‘A good poet, great man and true political leader’

Bilawal pays tribute to late Makhdoom Amin Fahim on second death anniversary

HYDERABAD: Avowing the political bond that has for five decades tied the politically influential Bhutto and Makhdoom families together, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid tribute on Monday to the late Makhdoom stalwarts. Speaking at the second death anniversary of former federal minister and long-time PPP leader Makhdoom Amin Fahim in Matiri district, Bilawal waxed reverential for Fahim and his father Makhdoom Muhammad Zaman alias Talibul Moula.

"Makhdoom sahib’s services for the party have been exemplary. He remained steadfast in every moment of trial and tribulation," said Bilawal. "He was a good poet, a great man and a true political leader."

He claimed that General Ziaul Haq made big offers to Talibul Moula to cajole him into defection. General (retd) Pervez Musharraf made similar attempts to make Fahim change loyalties from the PPP, Bilawal added. "But both refused to sell their loyalties."

Bilawal said his mother, Benazir Bhutto, always trusted Fahim, who led the PPP during her exile as its chairperson. The PPP chairperson spoke about his last meeting with Fahim when he was admitted in the hospital before his death and termed it unforgettable.



"I can never forget him. He will live in our hearts forever,” he praised.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the political journey of the Bhutto and Makhdoom families will continue.

In early 2015, some media reports claimed that Fahim was considering forming a forward bloc in the PPP after his meeting with General Musharraf. However, Fahim categorically denied the reports and publicly reaffirmed support for the PPP and its leadership.

Medical college

Bilawal also laid the foundation stone for construction of the Makhdoom Muhammad Zaman Talibul Moula Medical College and Teaching Hospital in Hala, Matiari. Boasting the Sindh government's performance in the health sector, he asserted that the PPP's provincial government has excelled over other provincial governments on that account.



He mentioned the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Trauma Centre, Cyber Knife Radio Surgery Centre, ambulance service in 23 districts of Sindh and opening of centres of National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in four districts as the provincial government’s achievements.

Provincial minister Makhdoom Jameeluz Zaman, who succeeded his late father Fahim as head of the Sarwari Jamaat, said the college is a gift for the local people from his late father. He announced that a seminary for religious education will also be established in Hala.