Sherbaz Khan Mazari
Sherbaz Khan Mazari | |
|---|---|
| Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office 17 August 1975 – 5 July 1977 | |
| President | Fazal Ilahi Chaudhry |
| Prime Minister | Zulfikar Ali Bhutto |
| Preceded by | Khan Abdul Wali Khan |
| Succeeded by | Fakhar Imam |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 October 1930 Rojhan, Punjab Province, British India (now Pakistan) |
| Died | 5 December 2020 (aged 90) |
| Political party | Independent (Before 1975) National Democratic Party (1975–1977) Pakistan National Alliance (1977–1981) Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (1981–1988) |
| Children | Sherazam Khan Mazari Sher Ali Khan Mazari Shehryar Khan Mazari Murad Khan Mazari Samia Mazari Sherafzal Khan Mazari Sher Koh Khan Mazari |
Sherbaz Khan Mazari (Urdu: سردار شیر باز خان مزاری) (6 October 1930 – 5 December 2020)[1][2] was a Pakistani politician and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly.
Early life and education
Mazari was born in Rojhan Mazari, Punjab Province, British India on 6 October 1930.[3] His father, Mir Murad Bakhsh Khan, was the chief of the Mazari tribe in Dera Ghazi Khan.[4]
Orphaned early in life, Sherbaz and his siblings were placed under British guardianship. He studied at Aitchison College, Lahore and Royal Indian Military College, Dehradun.[5] He also attended the University of Oxford.[6]
Political career
Mazari began his political career by supporting Fatima Jinnah in the 1965 presidential election against Ayub Khan.[7] He opposed the military rule of General Yahya Khan and its policies regarding East Pakistan.[8]
In 1970, Mazari contested the National Assembly elections as an independent candidate despite many politicians competing for PPP tickets.[9]
He attempted to resolve Balochistan’s political issues through dialogue in parliament, but when Bhutto opted for military action, Mazari joined the National Awami Party (NAP). After NAP was banned, he formed the National Democratic Party (NDP).[10]
Mazari served as Leader of the Opposition from 1975 to 1977 and was a signatory to Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution as head of the independent group in the National Assembly.[11] He joined the Pakistan National Alliance campaign against Bhutto’s government in 1977.[12]
He later supported the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) against Zia-ul-Haq’s regime in the 1980s.[13]
Personal life and legacy
Mazari was known for his principled stance and was respected as a fair tribal leader who maintained peace and justice in his region.[14] He authored his memoir, A Journey to Disillusionment, in 1999.[15]
Mazari refused an offer to become Prime Minister from General Zia in 1980 due to his commitment to democracy.[16]
He passed away on 5 December 2020 in Karachi and was buried in Rojhan, with thousands attending his funeral.[17]
Books
- Mazari, Sherbaz Khan (1999). A Journey to Disillusionment. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195790764.
See also
- Hyderabad tribunal
References
- ↑ "Veteran politician Sherbaz Khan Mazari passes away at 90". Dawn. 5 Dec 2020.
- ↑ "Sherbaz Khan Mazari: A politician of principle". The News International. 6 Dec 2020.
- ↑ Mazari, Sherbaz Khan (1999). A Journey to Disillusionment (PDF). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-579076-4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2023-01-25. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ↑ "Tribal leader Sherbaz Mazari dies aged 90". The Express Tribune. 5 Dec 2020.
- ↑ Taqi, Muhammad (11 Dec 2020). "Remembering Sherbaz Mazari: the Dehradun Cadet Who Helped Frame the Pakistani Constitution". The Wire.
- ↑ "Sherbaz Mazari: a principled politician". Dawn. 6 Dec 2020.
- ↑ Taqi, Muhammad. "Remembering Sherbaz Mazari: the Dehradun Cadet Who Helped Frame the Pakistani Constitution". The Wire.
- ↑ "Sherbaz Mazari: Political career overview". The News International.
- ↑ Mazari, Sherbaz Khan (1999). A Journey to Disillusionment. Oxford University Press.
- ↑ "Sherbaz Mazari's political contributions". Dawn.
- ↑ Mazari, Sherbaz Khan (1999). A Journey to Disillusionment. Oxford University Press.
- ↑ "Political history of Sherbaz Mazari". The News International.
- ↑ "Sherbaz Mazari and MRD". Dawn.
- ↑ "Sherbaz Mazari: Tribal chief and politician". The Express Tribune.
- ↑ Mazari, Sherbaz Khan (1999). A Journey to Disillusionment. Oxford University Press.
- ↑ "Sherbaz Mazari's refusal of PMship". Dawn.
- ↑ "Veteran politician Sherbaz Khan Mazari passes away at 90". Dawn. 5 Dec 2020.
Further reading
- Taqi, Mohammad (December 11, 2020). "Remembering Sherbaz Khan Mazari, the Dehradun Cadet Who Helped Frame the Pakistani Constitution". Thewire.in.