Basit Jehangir Sheikh
Encyclopedia
Basit Jehangir Sheikh
13 April 1949 - 20 October 2010) was a Pakistani politician who served as the First District President PPP , District Kasur. He was an active leader in politics. He was one of the youngest founding member Pakistan Peoples Party of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
. He passed his intermediate examinations from Islamia Degree College Kasur. He graduated from Forman Christian College University
in Kasur
, and up to 25 December 2007 (2:30am), when he last met Shaheed Bibi sahiba in Islamabad, it has been a 40 year long association of loyalty and steadfastness. In return, the confidence and affection that Chairman Bhutto, Begum Nusrat Bhutto
, Shaheed Bibi sahiba and now Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari
have reposed and shown to him over these years is the biggest asset of his life. From 1967 to 2007, each political upheaval and countless detentions have tested his mettle, but each time he has come out more resilient than before.
In March 1968, Begum Nusrat Bhutto
started her campaign to obtain Shaheed Bhutto’s release from Ayub khan’s detention, from Kasur
. Basit Jehangir organized a big protest rally that was led by Begum Sahiba. The passion, anger and impact of the rally is still remembered by (now) prominent TV anchorperson Iftikhar Ahmad
.
In 1970, he was appointed the first General Secretary
of PPP, Tehsil Kasur. Shaheed Chairman Bhutto visited Kasur on the 17 August 1970, inaugurated a Party office in Kasur, attended a reception and addressed a public meeting. It was during this meeting that Basit Jehangir warned the Shaheed Chairman not to award party ticket to Ahmad Raza Kasuri, as betrayal was in Raza Kasuri’s blood. Late Messrs Mehmud Ali Kasuri and Rasul Baksh Talpur were present on the occasion, so was Mr. Omar Mehmud Kasuri advocate (younger son of late Mehmud Ali Kasuri), who still remembers the incident. Shaheed Bhutto would always reminisce that early warning.
Chairman Bhutto did not have to wait for long to see the truth behind Basit Jehangir’s warning. Ahmad Raza wanted the provincial assembly ticket for Kasur city to be awarded to Yaqub Maan, ex-MPA . Bhutto sahib ignored his choice and awarded it to a party loyalist Ghulam Hyder Sohail. Upon this Ahmad Raza telephoned to Chairman at 70 Clifton and threatened that if this decision was not changed, he won’t let Mr. Bhutto enter Punjab. The call was taken by Mr. Mumtaz Ali Bhutto, who gave him a befitting reply. Basit Jehangir’s insight impressed the Chairman and brought them further close.
This closeness however created problems elsewhere in the district. Mr. Malik Meraj Khalid
was offended with the candid criticism that Basit Jehangir would carry out against hid devious politics in the party. On 7 May 1974, Basit Jehangir was riddled with bullets by Yaqub Mann’s son. After six months of hospitalization involving multiple surgeries, he survived and reported back to the Chairman for duty.
In 1976 he was made the first District President of PPP Kasur, by Chairman Bhutto. He became MPA
on PPP ticket in 1977 elections. The joy was short lived as he was picked up and detained in Kasur jail in the very first sweep of General Zia’s martial law. On 10 December 1978 Begum Bhutto held a meeting in Lahore, which was attended by District Presidents of Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura and Kasur. Begum Sahiba informed that she were to launch anti-Zia campaign immediately. After all other Presidents expressed their inability to host Begum Sahiba, Basit Jehangir offered his hospitality. So, from the courtyard of his house in Kasur, on 13 December1978, Begum Sahiba launched save Bhutto campaign. Seven cases under different martial law regulations were registered against him, resulting in repeated detentions. On the advice of party leadership he left Kasur and went in exile, returning in 1980.
He kept the party alive in the dark years of 1980-86. Bibi sahiba on her return to Pakistan in 1986, elevated him to the decision making level by appointing him to be a member of Punjab Parliamentary Board, where again it fell to his lot to continuously confront the Malik Meraj Khalid
, Farooq Leghari
, Sheikh Rahsid axis. On 17 August 1988, the day Zia ul Haq died, he was with Shaheed Bibi sahiba in 70 Clifton attending the Parliamentary Board meeting.
He contested for NA 107 (NA138) on PPP ticket in the 1988 elections, but was a victim of selective rigging as the establishment had decided to favour PML(N) in the Punjab, and could not let an unbending diehard worker to be in the Assembly. From 1989 to 1996 he served as the PPP General Secretary, Lahore
Division. Following the exile of Shaheed Bibi in 1997, he was forced into sidelines.
(Burying) While discussing the unidentified shaheeds of Karsaz tragedy at Garhi Khuda Buksh was his idea, in the presence of Mr. Nisar Khoro (Speaker Sindh Assembly) and Mr. Syed Qaim Ali Shah (Chief Minister of Sindh), which was highly appreciated and accepted by Bibi sahiba).
It is difficult to encapsule forty years of eventful political journey on 2-3 pages. Some milestones have been recalled, many left out. However all the past Presidents of the Punjab PPP would vouch for his antecedents, loyalty and respect that he enjoys amongst even the current leaders of the party.
13 April 1949 - 20 October 2010) was a Pakistani politician who served as the First District President PPP , District Kasur. He was an active leader in politics. He was one of the youngest founding member Pakistan Peoples Party of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
Education
Basit Jehangir Sheikh had his primary education from his local school at KasurKasur
Kasur , the capital of Kasur District in Pakistan. Kasur is located adjacent to the border of Ganda Singh Wala between Pakistan and India, and is a tourist attraction because of the daily occurring Flags lowering ceremony...
. He passed his intermediate examinations from Islamia Degree College Kasur. He graduated from Forman Christian College University
Political career
Since 26 November 1967, when Basit Jehangir welcomed Shaheed Chairman BhuttoBhutto
Bhutto is a Sindhi, Rajput tribe settled in Sindh, Pakistan.-Bhutto tribe:The Bhutto tribe is a Rajput tribe that has been settled in Sindh for over two centuries, occupying part of Balochistan in Kachhi, Sibi, Dera Murad Jamali, Bhag and Mithri, having migrated to Sindh from Jaiselmere in India...
in Kasur
Kasur
Kasur , the capital of Kasur District in Pakistan. Kasur is located adjacent to the border of Ganda Singh Wala between Pakistan and India, and is a tourist attraction because of the daily occurring Flags lowering ceremony...
, and up to 25 December 2007 (2:30am), when he last met Shaheed Bibi sahiba in Islamabad, it has been a 40 year long association of loyalty and steadfastness. In return, the confidence and affection that Chairman Bhutto, Begum Nusrat Bhutto
Nusrat Bhutto
Begum Nusrat Bhutto was an Iranian-Pakistani who was the wife of the 9th Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, serving as the First Lady of Pakistan during his premiership from 1971 until Bhutto's removal in 1977. She became her husband's successor as the chairman of the Pakistan Peoples...
, Shaheed Bibi sahiba and now Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari
Asif Ali Zardari
Asif Ali Zardari is the 11th and current President of Pakistan and the Co-Chairman of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party . He is also the widower of Benazir Bhutto, who served two nonconsecutive terms as Prime Minister....
have reposed and shown to him over these years is the biggest asset of his life. From 1967 to 2007, each political upheaval and countless detentions have tested his mettle, but each time he has come out more resilient than before.
In March 1968, Begum Nusrat Bhutto
Nusrat Bhutto
Begum Nusrat Bhutto was an Iranian-Pakistani who was the wife of the 9th Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, serving as the First Lady of Pakistan during his premiership from 1971 until Bhutto's removal in 1977. She became her husband's successor as the chairman of the Pakistan Peoples...
started her campaign to obtain Shaheed Bhutto’s release from Ayub khan’s detention, from Kasur
Kasur
Kasur , the capital of Kasur District in Pakistan. Kasur is located adjacent to the border of Ganda Singh Wala between Pakistan and India, and is a tourist attraction because of the daily occurring Flags lowering ceremony...
. Basit Jehangir organized a big protest rally that was led by Begum Sahiba. The passion, anger and impact of the rally is still remembered by (now) prominent TV anchorperson Iftikhar Ahmad
Iftikhar Ahmad
Agha Iftikhar Ahmad, , is a Pakistani research journalist and an active political activist. Ahmad started his career in 1980, after his released and joined Jang Media Network and since then, he occupied a senior position in the Network...
.
In 1970, he was appointed the first General Secretary
General Secretary
The office of general secretary is staffed by the chief officer of:*The General Secretariat for Macedonia and Thrace, a government agency for the Greek regions of Macedonia and Thrace...
of PPP, Tehsil Kasur. Shaheed Chairman Bhutto visited Kasur on the 17 August 1970, inaugurated a Party office in Kasur, attended a reception and addressed a public meeting. It was during this meeting that Basit Jehangir warned the Shaheed Chairman not to award party ticket to Ahmad Raza Kasuri, as betrayal was in Raza Kasuri’s blood. Late Messrs Mehmud Ali Kasuri and Rasul Baksh Talpur were present on the occasion, so was Mr. Omar Mehmud Kasuri advocate (younger son of late Mehmud Ali Kasuri), who still remembers the incident. Shaheed Bhutto would always reminisce that early warning.
Chairman Bhutto did not have to wait for long to see the truth behind Basit Jehangir’s warning. Ahmad Raza wanted the provincial assembly ticket for Kasur city to be awarded to Yaqub Maan, ex-MPA . Bhutto sahib ignored his choice and awarded it to a party loyalist Ghulam Hyder Sohail. Upon this Ahmad Raza telephoned to Chairman at 70 Clifton and threatened that if this decision was not changed, he won’t let Mr. Bhutto enter Punjab. The call was taken by Mr. Mumtaz Ali Bhutto, who gave him a befitting reply. Basit Jehangir’s insight impressed the Chairman and brought them further close.
This closeness however created problems elsewhere in the district. Mr. Malik Meraj Khalid
Malik Meraj Khalid
Malik Meraj Khalid was a Pakistani lawyer and politician and the acting Prime Minister of Pakistan from November 5, 1996 till February 17, 1997.-Early life and career beginnings:...
was offended with the candid criticism that Basit Jehangir would carry out against hid devious politics in the party. On 7 May 1974, Basit Jehangir was riddled with bullets by Yaqub Mann’s son. After six months of hospitalization involving multiple surgeries, he survived and reported back to the Chairman for duty.
In 1976 he was made the first District President of PPP Kasur, by Chairman Bhutto. He became MPA
MPA
-Academic degrees:* Master of Professional Accountancy* Master of Public Administration* Master of Public Affairs* Master of Physician's Assistant-Chemicals:* Medroxyprogesterone acetate, also known by the brand name Depo-Provera* Morpholide of pelargonic acid...
on PPP ticket in 1977 elections. The joy was short lived as he was picked up and detained in Kasur jail in the very first sweep of General Zia’s martial law. On 10 December 1978 Begum Bhutto held a meeting in Lahore, which was attended by District Presidents of Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura and Kasur. Begum Sahiba informed that she were to launch anti-Zia campaign immediately. After all other Presidents expressed their inability to host Begum Sahiba, Basit Jehangir offered his hospitality. So, from the courtyard of his house in Kasur, on 13 December1978, Begum Sahiba launched save Bhutto campaign. Seven cases under different martial law regulations were registered against him, resulting in repeated detentions. On the advice of party leadership he left Kasur and went in exile, returning in 1980.
He kept the party alive in the dark years of 1980-86. Bibi sahiba on her return to Pakistan in 1986, elevated him to the decision making level by appointing him to be a member of Punjab Parliamentary Board, where again it fell to his lot to continuously confront the Malik Meraj Khalid
Malik Meraj Khalid
Malik Meraj Khalid was a Pakistani lawyer and politician and the acting Prime Minister of Pakistan from November 5, 1996 till February 17, 1997.-Early life and career beginnings:...
, Farooq Leghari
Farooq Leghari
Sardar Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari was the eighth President of Pakistan from November 14, 1993 until December 2, 1997...
, Sheikh Rahsid axis. On 17 August 1988, the day Zia ul Haq died, he was with Shaheed Bibi sahiba in 70 Clifton attending the Parliamentary Board meeting.
He contested for NA 107 (NA138) on PPP ticket in the 1988 elections, but was a victim of selective rigging as the establishment had decided to favour PML(N) in the Punjab, and could not let an unbending diehard worker to be in the Assembly. From 1989 to 1996 he served as the PPP General Secretary, 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...
Division. Following the exile of Shaheed Bibi in 1997, he was forced into sidelines.
(Burying) While discussing the unidentified shaheeds of Karsaz tragedy at Garhi Khuda Buksh was his idea, in the presence of Mr. Nisar Khoro (Speaker Sindh Assembly) and Mr. Syed Qaim Ali Shah (Chief Minister of Sindh), which was highly appreciated and accepted by Bibi sahiba).
It is difficult to encapsule forty years of eventful political journey on 2-3 pages. Some milestones have been recalled, many left out. However all the past Presidents of the Punjab PPP would vouch for his antecedents, loyalty and respect that he enjoys amongst even the current leaders of the party.
Achievements
- Joined Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto as a Student Leader Forman Christian College University Lahore, When Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto 1st time came to His Residence in KasurKasurKasur , the capital of Kasur District in Pakistan. Kasur is located adjacent to the border of Ganda Singh Wala between Pakistan and India, and is a tourist attraction because of the daily occurring Flags lowering ceremony...
(August 1967).
- Joined Pakistan Peoples PartyPakistan Peoples PartyThe Pakistan Peoples Party , is a democratic socialist political party in Pakistan affiliated with Socialist International. Pakistan People's Party is the largest political party of Pakistan...
On its First Convention, as A founder Member (30 November 1967).
- Appointed President Pakistan Peoples PartyPakistan Peoples PartyThe Pakistan Peoples Party , is a democratic socialist political party in Pakistan affiliated with Socialist International. Pakistan People's Party is the largest political party of Pakistan...
City KasurKasurKasur , the capital of Kasur District in Pakistan. Kasur is located adjacent to the border of Ganda Singh Wala between Pakistan and India, and is a tourist attraction because of the daily occurring Flags lowering ceremony...
In 1969.
- Appointed 1st District President In 1976 on the formation of New District, Kasur.
- It was his struggle and hard work which ended with a new district and the district headquarter become the City Kasur.
- Member Provisional Assembly Punjab (P.P 148) in 1977.
- Begam Nusrat BhuttoNusrat BhuttoBegum Nusrat Bhutto was an Iranian-Pakistani who was the wife of the 9th Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, serving as the First Lady of Pakistan during his premiership from 1971 until Bhutto's removal in 1977. She became her husband's successor as the chairman of the Pakistan Peoples...
Initiated 1st Martial Law open violation campaign from His house in 1978.
- Benazir BhuttoBenazir BhuttoBenazir Bhutto was a democratic socialist who served as the 11th Prime Minister of Pakistan in two non-consecutive terms from 1988 until 1990 and 1993 until 1996....
Visited His house in 1979.
- Became member Punjab Council in 1983.
- Appointed as Member Central Parliamentary Board in 1988.
- Awarded National Assembly Ticket from (NA- 107) In 1988.
- Appointed As General Secretary, LahoreLahoreLahore 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...
Division from 1989 to 1996.