
- December 28, 2023
- ubaidah khan
- 0
Syed Qaim Ali Shah, a prominent Pakistani politician, held the distinction of being elected Chief Minister of Sindh for three consecutive terms. With a cumulative tenure of eight years in his last two terms, he became the longest-serving Chief Minister in Sindh’s history. Additionally, he served as the Sindh President of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and was an elected Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) from PS-220 (Khairpur-1), reflecting his enduring commitment to his constituency. Syed Qaim Ali Shah’s impactful political career has left a lasting mark on Sindh’s political landscape.
Early Life and Academic Pursuits
Born between 13th September 1928, 1930, or 1933 (sources vary), Syed Qaim Ali Shah, the scion of the distinguished Jillani family in Khairpur Mirs, hailed from a well-educated background. His early years were molded by the influential environment of his household.
After completing initial education at Naz High School, Shah’s family arranged his marriage to a relative. Subsequently, he pursued higher education in Karachi, enrolling at Karachi University for a Bachelor of Arts. Later, he pursued a Bachelor of Laws from S. M. Law College.
During his tenure at Sindh Muslim Law College, Shah had the privilege of being mentored by his professor, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This association not only influenced Shah’s academic journey but also forged a lasting bond that endured throughout Bhutto’s life.
A Personal Journey Through Marriages and Family
Syed Qaim Ali Shah’s life has been marked by three matrimonial unions. His initial marriage, arranged during his teenage years by his family, followed the traditional customs of the time and linked him with a cousin. After completing his education in Karachi, Shah’s family orchestrated his second marriage to Husn Afroze Brohi, sister of A. K. Brohi. Unfortunately, neither of his wives outlived him. Tragically, Husn Afroze succumbed to breast cancer in the late 1970s, while Shah’s first wife succumbed to a terminal illness a few years later. After experiencing the loss of both partners, Shah remained a widower for several years before entering into his current marriage, a union aligned with the preferences of his family and friends.
In the realm of family, Syed Qaim Ali Shah is the proud father of four sons and seven daughters. Notably, the accomplished politician Nafisa Shah is his daughter from his marriage to Husn Afroze, contributing to the family’s legacy in both personal and public spheres.
Political Ascent of Syed Qaim Ali Shah: From Local Leadership to Federal Minister
Syed Qaim Ali Shah’s political journey commenced in the 1960s when he was elected as the Chairman of Khairpur’s district council, operating within Field Marshal Ayub Khan’s Basic Democracy system. This initial foray into politics underlined his early commitment to public service.
His political trajectory took a decisive turn when his close association with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto led him to join the newly formed Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in 1967.
The zenith of Shah’s political career emerged during the general elections of 1970, where he contested with a PPP ticket from Khairpur Mirs. In a noteworthy victory, he defeated formidable opponents, including Comrade Syed Baqir Ali Shah and Syed Ghous Ali Shah. This triumph underscored his growing political influence.
In recognition of his capabilities, Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto appointed Qaim Ali Shah to his small cabinet as the Federal Minister for Industries and Kashmir Affairs. This marked a significant milestone, propelling Shah from local leadership to a key role in the federal government.
Resilience Amidst Political Upheaval
The onset of General Zia-ul-Haq’s coup d’état in July 1977 marked a tumultuous period for Syed Qaim Ali Shah and other cabinet ministers, including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who were arrested in the aftermath. In the ensuing political fallout within the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), prominent figures such as Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, Ghulam Mustafa Khar, Makhdoom Khaliq-uz-Zaman, and Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani took varying paths, either leaving the party or becoming inactive.
In stark contrast, Qaim Ali Shah displayed unwavering loyalty to the PPP during these challenging times. Despite the adverse conditions imposed by General Zia-ul-Haq’s eleven-year rule, Shah and his family bore the brunt of imprisonment, torture, financial hardship due to seized accounts and lands, and a constant state of fear. Notably, Shah’s politically active nephew, Syed Pervez Ali Shah, earned ‘Prisoner of Conscience’ status in Amnesty International’s 1985 report, enduring six years of torture in General Zia’s cells. This harrowing experience is vividly detailed in Benazir Bhutto’s autobiography, “Daughter of the East.” Through these turbulent years, Syed Qaim Ali Shah’s unwavering commitment to the PPP remained resolute, embodying resilience in the face of political adversity.
Political Resurgence
Upon General Zia-ul-Haq’s demise and Benazir Bhutto’s return, Syed Qaim Ali Shah’s significant contributions to the Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) were recognized. Appointed as the president of PPP-Sindh, Shah’s political resurgence was marked by a landslide victory in the 1988 elections from Khairpur Mirs. This triumph swiftly led to his appointment as the 17th Chief Minister of Sindh on December 2, 1988. His journey from adversity to political leadership underscored both resilience and the trust bestowed upon him by the electorate.
Political Stalwart
Syed Qaim Ali Shah’s political journey remained marked by electoral successes. He secured victories as a Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) in 1990, 1993, 2002, and 2008. Notably, the sole setback occurred in 1997 when the PPP faced a challenging electoral landscape.
Undeterred, Shah pursued a Senate seat in late 1997, emerging victorious and commencing his sole term in the Senate. Across eight general elections, he triumphed seven times, serving as an MPA six times and as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) and a senator once.
Shah concluded his second term as Chief Minister of Sindh on March 21, 2013. However, his political journey witnessed another resurgence as he was elected for the third time as Chief Minister of Sindh after the 2013 general elections. In July 2016, the PPP leadership opted for a change, replacing Shah with Syed Murad Ali Shah as the Chief Minister of Sindh.