Nazar Mhammad Gondal: A Titan of Politics and Agricultural Reform

Introduction

Nazar Muhammad Gondal (born April 15, 1950) is a veteran Pakistani politician, lawyer, and agriculturist who has been a pivotal figure in the national and local politics of Pakistan for over three decades. Hailing from the influential Gondal Jat family of Mandi Bahauddin, his career is marked by his dedication to rural development, legal expertise, and a profound commitment to the agricultural sector.

Early Life and Background

Born into a prominent socio-political environment in Mandi Bahauddin, Nazar Muhammad Gondal pursued his education at the University of the Punjab, where he earned his LL.B. degree. His background as both a lawyer and a dedicated farmer provided him with a unique perspective on the legal and practical challenges faced by the rural population of Punjab.

A Distinguished Political Journey

Gondal’s political career is characterized by his long-standing service in the National Assembly and local governance:

• Entry into National Politics (1993): He began his journey with the PPP and was elected as MNA from Mandi Bahauddin. He served as the Parliamentary Secretary for the Establishment Division, focusing on administrative reforms.

• District Nazim (2001–2004): As the Mayor (District Nazim) of Mandi Bahauddin, he revolutionized local infrastructure. Despite political hurdles and a controversial removal, he was reinstated by the Supreme Court, a testament to his principled stance.

• Federal Ministerial Roles (2008–2013): After winning the 2008 elections (NA-109), he served as:

  • Federal Minister for Narcotics Control.

  • Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture, and Livestock: Here, he launched a comprehensive national agriculture policy and led recovery efforts after the devastating 2010 floods.

Political Evolution and Principles

Nazar Muhammad Gondal has demonstrated significant political flexibility while staying true to his principles:

• Joining PTI (2017): Seeking a more robust opposition to the status quo, he joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

• Principled Exit (2023): Following the events of May 9, 2023, he publicly condemned the violence and exited PTI, emphasizing the importance of responsible democratic opposition.

• Independent Panel: In July 2023, he announced the formation of his own independent political panel to focus on ethical politics and constituency-level development.

Key Contributions to Mandi Bahauddin

His impact on his home district remains profound:

• Infrastructure: Extensive work on road networks, electrification, and clean water projects.

• Healthcare & Education: Upgrading district hospitals and establishing basic health units.

• Ongoing Influence: Even in 2025, his influence was instrumental in securing over PKR 2.14 billion for development projects in Mandi Bahauddin, including technical colleges and health facilities.

Sports and Community Leadership

Beyond politics, Gondal has been an active patron of sports, serving as the President of the Pakistan Badminton Federation. He is known for mentoring young politicians and supporting various community welfare programs in rural Punjab.

Family and Political Network

The Gondal family remains a pivotal electoral force in Malakwal, Gojra, and across Mandi Bahauddin.

• His brother, Major (Retd.) Zulfiqar Gondal, served as an MPA.

• His brother, Zafar Iqbal Gondal, served as Chairman of the EOBI.

  This strong family network has consistently worked toward the prosperity of their region.

Legacy

With five terms as a Member of the National Assembly and a successful tenure as District Nazim, Nazar Muhammad Gondal’s legacy is defined by his administrative acumen and his tireless advocacy for the farming community. He remains a respected elder statesman of Mandi Bahauddin, bridging the gap between traditional rural values and modern governance.

Quick Facts Summary

Pir Syed Muhammad Yaqoob Shah: The Spiritual Leader, Statesman, and Patron of Education

Introduction

Pir Syed Muhammad Yaqoob Shah (died 1991) was a transformative figure in the history of District Mandi Bahauddin. A revered “Wali Kamil” (Perfect Saint) and a visionary politician, he harmonized spiritual leadership with a deep commitment to public service and education. His legacy is etched in the hearts of the people and stands tall in the form of institutions that continue to serve the youth of Phalia.

Spiritual Grace and Lineage

Affiliated with the Chishti Nizami Sabri Warsi order, Pir Yaqoob Shah was the spiritual heartbeat of the region. Under his guidance, the town of Phalia became a center of spiritual enlightenment, earning the title “Phalia Sharif.” His high spiritual station is frequently honored by contemporary saints, including Pir Syed Sarfraz Ahmed Shah, who recognizes him as a beacon of light for the “Ummah.”

Political Career and Cabinet Role

Pir Yaqoob Shah used his political influence to advocate for the marginalized.

• The 1990 Victory: He was elected as a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) from the constituency PP-99 (Phalia) on a Pakistan Muslim League (PML) ticket.

• Government Leadership: His wisdom led him to be appointed as the Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Ghulam Haider Wyne, and later as a member of the Provincial Cabinet.

Educational Patronage: Govt. Pir Yaqoob Shah Degree College

Perhaps his most lasting contribution to the future of the district is the premier educational institution named in his honor.

• History: Originally established in 1962 as an intermediate college, the institution was renamed “Government Pir Yaqoob Shah College Phalia” in 1997 by the Government of Punjab to admire his services as a popular Islamic scholar and leader.

• Academic Excellence: Situated 2 km from Phalia City on Kuthiala Sheikhan Road, the college has evolved into a Post-Graduate institution affiliated with the University of the Punjab.

• Impact: Offering courses in Sciences, Arts, and Computer Sciences (B.A/B.Sc), the college serves over 500 students annually, providing them with a library, hostel facilities, and vast playgrounds.

The Shrine (Dargah) in Phalia Sharif

The final resting place of Pir Syed Muhammad Yaqoob Shah is located in Phalia Sharif, Mandi Bahauddin. His Mazar (Shrine) remains a sanctuary for spiritual seekers. His annual Urs is a significant religious event, drawing devotees from across the country to celebrate a life lived in the service of Allah and His creation.

Family and Political Succession

The mission of Pir Yaqoob Shah is carried forward by his family:

1. Pir Syed Muhammad Binyamin Rizvi (Late): His elder son, a former provincial minister who won the by-elections following his father’s passing.

2. Syed Tariq Yaqoob Rizvi: His younger son, currently a prominent political leader (PML-N) continuing the family’s tradition of public service.

Conclusion

Pir Syed Muhammad Yaqoob Shah was a unique bridge between the spiritual and the material world. From the halls of the Punjab Assembly to the classrooms of the college that bears his name, his vision for a prosperous and enlightened Phalia lives on. He was a leader who didn’t just rule; he educated, inspired, and healed.

Quick Facts Summary

Chaudhary Nazar Muhammad: The Visionary Architect of Pakistan’s Industrial & Educational Landscape

Introduction

The industrial history of Pakistan is incomplete without the mention of Chaudhary Nazar Muhammad (1913–1995). A man of immense grit, visionary leadership, and unwavering ethics, he transformed a small venture into the global powerhouse known today as the Servis Group. From the rural heartland of Jokhalian in Mandi Bahauddin to the boardrooms of Pakistan’s most prestigious institutions, his journey is a masterclass in entrepreneurship and nation-building.

Early Life and Roots

Chaudhary Nazar Muhammad was born in the historic village of Jokhalian, located in the Mandi Bahauddin district. Growing up in a modest family, he was among the few young men of his time who pursued higher education, graduating from college with a vision that extended far beyond traditional employment. His rural upbringing instilled in him the values of humility and resilience that would later define his business philosophy.

The Birth of an Empire: The Servis Story

In the late 1930s, Chaudhary Nazar Muhammad, along with two friends—Chaudhary Mohammad Husain (also from Gujrat) and Chaudhary Muhammad Saeed (from Gujranwala)—embarked on a journey that would change Pakistan’s industrial map.

• The Humble Start: With very little capital, they started in a four-room apartment in Gowalmandi, Lahore, manufacturing mosquito nets, steel products, and leather goods for the army.

• The “Service” Identity: They chose the neutral name “Service Limited” to compete in the intense pre-partition market, ensuring their products stood on quality alone.

• Post-Partition Resilience: The partition of 1947 was a major blow as their primary markets (Delhi, Bombay, etc.) were lost. Undeterred, they restarted in the newly formed Pakistan, focusing on high-quality slippers (chappals).

Industrial Revolution & Global Reach

Under his leadership, the Servis Group evolved from a small workshop into a multi-dimensional conglomerate:

• 1953: Service Industries Ltd. was formally established.

• 1954: A modern shoe manufacturing plant was launched in Gulberg, Lahore.

• The Gujrat Complex: They established one of Punjab’s largest industrial complexes in Gujrat, expanding into bicycle tires, tubes, and textile spinning.

• The Largest Network: He was the driving force behind Service Sales Corporation (Pvt.) Ltd., which grew into the nation’s largest shoe retail network.

A Pillar of Education: The LUMS Legacy

Chaudhary Nazar Muhammad’s contribution to Pakistan went far beyond factories. He believed that a nation’s true wealth lies in its human capital.

• Founding LUMS: He was one of the founding members of the National Management Foundation (NMF), the sponsoring body of LUMS (Lahore University of Management Sciences).

• A Lasting Honor: He was one of the earliest believers in making world-class education accessible to all. In recognition of his pivotal role, the Nazar Muhammad Department of Economics at LUMS is named after him—a testament to his commitment to intellectual growth.

Leadership & Public Service

His expertise was sought at the highest levels of the national economy:

• Institutional Building: He served as the President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).

• Financial Pioneer: He played a crucial role in establishing the Lahore Stock Exchange.

• Healthcare: He founded the Businessmen Hospital Trust and was instrumental in the creation of the Shalamar Hospital in Lahore.

• Politics: He also served as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA), advocating for rural development and industrial growth.

The Gold Standard of Ethics

What truly set Chaudhary Nazar Muhammad apart was his moral compass.

• Tax Integrity: He was legendary for his punctuality in paying taxes, believing that the strength of the national exchequer was a businessman’s responsibility.

• Workforce Welfare: He focused heavily on improving the skills of his employees, treating them as partners in success rather than just workers.

• Diligence & Humility: Despite his immense success, he remained a man of great simplicity and fairness.

Conclusion

Today, the Servis Group employs nearly 15,000 people and remains a leading exporter, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s economy. Chaudhary Nazar Muhammad’s journey from the village of Jokhalian to becoming a legendary industrialist remains a beacon of inspiration. He proved that with scarced capital but a surplus of determination, one can build an empire that serves not just a family, but an entire nation.

Biographical Summary Table

Mustansar Hussain Tarar: The Nomad of Literature and the Voice of the Mountains

Introduction

Mustansar Hussain Tarar is a name that resonates with every lover of Urdu literature and travelogues. A legendary Pakistani author, travel writer, novelist, columnist, and former actor, Tarar has redefined the art of storytelling in Pakistan. With over 50 books to his credit, he is widely regarded as the pioneer of the modern Urdu travelogue, bringing the majestic peaks of the North and the distant streets of Europe to the doorsteps of common readers.

Personal Background

• Date of Birth: March 1, 1939.

• Place of Birth: Lahore, British India (Present-day Pakistan).

• Ancestral Roots: His family originally hails from the village of Jokhalian, located in the Mandi Bahauddin district.

• Father: Rehmat Khan Tarar, who operated a well-known seed shop named “Kisan & Co” in Lahore.

Early Life and Education

Mustansar Hussain Tarar spent his early years in Lahore and his ancestral village. He was educated at Rang Mahal Mission High School and Muslim Model High School. Later, he attended Government College University (GCU), Lahore. In the late 1950s, he traveled to Europe for higher education, a journey that eventually laid the foundation for his career as a travel writer.

The Journey into Literature

Tarar’s literary career began with his first travelogue, “Nikley Teri Talash Main”, published in 1971. The book, which detailed his experiences across Europe, became an overnight sensation and is now considered a classic.

Key Literary Works:

• Travelogues: Andalus Main Ajnabi (Stranger in Andalusia), Hunza Dastan, K-2 Kahani, and Chitral Dastan. He is famous for his deep connection with the Northern Areas of Pakistan, earning him the nickname “The Messenger of the Mountains.”

• Novels: He has authored several critically acclaimed novels including:

  • Pyar Ka Pehla Shehar: One of the most popular romantic Urdu novels set in Paris.

  • Raakh: A deep exploration of the socio-political history of Pakistan.

  • Bahao: A masterpiece exploring the ancient civilization of the Indus Valley.

  • Khas-o-Khashak Zamane: A massive saga spanning over a century of Punjabi and Pakistani history.

Television and Media Career

Mustansar Hussain Tarar is not just a writer; he was a pioneer of Pakistani morning shows.

• Morning Show: In the 1980s, he hosted PTV’s morning transmission, “Subuh Bakhair,” where his charismatic style and intellectual discussions earned him the title of “Chacha Ji” (Uncle) among the children of that era.

• Acting: He appeared in several popular PTV dramas such as Parwaaz and Sooraj Ke Saath Saath.

Awards and Recognition

In recognition of his immense contribution to Urdu literature and the arts, the Government of Pakistan has honored him with several prestigious awards:

1. Pride of Performance (1992)

2. Sitara-i-Imtiaz (2017)

3. Hilal-i-Imtiaz (2021)

4. Academy of Letters Lifetime Achievement Award

Legacy

Mustansar Hussain Tarar remains a titan of Urdu literature. His ability to blend historical facts with soulful prose allows readers to travel with him through time and geography. Even in his late 80s, he continues to write and inspire a new generation of writers and travelers who see the world through his words.

Quick Facts Table

PhD Corporate Social Responsibility and Trade Unions

Middlesex University Business School, UK

Sep. 2007 – Sep. 2011

MA Corporate Social Responsibility

Business School, The University of Nottingham, UK

Sep. 2004 – Sep. 2005

¨MSc Economics

Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.Jan. 1988 to Mar. 1990

¨BA Economics, Islamic Studies and Persian

The University of Punjab, Lahore, PakistanSep. 1985 to Sep. 1987

Work Experience

Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Islamabad, Pakistan

¨ConsultantApril 2006 to Aug. 2007

¨Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad

Visiting LecturerFrom Jun. 2006 June 2007

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Geneva, Switzerland

¨ConsultantNov. 2005 to Mar. 2006

Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Islamabad, Pakistan

¨Coordinator AdvocacyMay 2003 to Aug. 2004

Children’s Resources International (CRI), Karachi

¨ Program ManagerSep. 2002 to Sep 2003

Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Islamabad, Pakistan.

¨Head Survey Research UnitMarch 2001 to Aug. 2002

Research AssociateMar. 1998 to Feb. 2001

Research Assistant Feb. 1996 to Feb. 1998

Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex, Brighton, UKMay 26 to Aug. 2, 2000

¨Fauji Foundation College, Rawalpindi

Lecturer in EconomicsAug. 1991 to Feb. 1996

Honorary Assignment

¨Lead Author, International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) on Chapter 3 of Central and West Asia and North Africa (CWANA) Sub Global AssessmentApril 2006 to Jan. 2008

Projects conducted during my stay at SDPI

M & E Related

I. “Appraisal of evaluation of the World Bank funded Rural Water Supply & Sanitation Programme”, for The World Bank, Washington D.C.

II. “Benchmark and annual participatory monitoring and evaluation Project Pakistan” for Human DevelopmentFoundation of North America (HDFNA).

This was a two year project where we worked with the communities, did benchmarking and based on theseestimates, developed performance indicators, conducted formal surveys, and impact evaluation of health, education, and credit programme of HDF

Gender related

III. “Outsourcing of manufacturing to households: Subcontracted Home-Based Work by women and children” forUNICEF and Innocenti research Centre, Florence, Italy.

IV. “Qualitative Assessment of Poverty: Gender based non-economic dimensions of poverty”, for The World Bank, Washington D.C.

XI. Socio-economic impact assessment of Afghan refugees with a special focus to women, on the refugee hostingareas”, for The United Nations High Commission for refugees.

General

XI. Qualitative assessment of Regional Technical Assistance (RETA) of the Forestry Sector Project of The AsianDevelopment Bank (ADB).

II. “Trade and Environmental Impacts of Textiles and Leather Manufacturing in Pakistan”, for IDRC, Canada.

III. “A comparative institutional analysis of Govt., NGO and Private Schools in Pakistan” for The Asia Foundation.

IV. “Political economy of the government schooling system in rural Pakistan” for The London School of Economics (LSE).

VI. “Global standards and local upgradation: A case study of surgical instrument and soccer ball manufacturers of Sialkot”,for The Institute of Development Studies, (IDS), The University of Sussex, The United Kingdom.

VII. 7-Up Project: a comparative study of the competition policy and legislation in seven developing countries ofthe commonwealth, for The Department for International Development (DFID), The UK.

VIII. Representation in Decentralized Governance: Country study of Pakistan, UNDP Governance Programme.

Consultancy Work

Provided consultancy services to various international organizations including The World Bank, UNICEF, WFP, UNEP, ILO and did PRA and developed village NRM Plans for Concern World Wide Afghanistan and German Agro Action in TakharProvince Afghanistan.

Publications

♦Khan, S. R. and Kazmi, S. (2008). “Value chains in the informal sector: income shares of home-based sub-contractedworkers in Pakistan”, International Review of Applied Economics, Vo. 2, No. 1, forthcoming

♦Khan, S. R., Kazmi, S. and Rifaqat, Z. (2007). “Harnessing social capital for rural development”, Palgrave MacMillan, New York

♦Khan, S. R., Khattak, S. G. and Kazmi, S. (2005). “Hazardous home based sub-contracted work: a study of multiple tiered exploitation”, Oxford University Press, Karachi, Pakistan.

¨    Khan S. R., Kazmi, S. and Latif, Z. (2005). “A comparative institutional analysis of government, NGO and private rural primary schooling in Pakistan”, The European Journal of Development Research, Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 199-223

♦Kazmi, S. (2005) “Corporate Social Responsibility in Pakistan: The case of Pakistan”, Trade Insight, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 9-10

♦Khan S. R., Kazmi, S and Ahmad, Z. (2002). “Structural adjustment and food security in Pakistan: an aggregate analysis,” Eds. Shiva, V. and Gitanjali Bedi, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: The Impact of Globalisation, SAGE Publisher, New Delhi.

♦Khan S. R. et al. (2002). “Environmental impacts and mitigation costs: the case of Pakistan’s cloth and leather exports, ed. Khan, S. R., Trade and Environment: Difficult Policy Choices at the Interface, ZED Publishers, London

♦Khan S. R. and Kazmi, S. (1998). “Structural adjustment and health in Pakistan,” The Lahore Journal of Economics, Vol. 3, No. 2, Lahore

♦Khan S. R. et. al. (1998). “Latent demand and social mobilization as determinants of rural water supply scheme sustainability: a comparative analysis,” SDPI Monograph Series # 3, SDPI, Islamabad, Pakistan

Important Conferences/Seminars attended

¨   Attended Southern Seminar on the WTO Millennium Round Oct. 18 – 22, 1999, Arusha, Tanzania organized by MS Danish Association for Development, HIVOS The Netherlands, KEPPA, Finland and CUTS, India.

¨   The launch meeting of the Global Development Network “Bridging the Gap between Knowledge and Policy” at Bonn, Germany from Dec. 5 – 8, 1999.

¨      Task Team Meetings of Advocacy and Statistical Indicators of Poverty at The World Bank Headquarter, Washington D.C., from May 21-23, 2001.

¨   The second Prep-Com for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) at the United Nations Headquarters, New York from Jan. 27 to Feb 8, 2002.

¨   5^th Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) at Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico from Sep. 10-14, 2003

¨   UNCTAD XI held at Sao Paulo, Brazil, from June 11 – 19, 2004

TRAININGS

¨      Attended a Course on “Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction: Theory, Evidence and Implications for South Asia” at Katmandu, Nepal from Sep. 20 – Oct. 1, 1999, organized by the World Bank Institute, SAARC and Nepal Planning Commission.

¨      Attended a training course on “Environmental and Natural Resource Economics” at BRAC Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh from April 29 – May 16, 2002, jointly organized by the World Bank Institute, South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE) and Bangladesh Environment, Economics and Poverty Programme (BEEPP).

COMPUTER SKILLS

Programming:COBOL

Operating Systems:MS DOS, Windows 3.1, 95 and 98, 2000

Word Processing:Word Perfect, MS Office including MSWord

Spreadsheet Packages:Lotus123, Microsoft Excel

Statistical Packages:SPSS, TSP, Microfit386, Microfit 4.0

Languages

 English, Urdu, Punjabi, Saraiki, Hindko, Pothohari, Sindhi.

Distinctions

¨   Merit Scholarship in Matric from BISE Rawalpindi.

¨   Graduation Merit Scholarship from The Punjab University, Lahore.

¨   M. Sc. Merit Scholarship from Q. A. U., Islamabad.

¨   ICCSR Scholarship, International Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility, The University of Nottingham, UK

¨   MUBS PhD Studentship, MUBS, London

Membership of professional societies

Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Network, Pakistan

¨   Farmers Rights and Advocacy Network (FRANK) for South Asia

¨   International Network of Civil Society Organizations on Competition (INCSOC)

¨   Member of the Advocacy & Statistical indicators of Poverty Task team of the OECD-PARIS21

¨   President Staff/Student Consultative Committee of ICCSR, at the University of Nottingham Business School from Sep. 2004-2005

Interests: Traveling, Reading Books

Assalam-o Alikum everybody, I am Saqib Malik, born in village Mong, aBiotechnologist by profession. I was surfing internet one day when I explored this web site. I am really happy to see the website and I must appreciate the contribution and efforts of the web administrators. I have been asked by the web administration to give my input for this web site. I feel that, it is my responsibility to share with whatever I have, with the people of Pakistan and especially with the people of my district.

I thank Allah Almighty that I belong to a very respected and educated family of Mong. I am also grateful to Almighty that my family has significant contribution for Pakistan. My both maternal and paternal grandfathers were educationists. They taught many persons and helped them to reach their destinations. Malik Ghulam Mohammad my “Nana” is still reminded by his thousands of students, as he was a teacher/ Principal in a school in near locality in British era, many of them are now perhaps at the top level positions..

My father , Dr.Mohmmad Afzal Malik is one of the few Ph.Ds of his time and renowned scientists who did his Ph.D. in mid sixties. He is an example for me and perhaps for the youth of Pakistan especially of the district.

DR. Afzal Malik (My father busy in research at Liverpool ) 1965

Below is a brief autobiography of him that I wrote upon the request of Web administration. If these words motivate even a single youth of my land to achieve some thing good I will think that I have received the cost of time that I devoted while writing these words. With my limited vocabulary, and little or no experience of writing, my this effort is only to motivate youth of my village, my district and my country.

“When I sit back and consider the significant events in my past, the underlying theme is “Allah helps those who help themselves”. Constant determination and dedication toward your work is one of the most important prerequisite of success. You need to learn how to achieve your targets while remaining within your limited resources. “I did not develop overnight, it took many years, and hard work. The journey of a simple villager to be a renowned Biochemist is not straight and simple.”Said my father Dr. Mohammad Afzal Malik.

My father was born in early thirties and raised in village Mong, a fertile piece of land in district Mandi Baha ud Din. My grandfather, Malik Mohammad Din, a through gentleman and respected personality was perhaps one of the few Master degree holders of his time and was an educationist by profession. “When you have your elders around with higher achievements, you are under pressure, you need to achieve at least that standard- my father was thus a source of constant inspiration for me.”My father replied when I asked him what the deriving force for his achievements was.

I think I grew more emotionally and intellectually during my early education in Government High School, Mandi Baha-ud-Din then during any other period of time thus far”my father added.

People of the area know that the distance between Mong and Mandi Baha Ud Din is almost 5 Kms or more and my father had to walk all the way from Mong to Mandi to attend his school as at that time there were little or no transport facilities available.

Garden College Rawalpindi attracted many students of the region. My father joined the college and stayed in Rawalpindi till his B.Sc. . “ It was in a sense a way for me to escape what I perceived as end of my education. Garden college provided me rigorous academic environment. I learned how to live independently, how to manage time and how to manage the studies with limited resources” my father said, looking into past.

Constant help of Allah, encouragement from family, especially his elder brother Mohammad Anwer Malik, and his urge to achieve took him to Lahore, where he got admission in Chemistry Department, University of the Punjab and did his Masters.

He began work with PCSIR (Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – A prime research institute of Pakistan) as research officer. Masters degree was the highest degree in Pakistan in those days but my father was still not satisfied and his wish to excel in the field took him to England for further studies. He was selected for a Ph.D. scholarship in University of Liverpool, England. It is worth mentioning that it was the time when Pakistan being a newly born state was in dire need of scientists and experts.

“ My journey to England was also a memorable thing, the experience to travel via sea in sea ship was new for me. A sea ship contains a world within it. You start living like a family” my father said reminding his travel experience.

He started his research / teaching under supervision of one of the famous scientists – Prof. Marton and with the grace of Allah was able to discover the “Biosynthesis of Co-Enzyme –Q in mammals”. It was really a breakthrough in the field of Biochemistry. Prof. Marten was very happy with the efforts of his student. However, an emotional set back came when my father was informed that my grand father (Malik Mohammad Din) expired just one day before he had to defend his research work against a panel of scientists.

“I was emotionally very upset, knew not how to combat the feelings but latter Allah helped me and I managed to recollect myself. I successfully defended my research and was awarded Ph.D. degree” said my father.

Now was the time to give back to his country , my father came back and started working with PCSIR at a more senior position, gave many new processes to the country, discovered and formulated many things, trained many young scientists and after a service of more than 35 years retired from the services in early nineties.

He is now enjoying his retired life living with his two sons a grand daughter and a grand son.

Chemistry is perhaps the subject of the family, his two brothers, two sons and daughter in law are M.Sc. Chemistry.

A scientist, according to me should never be retired; these highly skilled people become real assets when they go through a rigorous trainings and experience. I suggest that there must be some platform where these scientists and educationists should come and guide the youth. Pakistan is really in need of good pure science experts.

“I am very happy and satisfied we all brothers excelled in their fields,Iqbal Malik as banker,Anwer Malik , me and my younger brother Ashraf Malik as scientists, Arshad Malik and Ajmal Malik as an engineer and Amjad Malik is secretary in federal government after doing CSS. Every body has his own unique story of struggle and achievement.” My father said thanking Allah.

Maulvi Muhammaduddin Awan who was born and educated in the Jalapur Jattan, area of tehsil Gujrat. The editor-proprietor of this once prestigious magazine of the subcontinent, Malik Ahmaddin was born in August, 1881, in a prominent family. His great grandfather Ghulam Rasul and grandfather Allah Bukhsh had held responsible offices in Ranjit Singh’s court. 

In the village Mahuna, since swept away by the river Chenab, Muhammaduddin lost his father and mother at a very young age. He was educated at Chakwal and Jalalpur and somehow developed an interest in history. While at school, he wrote two brief biographies of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Abdur Rahman Khan, the king of Kabul. The young author sold the rights to the manager of Akhbar-i-Aam for Rs30 and when Muhammaduddin himself became the editor-publisher of Sufi he paid proper royalties to his contributors among whom some of the prominent names were: Akbar Allahabadi, Khwaja Hasan Nizami, Allama Iqbal, Altaf Husain Hali, Syed Suleman Nadvi, Niaz Fatehpuri, Khaleeq Dehlavi, Ghulam Qadir Girami, Seemab Akbarabadi, Mirza Sultan Ahmad, Abdul Haleem Sharar and Nadir Kakaurvi. 

Malik Muhammaduddin was a brilliant student and after the middle examination he was offered financial support and he joined the Islamia School of the Lahore Anjuman-i-Himayat-i-Islam where he developed into a poet and recited his poems at the annual sessions of the anjuman. In Lahore, he unsuccessfully tried to publish a monthly magazine. He then joined the revenue department in Gujrat where the vast areas in Mandi Bahauddin were being brought under the plough after the opening of the canals from Mangla and Rasul. headworks. He came close to the famous sufi of the area, Syed Ghulam Hyder Shah of JalaIpur Sharif. Muhammaduddin was much impressed by Syed Hyder Shah and with his blessings Muhammaduddin Awan wanted to start the publication of the magazine. In the meantime, the Pir died in 1908 and the first issue of Sufi under the name of Syed Hyder Shah appeared in January 1909. The pirs of Jalalpur Sharif supported Muhammaddin in his religious and literary publications. 

The circulation of the Sufi had crossed the 8,000 mark in 1937 and it was claimed that it had surpassed the circulation of any of the Urdu and English monthlies of its time. This claim was certified by the department concerned which had in the past (1919) blacklisted the magazine for its leanings towards the Muslim cause. The Sufi was neither a religious magazine nor a literary one. It published articles from people like Swami Teerath Ram and many other Hindu writers on mystic, social and philosophical themes. 

Politically, the magazine supported parties and personalities struggling for independence. In its earlier stages, the Muslim League was not taken seriously by the magazine. For a long time, it supported the Congress but at a later stages, it opposed Gandhi’s policies. It also published articles in which stress was laid on the fact that the Sikhs were not a part of the Hindu nationality. 

The Sufi played a significant role from 1909 to the fifties when the editor could not pay sufficient attention to the magazine. But what is strange is that in the history of monthly journalism it hardly finds a place and perhaps that is the reason Sibgha has taken pains to write this book about the magazine and its founder-editor who had for a very long time served the cause of the Muslims of the sub-continent. This book consists of two chapters of Sibgha’s thesis for M.Phil which is basically about Allama Iqbal. She has conducted research with special reference to Allama Iqbal.