LAHORE: Veteran jurist and former law minister Syed Muhammad Zafar, popularly known as S.M. Zafar, passed away on Thursday due to age-related illness. He was 93.

“We are deeply grieved to announce the passing away of S.M.Zafar, beloved husband, father, and grandfather. May his soul be received in light and love by our Rabb. May he be granted the highest place in jannat,” a statement from the family reads. His funeral will be held after Friday prayers in Tech Society, Lahore.

Political and legal fraternity of the country expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of the senior lawyer. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar extended his condolences to Zafar’s family.

Former federal minister Moonis Elahi, son of PTI president Parvez Elahi, also expressed his grief and sorrow over the death of Mr Zafar.

Mr Zafar was born in Burma on Dec 6, 1930 and started his career as a lawyer in 1950.

His family hailed from Shakargarh in Punjab. Following the Japanese occupation of Burma, his family returned to Punjab in 1944.

He served in the cabinet of first martial law administrator Ayub Khan as minister for law and parliamentary affairs. He was elected president of the Supreme Court Bar Association and the Lahore High Court Bar Association as well.

Mr Zafar had joined Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid) in 2006 and served as senator till 2012.

He served as the chairman of the Human Rights Society of Pakistan in 1976.

He was the father of PTI Senator Barrister Syed Ali Zafar and women’s economic empowerment activist Roshaneh Zafar.

He had stopped active legal practice in 2014 and politics in 2018.

According to Geo.tv, Mr Zafar represented various landmark cases in Pakistan’s Supreme Court and was known for his unwavering commitment to justice.

Some of his major legal contributions include the acquittal of Pakistani scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, the discussion and draft of the 1973 Constitution, and participation in the drafting of the 18th constitutional amendment.

With his legal career spanned over six decades, Zafar left an indelible mark on the country’s judiciary, politics, and the advocacy of human rights Zafar was also an academic, imparting his vast knowledge to young minds at Punjab University Law College, his alma mater, where he also served as a dean. He penned several books, shedding light on law, governance, and rights.

Besides being a Nishan-i-Imtiaz (2012) holder, Zafar received several other awards and souvenirs for his services to the country.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2023