ISLAMABAD: People from all walks of life paid rich tributes to prominent journalist, writer, poet and leader of the Pakistan Movement, Maulana Zafar Ali Khan on his 66th death anniversary for his matchless services to the country.
Profile
Known as Baba-e-Sahafat, he was born in 1873 in Sialkot. Maulana Zafar Ali Khan received his early education in Wazirabad and Patiala. He served as Secretary to Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk after his graduation. He played a key role in the freedom movement of Pakistan with his pen. Maulana Zafar Ali Khan took over as Editor Urdu Newspaper ‘Zamindar’, the most influential newspaper in the sub-continent after his father’s death in 1909.
As journalist
Senior journalist Muhammad Daud said that the credit goes to Maulana Zafar Ali Khan to fight with pen against the then imperial forces. He said that his newspaper ‘Zamindar’ brought revolution in the society and the field of journalism to great extent. He termed the then ‘Zamindar’ as one of the most influential newspapers in the sub-continent. He said that he was a great example of professionalism. He asked the government to take measures to organize seminars on the work of Maulana Zafar Ali Khan to familiar the new generation to Baba-e-Sahafat.
It may be recalled that ‘Zamindar’ was banned and the press was confiscated due to its revolutionary policies. He also attended annual sessions All India Muslim League. Maulana Zafar Ali Khan supported the resolution seeking formation of All-India Muslim League. He was an important member of the Reforms Committee (8th Session All India Muslim League Bombay, December 1915-January 1916).
He remained an active member of the famous Khilafat Movement. Maulana Zafar Ali Khan was elected as member of the Central Legislative Assembly during 1937. Maulana Zafar Ali Khan was an orator, a great poet, and a great Journalist. He wrote Baharistan’, ‘Chamanistai1’ and ‘Nigaristan’. Maulana Zafar Ali Khan was died on November 27, 1956, at the age of 83 in Wazirabad. — APP
