Tribune Take: Pir Pagara's son has big shoes to fill

Even with the policy to support military dictators, Pir Pagara's party struggles for political significance.


Mahawish Rezvi January 12, 2012
Tribune Take: Pir Pagara's son has big shoes to fill

In today’s episode of the Tribune Take we look at Pir Pagara Shah Mardan Shah II's death, the role he played in politics and the impact his death will have on the political landscape of Pakistan. 

Hafeez Tunio, reporter The Express Tribune, says Pir Pagara took the decision to support all military rulers and the establishment after his father's death. He says the Pir believed that his followers had been persecuted enough by the British for being in the opposition camp, leading to the party following a pragmatic approach to politics.

Chief of Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F), and spiritual leader of the ‘Hur’ jamaat passed away in London, late on Tuesday due to lung infection. Late Pir Pagara’s body was flown from London to Karachi last night, from where it was taken to the Sukkur airport. From the airport, the prime minister’s helicopter took the body to the house of Pir Pagara’s youngest wife. Funeral prayers were led by Pir of Chiniot Pir Syed Sirajuddin, on Thursday.

Tunio says even with the policy to support every military dictator from Ayub Khan to Pervez Musharraf, Pir Pagara's party struggles for political significance. Although, he notes his successor, his eldest son Sabghatullah Shah Rashdi, will find it hard to fill the gap left by his father.

Read Hafeez Tunio’s articles here.

The Tribune Take daily news web show will appear on the tribune.com.pk home page.

The Take will feature in-depth interviews and analysis with editors and reporters who are covering the major stories, exploring front page events and major ledes. The news analysis covers the way The Express Tribune examines a story, how we cover it and why.

COMMENTS (4)

Sean | 12 years ago | Reply Dear Gentlemen, No offense was intended on tradition, religion or culture. The point was that there is a murky or grey area of mixing nepotism, political and religious leadership all into one. Yes you are right there is that in the west...no doubt. Just feel all people should have the opportunity to climb to the highest levels through hard work and perseverance. In the end you both are right...each community has to decide themselves. Peace out Sean
Nara-e-Mastana | 12 years ago | Reply

Dear Sean,

That is how it works here buddy. Dont know how it works out there your side. Are you American? Here's the answer its better than to passing on the throne from senior Kennedy to a junior Kennedy. From senior Bushy to junior Bushy and Husband Clinton to wifey Clinton. How would you explain that bro. Are you British? Here's an answer to that; tell me how many Eliebeths have you people had....errr let me help they are numbered 1, 2, 3 4 and God knows how many. So bro I could go onn and onnn but pointless. Never interfer in other country's, culture, customs and tradition when you cant change you owns. No offense bro..

From,

A true Sufi

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