NAWABZADA Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, was honourifically known as Shaheed-e-Millat (Martyr of the Nation). A trusted companion and the “right hand” of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he played a vital role in the Pakistan Movement and the country’s formative years. Known for his honesty, resilience, humility and pragmatic political approach, he demonstrated patience, self-confidence, empathy and unwavering determination. A dynamic communicator, he encouraged people to approach him directly, breaking barriers of protocol. His logical and rational political outlook, coupled with visionary leadership, enabled him to introduce people-oriented policies aimed at improving society. He guided the nation through major challenges and devoted his life to Pakistan’s stability and progress. Liaquat Ali Khan remains one of the country’s most prominent leaders, alongside Quaid-i-Azam, Allama Iqbal and other distinguished personalities, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Liaquat Ali Khan was born in Karnal, British India, in 1895. His father, Nawab Rustam Ali Khan, was a landlord in the United Punjab, while his mother, Mahmood Begum, arranged his early education. After completing his schooling, he was admitted to MAO College and graduated from Aligarh Muslim University in 1918 with a degree in political science and an LLB. He went to England in 1920 for higher education, attending Exeter College. In 1921, he joined the University of Oxford, where he earned a Master’s degree in Law. He also qualified as a barrister through the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London. During his student years at Oxford and in London, Liaquat actively participated in student politics, served as honorary treasurer of the Muslim Society and devoted himself to the cause of British Indian Muslims.
Liaquat Ali Khan entered practical politics in 1923 and joined the All-India Muslim League, working alongside Quaid-i-Azam to build popular support for the party. He contested the United Provinces Legislative Council election from Muzaffarnagar in 1926, won the seat and worked for the welfare of British Indian Muslims. He also became deputy leader of the Muslim group in the United Provinces Legislative Council and later led the Muslim League legislators in the province. He was elected a member of Pakistan’s first Constituent Assembly. He served as honorary secretary-general of the All-India Muslim League from 1936 to 1947 and subsequently championed the cause of Pakistan under Quaid-i-Azam’s leadership.
Throughout the crucial phases of the Pakistan Movement, Liaquat Ali Khan was among the leaders who enjoyed Quaid-i-Azam’s full confidence. During the final phase of the struggle, he remained close to the Quaid and participated in negotiations with the British government. He strengthened the Muslim League in the Muslim-majority areas of British India. Through his organizational efforts, the party gained popularity at the grassroots level. Alongside Quaid-i-Azam, he visited key provinces, including Bengal, Assam, Punjab, Sindh, the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Balochistan, which were central to the demand for Pakistan.
After Pakistan’s establishment, Liaquat Ali Khan continued to work closely with Quaid-i-Azam, who had great confidence in him and appointed him the country’s first Prime Minister. He also took responsibility for the defence, finance and foreign affairs portfolios at a time when the newly established country faced a shortage of experienced officials to manage its affairs. Liaquat Ali Khan’s services to the common people and the country can be assessed through his achievements. During the Interim Government of British India in 1946, the Muslim League nominated him for the finance portfolio. He served as an efficient Finance Member and presented a historic budget in February 1947, often described as the “Poor Man’s Budget” because it was based on the principles of social justice and poverty alleviation.
His admirers believe that, following Quaid-i-Azam’s death on 11 September 1948, Liaquat Ali Khan guided the grieving nation through a critical period, offering hope and providing clear direction. In 1950, he signed the Liaquat-Nehru Pact with Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to safeguard the rights of minorities, particularly Muslims in India and Hindus in Pakistan. He also worked to manage the enormous refugee crisis following Partition and establish the country’s early administrative framework.
In March 1949, he presented the Objectives Resolution, with the support of religious leaders. The resolution laid the constitutional foundation for an Islamic and democratic Pakistan. Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated on 16 October 1951 while addressing a public meeting at Company Bagh, Rawalpindi, which was later renamed Liaquat Bagh in his honour. He was a highly significant personality and a role model for future leaders. He continues to be remembered as a humble and upright gentleman in Pakistan’s political history, and his legacy will endure for generations to come.
—The writer is a defence and security analyst based in Islamabad.