SINDH’S first Muslim governor, Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah, enjoyed exceptional popularity in the province, even prior to Pakistan’s independence. His exemplary record of public service includes tenures as a minister, executive councillor, chief minister and, finally, as governor.

Born in Shikarpur in 1879, he was educated at D.J. Sindh Government Science College in Karachi and Government Law College in (then) Bombay before entering the legal profession in 1920. His public career, however, began earlier in 1904 with his participation in Hyderabad’s local government. In 1921, he became a member of the Bombay legislative council and a minister in the Bombay government, which he occupied until 1928 when he was made a member of the Bombay governor’s executive council, serving until 1934.

Ghulam Hussain was one of the delegates to the Round Table Conferences in which it was decided that Sindh would separate from Bombay in 1937. He served as the newly-constituted province’s first chief minister until 1938, and again as its fifth from 1942 to 47.

As a leader of Muslims in Sindh, he rallied them around the banner of the All-India Muslim League. When in July 1946 the Muslim League called on all members to reject their British titles, he was the first to do so. His devotion to the Quaid-i-Azam was immense and, in turn, the Quaid’s regard for him was very high.

While the outside world knew of his astuteness as a master administer, of his hospitable, courteous and colourful personality, they could hardly imagine the depth of his belief in the equality of man. A great patriot, philanthropist and humanitarian, he was utterly clear in his vision. He shared his knowledge and insight with many others, as well as his pride in his Sindhi heritage, earning the titles of ‘Sir Sahab’ and ‘the great old man of Sindh’.

It is said that Ghulam Hussain was so stunned by the sudden demise of the Quaid-i-Azam that he never recovered and, only three weeks later, passed away on Oct 4, 1948. Pakistan, in general, and Sindh, in particular, will long remember his service.

Jawed Inayatullah Mughal

Karachi

Published in Dawn October6th, 2016