Transitions: Veteran politician Iqbal Haider is no more

Peers pay rich tribute for his work on democracy, human rights.

KARACHI: Former federal law minister and co-chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Syed Iqbal Haider passed away on Sunday in Karachi. His dream of a secular Pakistan, however, still remains a distant one.

The renowned lawyer, politician and human rights activist breathed his last on Sunday morning after suffering from lung failure. He was 67.

Haider was born in Agra, India, in 1945. He received his law degree from Punjab University and went to Lincoln’s Inn in England for further studies. Haider soon returned to the country to practise law.

The hippie afro hairstyle upon his return from the UK earned him the title of ‘groovy’ from close friends and relatives. Haider’s political career began when he got involved in Meraj Muhammad Khan’s leftist movement, Qaumi Mahaz-e-Azadi. During Gen Ziaul Haq’s era, Haider started the Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD) which often landed him in trouble with the establishment.

Haider became the information adviser to Sindh chief minister during Benazir Bhutto’s first tenure and a senator in her second. He has also served as the federal law minister and attorney general of Pakistan.

However, Haider is most popular for his work on human rights. He was formerly the co-chairperson of HRCP and resigned from the basic membership of the PPP in March 2005 to pursue his interest in the same.

An outspoken critic of the army’s involvement in the political affairs of the country, Haider was considered a stalwart of democracy. He dreamt of a secular Pakistan without religious extremism. In fact, his last public speech at the PMA House earlier this month was also about combating religious extremism and intolerance.

His funeral prayers will be offered today (November 12) at the Masjid-i-Yasrab Imambargah.

Rich tributes

Apart from rich tributes from friends, peers and family members, condolences poured in from other parts of the globe too.

The president and prime minister also issued statements expressing grief and sorrow over his demise.

Haider’s brother-in-law Babar Tajammul said he spent the last few hours of his life hearing newspapers which were read out to him and thrashing the government. “He was truthful and never minced his words.”

Tajammul said acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt called him multiple times to express grief over Haider’s demise. Bhatt’s message on Twitter read: “We mourn the loss of Mr Iqbal Haider our dear friend from Pakistan. His contribution to the cause of Indo/Pak peace process was enormous.”

Veteran Indian journalist Kuldeep Nayar also called Haider’s family to offer condolences.

Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira told Haider’s widow: “His death was untimely. I remember him speaking out against his own party and standing firm on his beliefs.”

Senator Saeed Ghani said Haider spoke out against terrorism despite having received repeated threats. “Haider had written in his diary that if he was ever kidnapped, he would prefer to be killed than be released by paying ransom to terrorists,” said Ghani.

PPP leader Taj Haider called him a man of principles. “I remember the day when he joined the party. In 1988, there was a book launch at 70 Clifton.” Taj said that in the 1990s, they both travelled abroad, visiting the UK and other countries to portray a softer image of Pakistan. “He used to argue forcefully, and I used to argue softly. We used to complement each other.”

His fellow activists remember him for his courage. “He was different. He was a supporter of human rights, especially women’s rights,” said HRCP Chairperson Zohra Yusuf.

MQM chief Altaf Hussain issued an elaborate statement in honour of Haider. He also called Haider’s family members and expressed sympathy.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th, 2012.