Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi
Encyclopedia
Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi (Urdu
: چودھری نصیر احمد ملہی) (1911 – 12 July 1991): A historical figure in subcontinent
politics, Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi played a pivotal role in the formation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and is recognised as one of the nation’s founding fathers. He was commonly known as Lord Malhi for his larger than life personality, largesse and lavish parties.
Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi was a leading member of the Muslim League and was at the forefront of the Pakistan Movement
. A lifetime member of the Muslim League, Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi belonged to the gentry of Punjab
and served as West Pakistan
's Minister for Law, Education and Parliamentary Affairs in 1955.
His father Chaudhry Ghulam Haider Malhi was the leading aristocrat of district Sialkot
and amongst the landed elites of Punjab. He was noted for this philanthropy and was decorated by the British Governor for his services to the community.
Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi's great-grandfather, Chaudhry Ali Gohar Malhi, served as the Governor for Punjab during the reign of Maharaja
Ranjit Singh
.
in district Sialkot
.
Apart from an elder stepbrother, Lord Malhi had two elder sisters and two younger sisters. He had three sons and two daughters, however only two sons and a daughter survived adolescence.
, Chaudhry Ghulam Haider Malhi founded this school in 1918 in his bid to educate aspiring students. The school was noted for offering free tuition and books to economically disadvantaged pupils. The education expenses of these students were personally maintained by Chaudhry Ghulam Haider.
He proceeded his secondary education, with a BA (Maths, Arabic) & an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) from University of the Punjab
, Lahore
.
. After attending the 1940 Lahore Conference
held by the All India Muslim League, Lord Malhi recognised the immense potential Muslim League held in representing the Muslims of India
. Lord Malhi joined Muslim League's Sialkot chapter and rapidly ascended to become its President.
In 1943 Lord Malhi met Quaid-i-Azam
at Jinnah House
in Malabar Hill
, Bombay. It was on the advise of Lord Malhi that the historical Sialkot Convention was planned in Punjab. Held in Sialkot city
in May 1944, this convention was attended by Quaid-i-Azam
, Liaquat Ali Khan
, Khawaja Nazimuddin
, Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar
, Sardar Shaukat Hayat Khan
, Mian Mumtaz Daultana
, Maulvi Tamizuddin Khan
and Nawab Iftikhar Hussain Khan of Mamdot amongst other Muslim League luminaries.
The Sialkot convention was a milestone in Muslim – Hindu politics. This convention is widely regarded as the landmark event which catapulted Muslim League into prominence in undivided Punjab. It broke the Unionist Party
's hold over the Muslims of Punjab and swayed their sentiments towards Muslim League and the Pakistan movement, paving to the eventual formation of Pakistan.
Acknowledging the convention's impact Quaid-E-Azam
commented "I have a feeling today, that Pakistan has come into existence". Muhammad Ali Jinnah
attributed the success of this convention to Lord Malhi. Embracing him he stated "Mr Malhi, no doubt, you are Lord Malhi".
's decision to appoint Lord Malhi as Pakistan's second Prime Minister after Liaquat Ali Khan
. Muhammad Ali Jinnah
personally notified Lord Malhi of this decision, however due to Quaid-E-Azam
's sudden death this writ was never executed.
Regardless, as an active member of Pakistan’s political elite, Lord Malhi served as the Minister of Education, Law and Parliamentary Affairs. It was during his tenure that school uniforms were introduced in Pakistan. He excluded Aitchison College
from the list of schools receiving government assistance on the rationale that such elite institutions did not require federal aid.
Lord Malhi was designated leadership for Pakistan's delegation to the Geneva Conference in 1955. Here he delivered a speech defending the rights of Afro-Asian countries. He was awarded a Gold Medal from the convention. Following this success, Lord Malhi then lead Pakistan’s delegation to the United Nations. Here he addressed the United Nations assembly on the political challenges facing South Asia. This speech was recognised for it’s insight and he was awarded by the sitting assembly.
In an effort to raise his fledgling nation's profile, Lord Malhi hosted a historic dinner for Eleanor Roosevelt
, President of the United Nations General Assembly and former First Lady
of the United States.
With the advent of martial law
in the early sixties, Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi became a vociferous opponent to the government of General Ayub Khan. In 1965 he allied with and supported Fatima Jinnah
in her bid to democratically dislodge Ayub Khan from his assumed office.
Lord Malhi was offered key ministry posts during Nawab of Kalabagh
's tenure as Chief Minister of West Pakistan. Though close personal friends, Chaudhry Naseer Malhi declined on ideological differences. He was later offered a ministry post by General Zia
but he again declined.
Chaudhry Naseer Malhi successfully retained his seat in the National Assembly
until 1971. With the dismemberment of East Pakistan
and disappointed with the corrupt politicking of the ensuing politicians, he unofficially withdrew from electoral politics.
Despite his withdrawal from active political life, Lord Malhi remained an established member of Pakistan’s elite intellectual and political circles.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
ranked him amongst his most able stalwarts. Pakistan recognises him as one of its most dedicated founding fathers.
Urdu
Urdu is a register of the Hindustani language that is identified with Muslims in South Asia. It belongs to the Indo-European family. Urdu is the national language and lingua franca of Pakistan. It is also widely spoken in some regions of India, where it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and an...
: چودھری نصیر احمد ملہی) (1911 – 12 July 1991): A historical figure in subcontinent
Subcontinent
A subcontinent is a large, relatively self-contained landmass forming a subdivision of a continent. By dictionary entries, the term subcontinent signifies "having a certain geographical or political independence" from the rest of the continent, or "a vast and more or less self-contained subdivision...
politics, Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi played a pivotal role in the formation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and is recognised as one of the nation’s founding fathers. He was commonly known as Lord Malhi for his larger than life personality, largesse and lavish parties.
Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi was a leading member of the Muslim League and was at the forefront of the Pakistan Movement
Pakistan Movement
The Pakistan Movement or Tehrik-e-Pakistan refers to the historical movement to have an independent Muslim state named Pakistan created from the separation of the north-western region of the Indian subcontinent, partitioned within or outside the British Indian Empire. It had its origins in the...
. A lifetime member of the Muslim League, Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi belonged to the gentry of Punjab
Punjab region
The Punjab , also spelled Panjab |water]]s"), is a geographical region straddling the border between Pakistan and India which includes Punjab province in Pakistan and the states of the Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and some northern parts of the National Capital Territory of Delhi...
and served as West Pakistan
West Pakistan
West Pakistan , common name West-Pakistan , in the period between its establishment on 22 November 1955 to disintegration on December 16, 1971. This period, during which, Pakistan was divided, ended when East-Pakistan was disintegrated and succeeded to become which is now what is known as Bangladesh...
's Minister for Law, Education and Parliamentary Affairs in 1955.
His father Chaudhry Ghulam Haider Malhi was the leading aristocrat of district Sialkot
Sialkot District
Sialkot District or the District of Sialkot , is one of the districts of the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is located in the north-east of the province...
and amongst the landed elites of Punjab. He was noted for this philanthropy and was decorated by the British Governor for his services to the community.
Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi's great-grandfather, Chaudhry Ali Gohar Malhi, served as the Governor for Punjab during the reign of Maharaja
Maharaja
Mahārāja is a Sanskrit title for a "great king" or "high king". The female equivalent title Maharani denotes either the wife of a Maharaja or, in states where that was customary, a woman ruling in her own right. The widow of a Maharaja is known as a Rajamata...
Ranjit Singh
Ranjit Singh
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji was the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire.-Early life:...
.
Birth and family
Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi was born the second son of Chaudhry Ghulam Haider Malhi in 1913 in the town of BaddomalhiBaddomalhi
Baddomalhi is a city located 35 miles northeast of Lahore, Pakistan in Narowal District. It is located at 31°59'0N 74°40'0E with an altitude of 217 metres .-Economy:...
in district Sialkot
Sialkot District
Sialkot District or the District of Sialkot , is one of the districts of the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is located in the north-east of the province...
.
Apart from an elder stepbrother, Lord Malhi had two elder sisters and two younger sisters. He had three sons and two daughters, however only two sons and a daughter survived adolescence.
Education
Lord Malhi received his primary and secondary education at GH (Ghulam Haider) Muslim High School. Heeding the call of Sir Syed Ahmed KhanSyed Ahmed Khan
Javad-ud Daula, Arif Jang, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, KCSI , commonly known as Sir Syed, was an Indian educator and politician, and an Islamic reformer and modernist...
, Chaudhry Ghulam Haider Malhi founded this school in 1918 in his bid to educate aspiring students. The school was noted for offering free tuition and books to economically disadvantaged pupils. The education expenses of these students were personally maintained by Chaudhry Ghulam Haider.
He proceeded his secondary education, with a BA (Maths, Arabic) & an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) from University of the Punjab
University of the Punjab
University of the Punjab , colloquially known as Punjab University, is located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. The University of the Punjab is the oldest and biggest University of Pakistan. The University of the Punjab was formally established with the convening of the first meeting of its...
, Lahore
Lahore
Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and the second largest city in the country. With a rich and fabulous history dating back to over a thousand years ago, Lahore is no doubt Pakistan's cultural capital. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Lahore remains a...
.
Pre-independence
Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi commenced his political career with the Congress partyIndian National Congress
The Indian National Congress is one of the two major political parties in India, the other being the Bharatiya Janata Party. It is the largest and one of the oldest democratic political parties in the world. The party's modern liberal platform is largely considered center-left in the Indian...
. After attending the 1940 Lahore Conference
Lahore Conference
At the Lahore Conference of 1940, the idea of one/more independent Muslim state – Pakistan – was first raised by Mohammad Ali Jinnah....
held by the All India Muslim League, Lord Malhi recognised the immense potential Muslim League held in representing the Muslims of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. Lord Malhi joined Muslim League's Sialkot chapter and rapidly ascended to become its President.
In 1943 Lord Malhi met Quaid-i-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a Muslim lawyer, politician, statesman and the founder of Pakistan. He is popularly and officially known in Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam and Baba-e-Qaum ....
at Jinnah House
Jinnah House
Jinnah House was the residence of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan; in Mumbai, India. Now known informally as Jinnah House, it was named South Court and was built in 1936 at a then exorbitant price of 2 lakh rupees when Jinnah returned to Mumbai from England to take charge of the...
in Malabar Hill
Malabar Hill
Malabar Hill, a hillock in southern Mumbai , India is an extremely upmarket residential area, most known for the Walkeshwar Temple which houses the Banganga Tank. Situated at a height of 50 metres Malabar Hill, a hillock in southern Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India is an extremely upmarket...
, Bombay. It was on the advise of Lord Malhi that the historical Sialkot Convention was planned in Punjab. Held in Sialkot city
Sialkot
Sialkot is a city in Pakistan situated in the north-east of the Punjab province at the foothills of snow-covered peaks of Kashmir near the Chenab river. It is the capital of Sialkot District. The city is about north-west of Lahore and only a few kilometers from Indian-controlled Jammu.The...
in May 1944, this convention was attended by Quaid-i-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a Muslim lawyer, politician, statesman and the founder of Pakistan. He is popularly and officially known in Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam and Baba-e-Qaum ....
, Liaquat Ali Khan
Liaquat Ali Khan
For other people with the same or similar name, see Liaqat Ali Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan was a Pakistani statesman who became the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, Defence minister and Commonwealth, Kashmir Affairs...
, Khawaja Nazimuddin
Khawaja Nazimuddin
Hajji Sir Khawaja Nazimuddin, KCIE , was the second Governor-General of Pakistan, and later the second Prime Minister of Pakistan as well.-Early life:...
, Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar
Abdur Rab Nishtar
Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar was a Muslim League stalwart, Pakistan movement activist and later Pakistani politician.-Education:...
, Sardar Shaukat Hayat Khan
Shaukat Hayat Khan
Shaukat Hayat Khan was a prominent Muslim League movement worker and political leader, who worked closely with the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in the Punjab.-Background:...
, Mian Mumtaz Daultana
Mian Mumtaz Daultana
Mian Mumtaz Daultana he was the renown activist of "Teherek-e-Azadi" and one amongst the close friends of Quaid e Azam M Ali Jinah. His uncle Sir Shahab-ud-Din was the speaker of punjab assembly before separation of sub continent. and he was the 2nd Chief Minister of Punjab from 1951 to 1953, when...
, Maulvi Tamizuddin Khan
Maulvi Tamizuddin Khan
Maulvi Tamizuddin Khan , was the President of Pakistan's first Constituent Assembly.He was born in 1889 in a humble peasant family of Faridpur, Bengal...
and Nawab Iftikhar Hussain Khan of Mamdot amongst other Muslim League luminaries.
The Sialkot convention was a milestone in Muslim – Hindu politics. This convention is widely regarded as the landmark event which catapulted Muslim League into prominence in undivided Punjab. It broke the Unionist Party
Unionist Muslim League
The Unionist Muslim League, also known simply as the Unionist Party was a political party based in the province of Punjab during the period of British rule in India. The Unionist Party mainly represented the interests of the landed gentry and landlords of Punjab, which included Muslims, Hindus and...
's hold over the Muslims of Punjab and swayed their sentiments towards Muslim League and the Pakistan movement, paving to the eventual formation of Pakistan.
Acknowledging the convention's impact Quaid-E-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a Muslim lawyer, politician, statesman and the founder of Pakistan. He is popularly and officially known in Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam and Baba-e-Qaum ....
commented "I have a feeling today, that Pakistan has come into existence". Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a Muslim lawyer, politician, statesman and the founder of Pakistan. He is popularly and officially known in Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam and Baba-e-Qaum ....
attributed the success of this convention to Lord Malhi. Embracing him he stated "Mr Malhi, no doubt, you are Lord Malhi".
Post-independence
Post independence Chaudhry Naseer Malhi remained a prominent legislator. It was Quaid-E-AzamMuhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a Muslim lawyer, politician, statesman and the founder of Pakistan. He is popularly and officially known in Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam and Baba-e-Qaum ....
's decision to appoint Lord Malhi as Pakistan's second Prime Minister after Liaquat Ali Khan
Liaquat Ali Khan
For other people with the same or similar name, see Liaqat Ali Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan was a Pakistani statesman who became the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, Defence minister and Commonwealth, Kashmir Affairs...
. Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a Muslim lawyer, politician, statesman and the founder of Pakistan. He is popularly and officially known in Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam and Baba-e-Qaum ....
personally notified Lord Malhi of this decision, however due to Quaid-E-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a Muslim lawyer, politician, statesman and the founder of Pakistan. He is popularly and officially known in Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam and Baba-e-Qaum ....
's sudden death this writ was never executed.
Regardless, as an active member of Pakistan’s political elite, Lord Malhi served as the Minister of Education, Law and Parliamentary Affairs. It was during his tenure that school uniforms were introduced in Pakistan. He excluded Aitchison College
Aitchison College
Aitchison College, Lahore, is one of the most prestigious educational institutions of its kind in South Asia. Established in 1886, it has retained its character over the years, maintaining the public school tradition of providing an education that uses academics, sports and co-curricular activities...
from the list of schools receiving government assistance on the rationale that such elite institutions did not require federal aid.
Lord Malhi was designated leadership for Pakistan's delegation to the Geneva Conference in 1955. Here he delivered a speech defending the rights of Afro-Asian countries. He was awarded a Gold Medal from the convention. Following this success, Lord Malhi then lead Pakistan’s delegation to the United Nations. Here he addressed the United Nations assembly on the political challenges facing South Asia. This speech was recognised for it’s insight and he was awarded by the sitting assembly.
In an effort to raise his fledgling nation's profile, Lord Malhi hosted a historic dinner for Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. She supported the New Deal policies of her husband, distant cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and became an advocate for civil rights. After her husband's death in 1945, Roosevelt continued to be an international...
, President of the United Nations General Assembly and former First Lady
First Lady
First Lady or First Gentlemanis the unofficial title used in some countries for the spouse of an elected head of state.It is not normally used to refer to the spouse or partner of a prime minister; the husband or wife of the British Prime Minister is usually informally referred to as prime...
of the United States.
With the advent of martial law
Martial law
Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
in the early sixties, Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi became a vociferous opponent to the government of General Ayub Khan. In 1965 he allied with and supported Fatima Jinnah
Fatima Jinnah
Fatima Jinnah , was one of the figurative and pioneering woman figure in Pakistan Movement and was the younger sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. An active political figure in the movement for independence from the British Raj, she is commonly known in Pakistan as Khātūn-e...
in her bid to democratically dislodge Ayub Khan from his assumed office.
Lord Malhi was offered key ministry posts during Nawab of Kalabagh
Nawab of Kalabagh
Malik Amir Mohammad Khan also known as Nawab of Kalabagh was a prominent feudal lord, politician and the seventh nawab of Kalabagh state, in Mianwali District of north western Punjab, Pakistan. He belonged to the Awan tribe of ancient repute. He was crowned as Nawab of Kalabagh after the death of...
's tenure as Chief Minister of West Pakistan. Though close personal friends, Chaudhry Naseer Malhi declined on ideological differences. He was later offered a ministry post by General Zia
Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq
General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq , was the 4th Chief Martial Law Administrator and the sixth President of Pakistan from July 1977 to his death in August 1988...
but he again declined.
Chaudhry Naseer Malhi successfully retained his seat in the National Assembly
National Assembly of Pakistan
The National Assembly of Pakistan is the lower house of the bicameral Majlis-e-Shura, which also compromises the President of Pakistan and Senate . The National Assembly and the Senate both convene at Parliament House in Islamabad...
until 1971. With the dismemberment of East Pakistan
East Pakistan
East Pakistan was a provincial state of Pakistan established in 14 August 1947. The provincial state existed until its declaration of independence on 26 March 1971 as the independent nation of Bangladesh. Pakistan recognized the new nation on 16 December 1971. East Pakistan was created from Bengal...
and disappointed with the corrupt politicking of the ensuing politicians, he unofficially withdrew from electoral politics.
Despite his withdrawal from active political life, Lord Malhi remained an established member of Pakistan’s elite intellectual and political circles.
Legacy
Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad Malhi died peacefully on 12 July 1991. An egalitarian, he left behind a legacy of brilliant intellect, high character, altruism and an incorruptible integrity in both his political and personal lives.Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a Muslim lawyer, politician, statesman and the founder of Pakistan. He is popularly and officially known in Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam and Baba-e-Qaum ....
ranked him amongst his most able stalwarts. Pakistan recognises him as one of its most dedicated founding fathers.
Trivia
- Chaudhry Naseer Malhi and Faiz Ahmad Faiz were relatives.
- Chaudhry Naseer Malhi is the paternal uncle to Pakistan's Defense SecretaryDefence Secretary of PakistanDefence Secretary of Pakistan is the highest bureaucratic position within the Ministry of Defence of Pakistan. Following is the list of the defence secretaries to date....
and Federal Interior Minister General Hamid NawazHamid Nawaz KhanLieutenant General Hamid Nawaz Khan, HI, is a career Pakistan Army soldier who served as Federal Interior Minister from November 2007 to April 2008 and Defence Secretary of Pakistan from 2001 to 2005...
.
- Chaudhry Naseer Malhi was Chairman of the reception committee for Sialkot Convention.
- Chaudhry Naseer Malhi refused all salaries while in office.
- Chaudhry Naseer Malhi made history by becoming the first Asian man to host a White HouseWhite HouseThe White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the house was designed by Irish-born James Hoban, and built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the Neoclassical...
dinner and pay from his personal finances.
- The bill for Sialkot convention (Rs 40,000 in 1944, equivalent to several croreCroreA crore is a unit in the Indian number system equal to ten million , or 100 lakhs. It is widely used in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan....
in today's currency) was paid by Lord Malhi’s father Chaudhry Ghualm Haider Malhi, the largest landlord in district Sialkot at the time. This was unique for the Muslim League.
- Chaudhry Ali Gohar Malhi governed lands between River ChenabChenab RiverThe Chenab River چنRiver' آب) is a major river of Jammu and Kashmir and the Punjab in Pakistan. It forms in the upper Himalayas in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India, and flows through the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir into the plains of the Punjab, Pakistan...
and River RaviRavi RiverThe Ravi is a trans-boundary river flowing through Northwestern India and eastern Pakistan. It is one of the six rivers of the Indus System in Punjab region ....
. This encompassed all areas between WazirabadWazirabadAYAZ KHANWazirabad is an industrial city located in Gujranwala District, Punjab, Pakistan. Wazirabad is situated on the banks of the Chenab River nearly 100 kilometres north of Lahore on the Grand Trunk Road. It is 45 kilometres from Sialkot, 30 kilometres from the district capital - Gujranwala...
and ShahdaraShahdara BaghShahdara Bagh, is a northern suburb of Lahore, Pakistan. It is situated on the northern side of the Ravi River.Shahdara means Shah and dara means the way of kings. In the 15th century it was the gate entrance of the Lahore and Mughal Emperor...
.
External links
- Famous personalities of Sialkot
- http://www.world66.com/asia/southasia/pakistan/sialkot/history
- http://www.sialkotexport.com/personalities.aspx