Nawab of Junagadh laid to rest with state honour

The Nawab of Junagadh, Muhammad Jahangir Khanji, was laid to rest at Moach Goth Graveyard on Friday with state honour.

A smartly turned-out contingent of Sindh police presented a guard of honour to the late nawab, whose father, Nawab Muhammad Mahabat Khan III, had announced the accession of his princely state of Junagadh to Pakistan in 1947, but India annexed it by force.

Prominent scholar Haji Hanif Tayyab led the namaz-e-janaza amid appropriate security arrangements at Fatima Jinnah House Road. The dastar bandi or the crowning of his successor was held prior to the funeral. Ali Murtaza Khanji, son of Jahangir Khanji, was handed over the turban of the princely state in exile.

Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, Director General Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) Major General Azhar Waqas, PPPP leaders Saeed Ghani, former chief minister Qaim Ali Shah, MQM-Pakistan leader Dr Farooq Sattar and other notables attended the namaz-e-janaza.

After the Friday prayer, personalities from all walks of life, including social, political, religious, business community, and others, reached the Junagadh House to bid farewell to the deceased and welcome the new nawab of the princely state in exile.

History

Junagadh, a princely state in Indian Gujrat on the shores of the Arabian Sea, had opted to join Pakistan in 1947, however, like Kashmir, India illegally occupied it. Pakistan continues to claim its right over Junagadh, Manwadar, and Sir Creek.

In 1947, Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto joined the Council of Ministers of Nawab Muhammad Mahabat Khan III, and in May of that year, became his dewan or prime minister.

Upon the advice of Dewan Bhutto, on August 15, 1947, the Nawab announced that Junagadh had acceded to Pakistan. On September 16, the government of Pakistan accepted the accession.

India sent its military into Junagadh while the Nawab of Junagarh was in Pakistan and captured the state, overthrowing the Nawab and the rights of princely states.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22^nd, 2023.