the Muslim League. There was enormous increase in its workers and the widespread sympathizers among the masses. |
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==The provincial elections of 1946== |
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In May, 1945, the second world war came to an end an the allies stood victorious. In Britain the labour party had returned to power after the general elections. New political developments were expected to take place in the changed circumstances. The labour party of England was keen to find the solution of the Indian problems as early as possible. Therefore as soon as it assumed power Lord Wavel the then Viceroy went to England with ………………………………….. in regard with the Indian Problem to be discussed with the Cabinet Members. On his return he announced the holding of general Elections to the central and provincial Assemblies in the coming winter. After these elections the majority parties would constitute ministries in the provinces. The election for the provincial Assemblies were held in early 1946, except in the North West Frontier province. |
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These elections had posed a challenge to the Muslim League to substantiate its claim that the Muslim league was the sole representative organization of the Muslim Community, The high command of the Muslim League chalked out a policy and a program. Organizers were sent to different provinces to accelerate the election campaign. |
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On June 18, 1945 Qazi Mohammad Isa, the organizer of the Muslim League visited Peshawar. On June 26, 1945, he in connection with the organization of the Muslim League, appointed seven Ad- Hoe committees. An advisory committee was also constituted. Qazi Isa was its Chairman and Mian Zia–ud-Din the Convener. The committee consisted of ten member from the province Jalal Baba was a member of this committee from district Hazara. He was also appointed as President of Ad-Hoe committee set up from Hazara. |
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On Oct. 11, 45 the Central parliamentary Board of the Muslim League set up three parliamentary Boards namely selections Board, Election Board & NWFP. The task of the Board was nominations of candidates for Frontier Assembly. He was also selected as member of the NWFP Election Board, which has fifteen members and whose duty was make arrangements for the forthcoming provincial Elections. |
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==Pakistan Movement== |
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he Pakistan movement was the culmination of the aspirations of millions of Muslims living in the sub-continent, for the achievements which people from all walks of life contributed directly or indirectly. Generally the pages of history are reserved for a particular set who stand out among the common run and steal the limelight, although the people belonging to the middle and lower middle classes perform no less remarkable deeds. The Baba’s name is included among the second class category but due to his sheer devotion, since efforts, spirit of sacrifice and love for Islam, he deserved to be classed with the front rank leaders. Jalal Baba occupies a prominent position among Quaid-i-Azam’s companions who offered him selfless, honest support and remained loyal to him till the end in the Pakistan movement. |
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There were numerous other Muslim Leaguers in Hazara but Jalal Baba stood head and shoulders above them all. The masses loved and respected him from the core of their hearts. There was time when the Baba was adored as an ideal hero of the people. Even when was holding a position of power and authority he never kept himself aloof from the masses. He used to utter the following words while addressing rallies: “Friends! Jalal is & poor man and is son of a Blacksmith. He will live with the poor and would die for them. |
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Jalal Baba was a staunch suppo0rter of the Pakistan movement; He had achieved a unique position in the politics of the Frontier Province. Literally speaking Hazara Muslim League and Jalal Baba were the two sides of the same coin. While Pir Sahib of Manki Sharif had appeared from the northern hills, Ibrahim Khan o fJhagra was on the southern front accompanied by Yousaf Khattak, Habibullah Khan and the Late Pir Sahib Zakori Sharif, the Baba was fighting the battle of Pakistan on the eastern from (Hazara). He possessed a stout physique and was amazingly industrious and tireless. At one moment he was seen addressing a public meeting in Abbottabd, the next hour he would be seen on the stage at Mansehra, reaching Havelian Sara-i-Saleha and Haripur the next day. |
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The spell of the Congress was so potent that whosoever talked of the Muslim League was ridiculed and booed at. The leaguers were labeled as “toadies” of British and were characterized as narrow minded, sectarians and people without imagination. The wave of such criticism was ever on the increase. It was not an easy task to keep the candle of the cause of Pakistan burning in the fact of such a storm of opposition blowing all round. But Jalal Baba proved himself a bulwark against all the hostilities. He faced all hardships with determination and courage and thus revealed to the Indian Muslims that sincerity of purpose and devotion to a just cause surmount all difficulties and ultimately lead to the desired goal. |
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The history of the sub-continent would remain incomplete without reference to the services rendered by Jalal Baba. He was the raison dieter of the movement launched for Pakistan. His contributions and achievement will long be remembered. He worked for the establishment of Pakistan in the capacity of President and Vice President of the District and Provincial Muslim League respectively. |
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Jalal Baba was the first to initiate the Direct Action in the Battle of Pakistan by moving a resolution in the All-India Muslim League meeting in July 1946, recommending the reunification of titles, conferred by the British Government. |
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Again when in July 1947, the Muslim League launched the civil disobedience movement, the Baba was the first to court arrest from Hazara followed by the others in such a large numbers that the Jails were filled to capacity with the political internees. He was released only after the declaration of independence and the establishment of Pakistan. |
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In the United India the Muslim League was the sole and acknowledged representative of the entire Muslim community in their struggle for a separate homeland in the sub-continent. For the achievement of their objective the Muslims had to content against heavy odds. The Hindus were set against the demand of the Muslims. The British also looked upon them with suspicion and mistrusts. But they were clever people and in order to bridge gulf between the rulers and the ruled and to win the support and allegiance of Muslims they conferred titles, Medals, Sanads, and Estates on the more important and influential among them. But the masses of the Muslims were determined to snatch their right to freedom. |
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After the 1940, Resolution which spelled out in categorical and unequivocal terms the National objective of the Muslims, the League decided to follow a hard line policy. A meeting of All-India Muslims League Council was to be held in Bombay from July 27 to 29 August 1946. |
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A day earlier in Bombay’s Qaser Bagh Hall was held an open meeting of the Muslim League’s Council at about 9 P.M Malik Feroze Khan Noon was at the rostrum and he was spitting fire and venom against the British paradoxically with all the insignias and decoration which he had earned for his services to the British Government in India.The audience of about 2200 drawn from all parts of India about 200 press reporters, men and women, representing the new’s media from all over the world, British, French, Chinese, included all those who represented the Muslim India, United now as never before were seated in two blocks before the dias on which were seated the Quaid-e-Azam and Nawab Zada Liaquat Ali Khan, with a mike each in front of them and another for the speakers of the occasion. |
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The atmosphere was charged with the wrath of an nation for Lord wave had let Nehru from a cabinet at the centre, thus bypassing the Muslims India. The Muslim India was declaring an all out war against Britain’s cooled blooded murder of the Muslim League. |
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The delegates from Hazara District of NWFP, which had then a population of Eight Lacs, Jalal Baba president of the Hazara District Muslim League Sardar Bahadur Khan, Abdur Rashid Kiyani were sitting about twenty rows behind Chaudhry Kallqu-uz- Zaman who was seated in the first row in front of the dais on the press side of the Hall. Jalal Baba excited by events and inspired by F.K. Noon’s fleeting suddenly took it in to his head that the league renounces their, titles bestowed upon them by the British. He dribbled the texts of a draft resolution in green ink on a sheet torn free his note book and showed it to his friends. One of them laughed at him audacity but neither disagrees with spirit of the resolution. He got up from his seat, walked past his friends and went up to the ''plate'' ''form.'' Near the ''Plate'' ''from'' Chaudhry Khalique-ur- zaman took it from him and passed it on to Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan the General secretary of All- India Muslim league. Liaquat Ali Khan hastily translated it. It was then passed on to the president, the Quaid-e- Azam. The Quaid read it once and put it down. A minute later he read it the second time and laid it down again. A few minute latter when Mr. Noon had finished, came the big moment of the Jalal’s life. “call Jalal-ud-din” the Quaid said, Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan called the Jalal-ud-din to the mike and asked him to move his resolution. Thirteen Resolutions tabled earlier had been ''supper'' ceded. Jalal was hardly prepare refused to obey; he was almost trembling and breathless. But he got up and made his way to the rostrum. |
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Long after this incident he used to recall, “My heart missed a beat or tow. o, what a gathering I do not know what I said. Others told me later that I had spoken well, with feelings and to the points”. The resolution was moved. |
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After a brief sum up the Quaid announced that as the resolution was important, it would be presented to the working committee, at its meeting the next morning for consideration. As the house reassembled next morning and the Quaid and his colleagues of the working committee emerged from the meeting rooms behind the dais, slightly behind scheduled, he announced that Jalal’s resolution had been adopted by the working committee. The whole house rose to its feet in a tumultuous applause, roaring and shouting. It took nearly twenty minutes for the noise and confusion to settle down to an audible “Quaid –e-Azam Zinda Abad”. The Quaid then called the house to order, remarking that it was the first time the house had got out of his control but that he had enjoyed it. It fell to Khalique –uz- Zaman to escort Jalal to the dais to let him renounce his title first. But Mr. Nazim-ud-din, and Liaquat told Jalal about it but Jalal would not move away from the mike. Soon after came the Quaid’s command; No Liaquat, let Jalal-ud-din renounce his title first”. Khawja sahib stepped back and history recorded that the simple Pathan from Hazara was the first in order of precedence in this act of renunciation. Second came another Pathan, Third khawja sahib the fourth a Bombay Knight and the fifth Malik Noon. |
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Sharif–ud-din Pirzada may quoted as saying, that it was the second of the session that khan Bahadur Jalal–ud-din suggested that the Muslim League should begin with renouncing their titles and persuading a more active to the Muslim Nation to renounce their titles from the British Government. This would be only the first step and the people should be prepared for further sacrifices. Pirzada went on to say that khan Bahadur Jalal–ud-din of NWFP, was the first to ascend the plate form and surrender his title. |
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==Referendum in N.W.F.P== |
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Jalal-ud-Din Khan’s services during the Pakistan movement were too numerous to be recounted. He staked all his belongings for the achievement of Pakistan. After the Direct Action of 1946 the movement for Pakistan entered a crucial stage. In NWFP the Red Shirt Leaders were blowing their own trumpet. They raised the “Pukhtoonistan” Stunt, backed by Russia. Afghanistan and India. NWFP was the stronghold of the Congress and she had also came into Power hereafter the 1946’s provincial Elections. So it started creating trouble while defining the future of the Muslim of this Province. In order to decide whether NWFP should form part of the dominion of India or Pakistan a Referendum was held. |
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On June 18, 1947 the Quaid-i-Azam set up a Commission to see that the cause of the Muslim League was upheld successfully in the Referendum. He himself was the Chairman of the Commission. The other members of the Commission were I.I. Chundrigar, Raja Ghazanfer Ali, Syed Wajed Ali, Jalal-ud-Din Khan, Raja Hayder Zaman and Sardar Bahadur Khan. The Referendum lasted from July 6, to July 17, 1947. Jalal Baba worked from dawn to dusk for the Referendum, provided funds and, being a transporter and transport contractor, utilized his transport, for the purpose. |
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In NWFP total votes were 572,798 and _89,240 were polled in favour of Pakistan while _2874 went against it. From hazara 99% of the Muslim votes were cast in favour of Pakistan. Thirty percent of the total votes polled, were from Hazara. The credit for all this achievement goes to Jalal Baba’s efforts. |
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Jalal Baba was a member of the committee set up to make arrangements for Referendum in Hazara. Raja Ghazanfar Ali was the Chief Supervisor. Jalal Baba’s keen interest, sheer devotion and provision of vehicles for use in the Referendum so impressed the head of the committee that the paid glowing tributes and recorded his appreciation for his services. Raja Sahib sent him a letter of appreciation from his office of Health Council Delhi Saying; “This is to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for your keen and energetic co-operation with me in connection with the Referendum work in the North West Frontier Province . I also greatly appreciate the services of the National Guards of your district. On another occasion, while paying tributes to Jalal Baba’s services for Pakistan Movement, Inayat-ur-Rahman Khan Abbasi, the member Federal Council said that Jalal Baba was a prominent Muslim Leaguer and the “Winner of the Referendum”. He did not let the Congress Strike roots in the soil of Sarhad. |
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After the great triumph in the Referendum in July 1947, came August 14, 1947 which saw the emergence of “Pakistan” a new sovereign Muslim State on the World Map. On August 15, 1947, Jalal Baba authored and circulated a pamphlet titled “AELAN-I-JASHAN-I-AZADI-E-PAKISTAN”. In this pamphlet he appealed to all the Muslim League Committees, the masses and the public gathering to celebrate the Day of Independence with great favour and éclat. The poor should be entertained with food, sweets etc. he urged the masses. |
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Inayat-ur-Rahman Khan Abbassi, member of the Federal Council is quoted to have said: “Khan Bahadur Jalal-ud-Din Khan was undoubtedly an organization in himself. Keeping in view his loyalty and services towards the country and the nation he deserved to be buried near Quaid-i-Azam’s Tomb. He was a veteran leader of the sub-continent in general and of NWFP in particular. It is not wrong to call him the Winner of the Referendum”. First the title Khan Sahib, then after some time that of Khan Bahadur. These were highly coveted titles and regarded as marks of great distinction and pride. But Jalal Baba never prided himself as being a British titleholder. En the occasion demanded, he was the first to renounce his titles. |
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==The Last Phase== |
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Although the restrictions imposed upon Jalal Baba were lifted in 1954, he suffered grave consequences in the last couple of decades of his life. His transport business had been almost liquidated by his total involvement in the Pakistan movement. He had spent all his property and assets for the sake of the Muslim League. He was left with only a few buses which too he donated for the Kashmir Jehad. Despite the fact that he was a Provincial Minister in 1951, and later on a Federal Minister in 1958, his political and financial status went down deteriorating and he staggered from crises to crises. |
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In October 1958, when Martial Law was imposed, all political activities were banned. Thus the Ayub era jeopardized the future of politicians and that of the democracy. In 1967 when political activities were restored Jalal Baba again came out with some press statements. Her had kept a vigilant eye, on the internal affairs of the country during the Martial Law regime. In a press statement Jalal Baba appealed to all the politicians, who had been absolved at EBDO, to join the Convention Muslim League. He paid his tribute to the politicians for keeping themselves quiet during the Martial Law. By doing so, he said, they had served the Nation a lot. And now, keeping in view the larger interests of the country, he urged upon the politicians to join hands with Ayub Khan and not to side with the oppositions as it was ineffective. |
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Perhaps, Jalal Baba either lacked far sight and breadth of vision, or it was because of his righteousness of mind and honesty of purpose that he could not differentiate between friends and foes. While advocating the part of politicians, Jalal Baba pleaded that Ayub Khan should consider all the EBDO ridden politicians as his right hand men. Forgetting the bitter memories of the past, Jalal Baba reminded Khan Qayum about the fickle mindedness of his friends who had arranged a 32 miles long procession for him but forsook him the next day. |
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Dr. Fazal-ur-Rehman was head of the Islamic Research Institute during the Ayub’s regime. He created ambiguity and misconception about Islam and regarded the “Miraj” event a mere fiction. This hurt the public feelings as an outrage of the religious susceptibilities of the Muslims. Jalal Baba while addressing a huge gathering at Abbottabad strongly condemned Fazal-ur- Rehman’s un-Islamic views and demanded his immediate dismissal through a resolution, adopted in this gathering. He also appealed to the heads of Arab States to coin and confer on Ayub Khan the title of the Quaid-i-Asia for his services to the Muslims of this continent. This was the period when Jalal Baba had suspended his active involvement in politics and was only content with issuing periodic press statements etc. |
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In 1969, as a result of a countrywide agitation. Ayub Khan was overthrown and Yahya Khan came to power. He decided to hold General Elections in the country. In the last decade of his life, Jalal Baba had lost almost all his former fame and popularity, yet he still decided to take part in the elections of 1970. He contested the Abbottabad Rural constituency seat against Iqbal Khan Jadoon, and was defeated. This failure was a final blow to his political career and he decided to retire from practical politics. Last few years of his life were spent in misery and disease. Asthma and heart trouble darkened the last days of his brilliant career. |
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Noor-ul-Hassan the reporter of Daily Nawa-i-Waqt, Rawalpindi, when saw Jalal Baba in this pitiable condition he wrote an editorial. He is quoted as saying: “The World viewed that many people after gaining power, erected big buildings and accumulated wealth and property, but Jalal Baba gained nothing. Instead he lost all his wealth he had earned before his ministry. People say that he used to remain calm and quiet, kept his eyes focused on horizon. His memory had been impaired and poverty had shaken him”. |
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The Editor “The Jamhoor” weekly highlights the political career of Jalal Baba and narrates the story of his last days. He says:- |
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“Like preceding years the “Independence day” on August 14, 1979 was celebrated with full enthusiasm and zeal. But it was a bit different from the preceding one. This time the services of the freedom fighters were projected on the radio and the television. Those who were dead, were paid rich tributes and those still living, were brought to the stage and extolled”. |
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It was a pathetic sight so see him come tottering on to the stage. He was too weak to walk by himself and hence had to be supported by three or four men to clinch the dais. The events of his past life and achievements flashed across my mind’s eye. The occasion was the Anniversary of the Birth of Pakistan on the 14th of August and the scene was the Town Hall, in the beautiful Jinnah Garden with its tall Chinar trees under the shadow of green Sarban hill, which once used to resound with Slogans of Quaid-e-Azam Zinda Bad and Pakistan Zinda Bad, raised by this stalwart of the Pakistan movement. When he himself used to preside the Muslim League meetings and speak for hours together. But now old age had crippled him to such an extent that he could hardly utter a few words. In this emotion-ladden voice he said that it was only his love for the Quaid and his devotion to Pakistan and the Muslim League that had brought him out of his retirement to the Present meeting.” |
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His political decline speed his financial collapse which had multiplied manifold General Zia-ul-Haq realizing his political services and financial difficulties, announced the award of rupees two thousands per month for the Baba Just sixteen month before his death. After passing through these hardships his soul departed on Jan 2, 1981. |
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The leaders who had worked with him in the Pakistan Movement deeply mourned his death. These included Mr. Yousaf Khattak, Fida Mohammad Khan Late Arbab Sikander Khan Khalil, Sabir Ilahi Shakir, Mian Mohammad Iqbal, Akhwan Zada Behrwar Saeed and many other Raja Sikandar Zaman paid rich tributes to the Baba, and in his condolence message he declared that the Hazar Muslim League was personified in Jalal Baba as the Quaid-i-Azam had personified the All India Muslim League. He added that baba’s sacrifices for the establishment of Pakistan were unforgettable and would continue to inspire the future generation for a long time to come. |
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General Zia expressed his sentiments of grief the demise of Jalal Baba. In a condolence message sent to his on General Zia eulogized Baba’s role in the Pakistan Movement. He said that the Baba had also devoted all his energies for the progress and prosperity of the country and the whole record of his life bore testimony to this fact. |
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Governor Fazal Haq of NWFP was also grieved at the incident. He expressed his shock in his condolence message. Paying tributes to the Baba he maintained that the Baba was a popular leader and a devoted soldier of Quaid-i-Azam. His selfless efforts and bold and courageous struggle brought him high and honourable position. The Baba was a freedom fighter imbued with the spirit of public service and will be remembered as an established leader for ever. His death is a national loss. |
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==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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{{Persondata |
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| NAME = Baba, Sheikh Jalal-ud-Din 'Jalal' |
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| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = |
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| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Pakistani politician |
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| DATE OF BIRTH = 1903 |
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| PLACE OF BIRTH = |
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| DATE OF DEATH = 1981 |
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| PLACE OF DEATH = |
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}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Baba, Sheikh Jalal-ud-Din Jalal}} |
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[[Category:1903 births]] |
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[[Category:Leaders of All India Muslim League]] |
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[[Category:Leaders of the Pakistan Movement]] |
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[[Category:1981 deaths]] |
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