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{{short description|Pakistani politician}}
{{More citations needed|date=September 2015}}
{{Use Pakistani English|date=January 2014}}
{{Use Pakistani English|date=January 2014}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox person
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:azam2.jpg|right|thumb|200px|(2nd from right) Azam at a construction site in 1966]] -->
| name = Sardar Amir Azam
[[File:Grave in Garhi Afghana.jpg|thumb|Grave in Garhi Afghana]]
| image =
'''Sardar Amir Azam''' (October 1912 - 1976) was a [[Pakistan]]i [[politician]] and [[entrepreneur]]. Azam was a cabinet minister during the 1950s and was the pioneer of low cost housing in Pakistan. He initially emerged in 1951 as an M.C.A. (Member of [[Constitutional Assembly of Pakistan]]) in the very first Pakistani Government headed by Mr. [[Liaquat Ali Khan]], and later re-emerged as a minister in succeeding administrations.
| caption =
| birth_name = Amir Azam
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1912|10|14|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Gujrat city|Gujrat]], [[Punjab Province (British India)|Punjab]], [[British India]]
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1976|2|19|1912|||df=y}}
| death_place = {{nowrap|[[Karachi, Sindh]], Pakistan}}
| resting_place = The Graveyard of Ghari Sharif, at '''[[Ghari Afghanan]]''' a [[village]] (union council Ghari Afghanan) of [[Taxila city|Taxilla]] [[tehsil]] in [[Rawalpindi District]].
| occupation = politician Federal Minister and Housing & Construction business
| years_active = 1951–1957, 1963–1974
| spouse = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|Akbari Begum|1936|1976}}
* {{marriage|Salma Begum|1947}}
* {{marriage|Farida khan|1956|1974}}
}}
| children = 16<!-- {{Rodaba, Mehmood, Mehboob, Khalid, Jahangir, Maqbool, Safia, Durdaney Khan, Tariq, Farooq, Farid, Muneer, Murad, Mansoor, Waqar, Atique}}. -->
| awards = Sardar Amir Azam Khan Gold medal
}}

[[File:Sardar_Amir_Azam_Khan.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Grave in Garhi Afghana.jpg|thumb|Grave in Garhi Afghanan]]
'''Sardar Amir Azam''' (October 1912 - 1976) was a Pakistani [[politician]] and [[entrepreneur]]. Azam was a cabinet minister during the 1950s and was the pioneer of low cost housing in Pakistan. He initially emerged in 1951 as an MCA (Member of [[Constituent Assembly of Pakistan|Constituent Assembly]]) in the very first Pakistani government headed by [[Liaquat Ali Khan]], and later re-emerged as the Minister of State and the Central Minister, several times in the succeeding Pakistani governments. He held multiple portfolios simultaneously. He is buried at Garhi Afghanan,near [[Taxila (modern)|Taxila]], his ancestral graveyard.


==Biography==
==Biography==
===Sardar Amir Azam===
Sardar Amir Azam was a Pakistani politician and entrepreneur. Sardar Amir Azam was a famous cabinet minister during the 1950s and was a pioneer of low-cost housing in Pakistan; (born October 1912, died 1976)He was buried at Garhi Afghanan,near Taxila,his ancestral graveyard.


===Early life and background===
===Early life and background===
Sardar Amir Azam was born in [[Gujrat city|Gujrat]] in [[Punjab (British India)|Punjab]] Province during [[British Raj|British rule]] in 1912 and was the eldest son of Sardar Muhammad Akram, a Superintendent of Police] who had been born in the [[North-Western Provinces]] (now [[Uttar Pradesh]] Province, India) and a former student of M.A.O. College, now known as [[Aligarh Muslim University]]. His ancestors were [yousafzai (akozai)] people belonging to the tribal Afghan border state of [[Bajour]], presently located in the [[Federally Administered Tribal Areas]] of Pakistan (FATA). They spread from [[North-West Frontier Province (1901–1955)|North-West Frontier Province]] to [[Uttar Pradesh]] and Punjab more than 100 years ago before the creation of Pakistan. His grandfather, Sardar Muhammad Afzal khan, was a [[Tehsildar]] of [[Haripur, Pakistan|Haripur]]. His great grandfather, Sardar Amir Muhammad khan was Tehsildar of [[Attock]] for [[Campbellpur]]. His maternal grandfather Khan Bahadur Muhammad Zaman was an Engineer and Landlord from [[Gujrat city|Gujrat]] in [[Punjab (British India)|Punjab]].
Sardar Amir Azam was born in [[Gujrat city|Gujrat]] in [[Punjab (British India)|Punjab]] Province during [[British Raj|British rule]] in 1912 and was the eldest son of Sardar Muhammad Akram, a Superintendent of Police] who had been born in the [[North-Western Provinces]] (now [[Uttar Pradesh]] Province, India) and a former student of [[Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College]], now known as [[Aligarh Muslim University]]. His ancestors were [yousafzai (akozai)] people belonging to the tribal Afghan border state of [[Bajour]], presently located in the [[Federally Administered Tribal Areas]] of Pakistan (FATA). They spread from [[North-West Frontier Province (1901–1955)|North-West Frontier Province]] to [[Uttar Pradesh]] and Punjab more than 100 years ago before the creation of Pakistan. His grandfather, Sardar Muhammad Afzal khan, was a [[Tehsildar]] of [[Haripur, Pakistan|Haripur]]. His great grandfather, Sardar Amir Muhammad khan was Tehsildar of [[Attock]] for [[Campbellpur]]. His maternal grandfather Khan Bahadur Muhammad Zaman was an Engineer and Landlord from [[Gujrat city|Gujrat]] in [[Punjab (British India)|Punjab]].


===Education===
===Education===


Sardar Amir Azam received his early education from [[Campbellpur High School]] in [[Attock District]] (previously known as Campbellpur).He did his Matric from Kahota High School along with his cousin Sardar Mohammed Umar khan,their names are engraved at the entrance of their residence,just next to the main gate of the school. After secondary school, he attended Government Intermediate College in [[Punjab (British India)|Punjab]]. He lived in Punjab until 1930. He then moved to [[Muzaffarnagar]] where his father Sardar Muhammad Akram worked for Nawabzada [[Liaquat Ali Khan]] as his manager. Mr. [[Khan (name)|Khan]] entrusted his father to manage his properties and farms in Uttar Pradesh.
Sardar Amir Azam received his early education from [[Campbellpur High School]] in [[Attock District]] (previously known as Campbellpur). He did his Matric from Kahota High School along with his cousin Sardar Mohammed Umar khan, their names are engraved at the entrance of their residence, just next to the main gate of the school. After secondary school, he attended Government Intermediate College in [[Punjab (British India)|Punjab]]. He lived in Punjab until 1930. He then moved to [[Muzaffarnagar]] where his father Sardar Muhammad Akram worked for Nawabzada [[Liaquat Ali Khan]] as his manager. Mr. [[Khan (name)|Khan]] entrusted his father to manage his properties and farms in Uttar Pradesh.


Amir Azam attended the [[Meerut College]] and graduated with a Law Degree. He studied further to complete his [[Master's degree|Masters]] in [[Political Science]] from [[Allahabad University]]. He also remained a student of Sir Dr. [[Allama Muhammad Iqbal]] for a time.
Amir Azam attended the [[Meerut College]] and graduated with a Law Degree. He studied further to complete his [[Master's degree|Masters]] in [[Political Science]] from [[Allahabad University]]. He also remained a student of Sir Dr. [[Allama Muhammad Iqbal]] for a time.


During his studies, Sardar Amir Azam became associated with Liaquat Ali Khan and his political abilities were discovered. He took part in Political activities during his College years. He became known as a good speaker in college debates.
During his studies, Sardar Amir Azam became associated with Liaquat Ali Khan and his political abilities were discovered. He took part in Political activities during his college years. He became known as a good speaker in college debates.

===Personal Life===
Sardar Amir Azam married his cousin Akbari Begum, daughter of Sardar Muhammad Azam khan, Tehsildar, in 1934, in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. From his first marriage he had three daughters and six sons. In 1946, he met his second wife, a Hindu lady employed at the Kingsway Hospital at [[North Delhi]]. She later converted to Islam and become his 2nd wife known as Salma Begum. And a son was born out of this wedlock. Soon after the [[Partition of India]]. Amir Azam and his family moved to Punjab, Pakistan, and resided in [[Rawalpindi]]. Later when he was appointed Minister of State in 1950’s he moved to Karachi, Sindh leaving his family in Rawalpindi. In 1956, when Amir Azam was serving as Minister of State for Refugees & Rehabilitation in Karachi Pakistan, he married his 3rd wife, Farida Khan daughter of Abid Hussain khan, an overseer from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. From his last marriage he had six sons.


===Political career===
===Political career===
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In 1936, Sardar Amir Azam started his political career when he joined the [[All-India Muslim League|Muslim League]] as the Secretary for Muzaffarnagar. And soon he was elected a member of the [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh|U.P.]] Muslim League Council. He remained the Secretary of District Muslim League for some time and thus gained experience in administrative organizing functions. He supported Mr. [[Liaquat Ali Khan]] and the Muslim League in the 1945-46 Central Legislature Elections from the Meerut Constituency of [[Uttar Pradesh]]. During the [[Pakistan Movement]] he had the opportunity to work with prominent leaders of the Muslim League.
In 1936, Sardar Amir Azam started his political career when he joined the [[All-India Muslim League|Muslim League]] as the Secretary for Muzaffarnagar. And soon he was elected a member of the [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh|U.P.]] Muslim League Council. He remained the Secretary of District Muslim League for some time and thus gained experience in administrative organizing functions. He supported Mr. [[Liaquat Ali Khan]] and the Muslim League in the 1945-46 Central Legislature Elections from the Meerut Constituency of [[Uttar Pradesh]]. During the [[Pakistan Movement]] he had the opportunity to work with prominent leaders of the Muslim League.


Soon after the [[Partition of India]] in 1947, Amir Azam and his family moved to Punjab, Pakistan and resided in [[Rawalpindi]]. He moved to the prominence within the city due to his work in trying to solve issues related to services and rehabilitation of Refugees from India. He worked devotedly for their relief and rehabilitation in his district and soon attained became the president of the city Municipal Committee and also the President of Rawalpindi City Muslim League.
Soon the [[Partition of India|independence]] of [[Pakistan]] in 1947, Amir Azam and his family moved to Punjab, Pakistan and resided in [[Rawalpindi]]. He moved to the prominence within the city due to his work in trying to solve issues related to services and rehabilitation of Refugees from India. He worked devotedly for their relief and rehabilitation in his district and soon attained became the president of the city Municipal Committee and also the President of Rawalpindi City Muslim League.


After [[Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah]] formed the very first Pakistani government headed by Liaquat Ali Khan, Sardar Amir Azam supported the Muslim League from Punjab in 1951 and was nominated MCA by Liaquat Ali Khan to serve in the first Central Government. He further held offices in the Planning Commission, and as Chairman of the Pakistan Standard, a newspaper that was a part of Muslim League.
After [[Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah]] formed the very first Pakistani government headed by Liaquat Ali Khan, Sardar Amir Azam supported the Muslim League from Punjab in 1951 and was nominated MCA by Liaquat Ali Khan to serve in the first Central Government. He further held offices in the Planning Commission, and as Chairman of the Pakistan Standard, a newspaper that was a part of Muslim League.


After the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan in 1951, Sardar Amir Azam was made the first Defence Minister of Pakistan during the tenure of [[Khawaja Nazimuddin]] in the second Central Government{{Citation needed|date=August 2013}} in 1952. He also participated in the Ottawa Commonwealth Conference, and thus made an extensive tour of [[Canada]], the [[United States]] and some European countries on essential government assignments. He was renominated the Minister of State for Defence from 7 December 1953 to 24 October 1954, serving in that position for the 3rd Central Government <ref>[http://pakistan.gov.pk/cabinet-test/infoservices/mab1.pdf - MINISTERS OF STATE, Retrieved 26 May 2007]</ref><ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/goodfaith747/defence&date=2009-10-25+23:24:50 Defence Minister of Pakistan from 1952 till 1954: Sardar Amir Azam]</ref> headed by the Prime Minister, [[Muhammad Ali Bogra]]. Simultaneously, he also served as the very first Chairperson of Pakistan International Airways now known as [[Pakistan International Airlines]] <ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/goodfaith747/pia&date=2009-10-25+23:24:53 First Chairperson of PIA (Pakistan International Airways) 1954: Sardar Amir Azam.]</ref>
Sardar Amir Azam was an eyewitness to the Assassination of Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan on 16 October 1951, by the Professional Assassin, [[Saad Akbar Babrak]] at [[Liaquat National Bagh]], Rawalpindi, Pakistan . Amir Azams statement is recorded in the report of the Inquiry Commission. After the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan, Sardar Amir Azam was made the first Defence Minister of Pakistan during the tenure of [[Khawaja Nazimuddin]] in the second Central Government{{Citation needed|date=August 2013}} in 1952. He also participated in the Ottawa Commonwealth Conference, and thus made an extensive tour of [[Canada]], the [[United States]] and some European countries on essential government assignments. He was renominated the Minister of State for Defence from 7 December 1953 to 24 October 1954, serving in that position for the 3rd Central Government <ref>[http://pakistan.gov.pk/cabinet-test/infoservices/mab1.pdf - MINISTERS OF STATE, Retrieved 26 May 2007]{{Dead link|date=October 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>[http://www.geocities.com/goodfaith747/defence Defence Minister of Pakistan from 1952 till 1954: Sardar Amir Azam]{{dead link|date=May 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> headed by the Prime Minister, [[Muhammad Ali Bogra]]. Simultaneously, he also served as the very first Chairperson of Pakistan International Airways now known as [[Pakistan International Airlines]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/goodfaith747/pia |title=First Chairperson of PIA (Pakistan International Airways) 1954: Sardar Amir Azam. |access-date=25 October 2009 |archive-date=18 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618134826/http://www.geocities.com/goodfaith747/pia |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During this period he also worked as the secretary of Election Committee of the [[Sindh]] Muslim League. Amir Azam continued his support for the Muslim League as an organizer in consecutive elections held in Sindh and [[East Bengal]] during 1954. During this time, the constitution making process was in progress. The Constitutional Assembly was close to assent the draft of the Constitution when the Governor General and the leader of One Unit supporters Ghulam Mohammad Khan dissolved the Assembly on 24th October 1954. The hidden cause of this quick action was that the proposed draft was not supportive to the One Unit Scheme. After dissolution of the first Constitutional Assembly, second Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was elected. Its first meeting was held in July 1955. The first task of the new Assembly was to pass the One Unit bill. The bill was moved by Sardar Amir Azam Khan. The discussion on bill started on 23rd August 1955. The mover of the bill Amir Azam said “the Governor General was empowered to rename the East Bengal to East Pakistan and the existing administrative units of West Pakistan into a single province of West Pakistan.


During this period he also worked as the secretary of Election Committee of the [[Sindh]] Muslim League. Amir Azam continued his support for the Muslim League as an organizer in consecutive elections held in Sindh and [[East Bengal]] during 1954. During this time, the constitution making process was in progress. The Constitutional Assembly was close to assent the draft of the Constitution when the Governor General and the leader of One Unit supporters Ghulam Mohammad Khan dissolved the Assembly on 24 October 1954. The hidden cause of this quick action was that the proposed draft was not supportive to the One Unit Scheme. After dissolution of the first Constitutional Assembly, second Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was elected. Its first meeting was held in July 1955. The first task of the new Assembly was to pass the One Unit bill. The bill was moved by Sardar Amir Azam Khan. The discussion on bill started on 23 August 1955. The mover of the bill Amir Azam said "the Governor General was empowered to rename the East Bengal to East Pakistan and the existing administrative units of West Pakistan into a single province of West Pakistan.


From, 24 October 1954 to 11 August 1955, Sardar Amir Azam served as Central Minister for Rehabilitation in Muhammad Ali Bogra's cabinet in the 3rd Central Government.
From, 24 October 1954 to 11 August 1955, Sardar Amir Azam served as Central Minister for Rehabilitation in Muhammad Ali Bogra's cabinet in the 3rd Central Government.
<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/goodfaith747/rehabilitation&date=2009-10-25+23:24:57 Dawn Newspaper - Rehabilitation Minister 1955: Sardar Amir Azam]</ref>
<ref>[http://www.geocities.com/goodfaith747/rehabilitation Dawn Newspaper - Rehabilitation Minister 1955: Sardar Amir Azam]{{dead link|date=May 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


<!--Ended editing here. below has not been edited for tone yet. May 26, 2007-->
<!--Ended editing here. below has not been edited for tone yet. May 26, 2007-->
In October 1955, The [[Republican Party (Pakistan)]] was formed by a break away faction of the Muslim League and other politicians supporting the creation of the [[West Pakistan]] province. Sardar Amir Azam was appointed the leader of the Republican Party (Pakistan) from [[Gujrat District]], in Punjab. From 11th -Aug-1955 to 12th -Sept-1956, Sardar Amir Azam was nominated the Minister of State for Refugees & Rehabilitation and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affair simultaneously in the 4th Central Government headed by Prime Minister Muhammad Ali (Chaudhry).<ref>[http://pakistan.gov.pk/cabinet-test/infoservices/mach.pdf Pakistan government -CENTRAL GOVERNMENT (4) PRIME MINISTER Mohammad Ali (Ch) 11 August 1955 to 12 September 1956)] Retrieved: 14 May 2007</ref> During this stage he conducted his 3rd marriage. Due to his loyalty to democratic Principles and values, he is also known as one of the drafters of the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan.
In October 1955, The [[Republican Party (Pakistan)]] was formed by a break away faction of the Muslim League and other politicians supporting the creation of the [[West Pakistan]] province. Sardar Amir Azam was appointed the leader of the Republican Party (Pakistan) from [[Gujrat District]], in Punjab. From 11th -Aug-1955 to 12th -Sept-1956, Sardar Amir Azam was nominated the Minister of State for Refugees & Rehabilitation and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affair simultaneously in the 4th Central Government headed by Prime Minister Muhammad Ali (Chaudhry).<ref>[http://pakistan.gov.pk/cabinet-test/infoservices/mach.pdf Pakistan government -CENTRAL GOVERNMENT (4) PRIME MINISTER Mohammad Ali (Ch) 11 August 1955 to 12 September 1956)]{{Dead link|date=October 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Retrieved: 14 May 2007</ref> Due to his loyalty to democratic Principles and values, he is also known as one of the drafters of the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/goodfaith747/constitution |title=Constitution of Pakistan 1956 |access-date=30 October 2017 }}{{dead link|date=May 2024}}</ref> which was the main reason for his differences with the oppressors of his own era. From 12 September 1956 till 5 September 1957, Amir Azam was Appointed Minister for Information & Broadcasting in the 5th Central Government in Pakistan. He also served as the Law Minister and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs simultaneously from 13 December 1956 to 5 September 1957 during the tenure of Prime Minister [[Hussein Shaheed Suhrawardy]].<ref>[http://www.pakistan.gov.pk/cabinet-test/infoservices/hss.pdf CENTRAL GOVERNMENT (5) PRIME MINISTER Mr. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy (12 September 1956 to 18 October 1957)]{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> From 29 March 1958 to 7 October 1958 Azam was nominated the Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs at the same time in the 7th Central Government headed by the Prime Minister [[Malik Feroz Khan Noon]].<ref>[http://www.pakistan.gov.pk/cabinet-test/infoservices/mfkn.pdf CENTRAL GOVERNMENT (5) PRIME MINISTER Mr. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy (12 September 1956 to 18 October 1957)]{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He departed from politics before the proclamation of the 1958 Martial Law in Pakistan, when the country was heading Toward political instability. He declined offers to join the succeeding future Government.
<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/goodfaith747/constitution&date=2009-10-25+23:24:45 Constitution of Pakistan 1956]</ref> which was the main reason for his differences with the oppressors of his own era. From 12 September 1956 till 5 September 1957, Amir Azam was Appointed Minister for Information & Broadcasting in the 5th Central Government in Pakistan. He also served as the Law Minister and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs simultaneously from 13 December 1956 to 5 September 1957 during the tenure of Prime Minister [[Hussein Shaheed Suhrawardy]].<ref>[http://www.pakistan.gov.pk/cabinet-test/infoservices/hss.pdf CENTRAL GOVERNMENT (5) PRIME MINISTER Mr. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy (12 September 1956 to 18 October 1957)]</ref> From 29 March 1958 to 7 October 1958 Azam was nominated the Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs at the same time in the 7th Central Government headed by the Prime Minister [[Malik Feroz Khan Noon]].<ref>[http://www.pakistan.gov.pk/cabinet-test/infoservices/mfkn.pdf CENTRAL GOVERNMENT (5) PRIME MINISTER Mr. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy (12 September 1956 to 18 October 1957) ]</ref> He departed from politics before the proclamation of the 1958 Martial Law in Pakistan, when the country was heading Toward political instability. He declined offers to join the succeeding future Government.
To honor his services to his country, the University of Karachi presents the "Sardar Amir Azam Khan Gold Medal" each year to the outstanding B.A. students (Hons) in Political Science.
To honor his services to his country, the University of Karachi presents the "Sardar Amir Azam Khan Gold Medal" each year to the outstanding B.A. students (Hons) in Political Science.


=== Housing & Construction era ===
=== Housing and construction era ===
Amir Azam planned and assisted in the formation of the House Building Finance Corporation of Pakistan with the Finance Minister [[Muhammad Shoaib (politician)|Muhammad Shoaib]] in 1962 to support the Low-Cost Housing Projects in the country. Since he had been the Rehabilitation & Refugee Minister of Pakistan therefore he was well aware of the refugee Problems in the country. His aim was to provide low priced housing for low-income groups.
Sardar Amir Azam sb. planned and assisted in the formation of the House Building Finance Corporation of Pakistan with the Finance Minister [[Muhammad Shoaib (politician)|Muhammad Shoaib]] in 1962 to support the Low-Cost Housing Projects in the country. Since he had been the Rehabilitation & Refugee Minister of Pakistan therefore he was well aware of the refugee Problems in the country. His aim was to provide low priced housing for low-income groups. He then formed the Al Azam Limited, Construction Company and was the first to introduce Low-Cost Housing in Pakistan in the private sector. Later the Al Azam project proved a milestone for others in Pakistan. He remained engaged in housing and construction work until his death, and left a glorious past for the young generation to follow and act upon it.


===Personal life===
He then formed the [[Al Azam]] Limited, Construction Company and was the first to introduce Low-Cost Housing in Pakistan in the private sector. Later the Al Azam project proved a milestone for others in Pakistan. He remained engaged in housing and construction work until his death, and left a glorious past for the young generation to follow and act upon it.
Sardar Amir Azam sb. married his First cousin, Akbari Begum, daughter of Sardar Muhammad Azam khan, Tehsildar Rawalpindi, in 1934, in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. From his first marriage he had three daughters and six sons. In 1946, he met his second wife, a Hindu lady employed at the Kingsway Hospital at Kingsway Camp, [[North Delhi]], when he was admitted for treatment of Tuberculosis. But as the hospital came under attack by the Hindu extremist, Amir Azam along with his faithful servant, Noor Muhammad alias Nooru went into hiding. And he and his servant remained disguised as Hindus for nearly six months to save his life, so the extremist element could not find him. The Hindu lady employed at the Kingsway Hospital helped him to escape alive from Delhi. But she later converted to Islam to become his second wife known as Salma begum. And a son was born out of this wedlock. Soon after the [[Partition of India|independence]] of [[Pakistan]] in 1947, Amir Azam and his family moved to Punjab, Pakistan, and resided in [[Rawalpindi]]. Later when he was appointed Minister of State in 1950's he moved to Karachi, Sindh leaving his family in Rawalpindi. In 1956, when Amir Azam was serving as Minister of State for Refugees & Rehabilitation in Karachi Pakistan, he married his 3rd wife, Farida Khan daughter of Abid Hussain khan, an overseer from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. From his last marriage he had six sons. He spent the rest of his life in Karachi.


=== Death ===
=== Death ===
He died on 19 February 1976, due to prolonged illness caused by Cardiovascular Diseases. He remained under treatment at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Karachi. Sardar Amir Azam khan is buried in Graveyard of Ziarat Sharif Garhi Afghanan(Taxila)along with his ancestors. According to Khubaib Alam, Residents are unaware of the fact that such a significant person is resting in peace here. After a campaign on social media and forums conducted by Khubaib ,people are now realizing his efforts and services.
Sardar Amir Azam Khan died on 19 February 1976, due to prolonged illness caused by Cardiovascular Diseases. During his last days he was treated by Doctor Syed Hamid Shafqat Cardiologist at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi. Sardar Amir Azam khan is buried along with his ancestors in Graveyard of Ghari Sharif, at '''[[Ghari Afghanan]]''' a [[village]] (union council Ghari Afghanan) of [[Taxila city|Taxilla]] [[tehsil]] in [[Rawalpindi District]]. According to Khubaib Alam, Residents are unaware of the fact that such a significant person is resting in peace here. After a campaign on social media and forums conducted by Khubaib, people are now realizing his efforts and services.


===Facts ===
===Facts ===
Line 57: Line 74:
# The man who named the "Pakistan International Airways" (now ''Airline'').
# The man who named the "Pakistan International Airways" (now ''Airline'').
# He is also known as one of the drafters of the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan.
# He is also known as one of the drafters of the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan.
# The Founder & first Chairman of [[Al Azam]] in Pakistan, that is the Pioneer of low cost housing projects in Karachi,
# The Founder & first Chairman of Al Azam in Pakistan, that is the Pioneer of low cost housing projects in Karachi,



==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME = Khan, Amir Azam
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Pakistani politician
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1912
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH = 1976
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Khan, Amir Azam}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Khan, Amir Azam}}
[[Category:Pakistani politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Pakistani politicians]]
[[Category:People from Gujrat District]]
[[Category:People from Gujrat District]]
[[Category:1912 births]]
[[Category:1912 births]]
[[Category:1976 deaths]]
[[Category:1976 deaths]]
[[Category:Muhajir people]]
[[Category:People from Muzaffarnagar]]
[[Category:People from Muzaffarnagar]]
[[Category:Allahabad University alumni]]
[[Category:University of Allahabad alumni]]
[[Category:Pakistani businesspeople]]
[[Category:20th-century Pakistani businesspeople]]
[[Category:Pashtun politicians]]
[[Category:Muhajir people]]
[[Category:Pashtun businesspeople]]

Latest revision as of 18:02, 19 May 2024

Sardar Amir Azam
Born
Amir Azam

(1912-10-14)14 October 1912
Died19 February 1976(1976-02-19) (aged 63–64)
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Resting placeThe Graveyard of Ghari Sharif, at Ghari Afghanan a village (union council Ghari Afghanan) of Taxilla tehsil in Rawalpindi District.
Occupation(s)politician Federal Minister and Housing & Construction business
Years active1951–1957, 1963–1974
Spouses
Akbari Begum
(m. 1936⁠–⁠1976)
Salma Begum
(m. 1947)
Farida khan
(m. 1956⁠–⁠1974)
Children16
AwardsSardar Amir Azam Khan Gold medal
Grave in Garhi Afghanan

Sardar Amir Azam (October 1912 - 1976) was a Pakistani politician and entrepreneur. Azam was a cabinet minister during the 1950s and was the pioneer of low cost housing in Pakistan. He initially emerged in 1951 as an MCA (Member of Constituent Assembly) in the very first Pakistani government headed by Liaquat Ali Khan, and later re-emerged as the Minister of State and the Central Minister, several times in the succeeding Pakistani governments. He held multiple portfolios simultaneously. He is buried at Garhi Afghanan,near Taxila, his ancestral graveyard.

Biography

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Early life and background

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Sardar Amir Azam was born in Gujrat in Punjab Province during British rule in 1912 and was the eldest son of Sardar Muhammad Akram, a Superintendent of Police] who had been born in the North-Western Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh Province, India) and a former student of Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College, now known as Aligarh Muslim University. His ancestors were [yousafzai (akozai)] people belonging to the tribal Afghan border state of Bajour, presently located in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan (FATA). They spread from North-West Frontier Province to Uttar Pradesh and Punjab more than 100 years ago before the creation of Pakistan. His grandfather, Sardar Muhammad Afzal khan, was a Tehsildar of Haripur. His great grandfather, Sardar Amir Muhammad khan was Tehsildar of Attock for Campbellpur. His maternal grandfather Khan Bahadur Muhammad Zaman was an Engineer and Landlord from Gujrat in Punjab.

Education

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Sardar Amir Azam received his early education from Campbellpur High School in Attock District (previously known as Campbellpur). He did his Matric from Kahota High School along with his cousin Sardar Mohammed Umar khan, their names are engraved at the entrance of their residence, just next to the main gate of the school. After secondary school, he attended Government Intermediate College in Punjab. He lived in Punjab until 1930. He then moved to Muzaffarnagar where his father Sardar Muhammad Akram worked for Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan as his manager. Mr. Khan entrusted his father to manage his properties and farms in Uttar Pradesh.

Amir Azam attended the Meerut College and graduated with a Law Degree. He studied further to complete his Masters in Political Science from Allahabad University. He also remained a student of Sir Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal for a time.

During his studies, Sardar Amir Azam became associated with Liaquat Ali Khan and his political abilities were discovered. He took part in Political activities during his college years. He became known as a good speaker in college debates.

Political career

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In 1936, Sardar Amir Azam started his political career when he joined the Muslim League as the Secretary for Muzaffarnagar. And soon he was elected a member of the U.P. Muslim League Council. He remained the Secretary of District Muslim League for some time and thus gained experience in administrative organizing functions. He supported Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan and the Muslim League in the 1945-46 Central Legislature Elections from the Meerut Constituency of Uttar Pradesh. During the Pakistan Movement he had the opportunity to work with prominent leaders of the Muslim League.

Soon the independence of Pakistan in 1947, Amir Azam and his family moved to Punjab, Pakistan and resided in Rawalpindi. He moved to the prominence within the city due to his work in trying to solve issues related to services and rehabilitation of Refugees from India. He worked devotedly for their relief and rehabilitation in his district and soon attained became the president of the city Municipal Committee and also the President of Rawalpindi City Muslim League.

After Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah formed the very first Pakistani government headed by Liaquat Ali Khan, Sardar Amir Azam supported the Muslim League from Punjab in 1951 and was nominated MCA by Liaquat Ali Khan to serve in the first Central Government. He further held offices in the Planning Commission, and as Chairman of the Pakistan Standard, a newspaper that was a part of Muslim League.

Sardar Amir Azam was an eyewitness to the Assassination of Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan on 16 October 1951, by the Professional Assassin, Saad Akbar Babrak at Liaquat National Bagh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan . Amir Azams statement is recorded in the report of the Inquiry Commission. After the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan, Sardar Amir Azam was made the first Defence Minister of Pakistan during the tenure of Khawaja Nazimuddin in the second Central Government[citation needed] in 1952. He also participated in the Ottawa Commonwealth Conference, and thus made an extensive tour of Canada, the United States and some European countries on essential government assignments. He was renominated the Minister of State for Defence from 7 December 1953 to 24 October 1954, serving in that position for the 3rd Central Government [1][2] headed by the Prime Minister, Muhammad Ali Bogra. Simultaneously, he also served as the very first Chairperson of Pakistan International Airways now known as Pakistan International Airlines[3]

During this period he also worked as the secretary of Election Committee of the Sindh Muslim League. Amir Azam continued his support for the Muslim League as an organizer in consecutive elections held in Sindh and East Bengal during 1954. During this time, the constitution making process was in progress. The Constitutional Assembly was close to assent the draft of the Constitution when the Governor General and the leader of One Unit supporters Ghulam Mohammad Khan dissolved the Assembly on 24 October 1954. The hidden cause of this quick action was that the proposed draft was not supportive to the One Unit Scheme. After dissolution of the first Constitutional Assembly, second Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was elected. Its first meeting was held in July 1955. The first task of the new Assembly was to pass the One Unit bill. The bill was moved by Sardar Amir Azam Khan. The discussion on bill started on 23 August 1955. The mover of the bill Amir Azam said "the Governor General was empowered to rename the East Bengal to East Pakistan and the existing administrative units of West Pakistan into a single province of West Pakistan.

From, 24 October 1954 to 11 August 1955, Sardar Amir Azam served as Central Minister for Rehabilitation in Muhammad Ali Bogra's cabinet in the 3rd Central Government. [4]

In October 1955, The Republican Party (Pakistan) was formed by a break away faction of the Muslim League and other politicians supporting the creation of the West Pakistan province. Sardar Amir Azam was appointed the leader of the Republican Party (Pakistan) from Gujrat District, in Punjab. From 11th -Aug-1955 to 12th -Sept-1956, Sardar Amir Azam was nominated the Minister of State for Refugees & Rehabilitation and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affair simultaneously in the 4th Central Government headed by Prime Minister Muhammad Ali (Chaudhry).[5] Due to his loyalty to democratic Principles and values, he is also known as one of the drafters of the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan.[6] which was the main reason for his differences with the oppressors of his own era. From 12 September 1956 till 5 September 1957, Amir Azam was Appointed Minister for Information & Broadcasting in the 5th Central Government in Pakistan. He also served as the Law Minister and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs simultaneously from 13 December 1956 to 5 September 1957 during the tenure of Prime Minister Hussein Shaheed Suhrawardy.[7] From 29 March 1958 to 7 October 1958 Azam was nominated the Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs at the same time in the 7th Central Government headed by the Prime Minister Malik Feroz Khan Noon.[8] He departed from politics before the proclamation of the 1958 Martial Law in Pakistan, when the country was heading Toward political instability. He declined offers to join the succeeding future Government. To honor his services to his country, the University of Karachi presents the "Sardar Amir Azam Khan Gold Medal" each year to the outstanding B.A. students (Hons) in Political Science.

Housing and construction era

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Sardar Amir Azam sb. planned and assisted in the formation of the House Building Finance Corporation of Pakistan with the Finance Minister Muhammad Shoaib in 1962 to support the Low-Cost Housing Projects in the country. Since he had been the Rehabilitation & Refugee Minister of Pakistan therefore he was well aware of the refugee Problems in the country. His aim was to provide low priced housing for low-income groups. He then formed the Al Azam Limited, Construction Company and was the first to introduce Low-Cost Housing in Pakistan in the private sector. Later the Al Azam project proved a milestone for others in Pakistan. He remained engaged in housing and construction work until his death, and left a glorious past for the young generation to follow and act upon it.

Personal life

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Sardar Amir Azam sb. married his First cousin, Akbari Begum, daughter of Sardar Muhammad Azam khan, Tehsildar Rawalpindi, in 1934, in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. From his first marriage he had three daughters and six sons. In 1946, he met his second wife, a Hindu lady employed at the Kingsway Hospital at Kingsway Camp, North Delhi, when he was admitted for treatment of Tuberculosis. But as the hospital came under attack by the Hindu extremist, Amir Azam along with his faithful servant, Noor Muhammad alias Nooru went into hiding. And he and his servant remained disguised as Hindus for nearly six months to save his life, so the extremist element could not find him. The Hindu lady employed at the Kingsway Hospital helped him to escape alive from Delhi. But she later converted to Islam to become his second wife known as Salma begum. And a son was born out of this wedlock. Soon after the independence of Pakistan in 1947, Amir Azam and his family moved to Punjab, Pakistan, and resided in Rawalpindi. Later when he was appointed Minister of State in 1950's he moved to Karachi, Sindh leaving his family in Rawalpindi. In 1956, when Amir Azam was serving as Minister of State for Refugees & Rehabilitation in Karachi Pakistan, he married his 3rd wife, Farida Khan daughter of Abid Hussain khan, an overseer from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. From his last marriage he had six sons. He spent the rest of his life in Karachi.

Death

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Sardar Amir Azam Khan died on 19 February 1976, due to prolonged illness caused by Cardiovascular Diseases. During his last days he was treated by Doctor Syed Hamid Shafqat Cardiologist at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi. Sardar Amir Azam khan is buried along with his ancestors in Graveyard of Ghari Sharif, at Ghari Afghanan a village (union council Ghari Afghanan) of Taxilla tehsil in Rawalpindi District. According to Khubaib Alam, Residents are unaware of the fact that such a significant person is resting in peace here. After a campaign on social media and forums conducted by Khubaib, people are now realizing his efforts and services.

Facts

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  1. The only man to hold maximum number of ministries in Pakistan.
  2. First Defence Minister of Pakistan.
  3. The man who named the "Pakistan International Airways" (now Airline).
  4. He is also known as one of the drafters of the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan.
  5. The Founder & first Chairman of Al Azam in Pakistan, that is the Pioneer of low cost housing projects in Karachi,

References

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  1. ^ - MINISTERS OF STATE, Retrieved 26 May 2007[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ Defence Minister of Pakistan from 1952 till 1954: Sardar Amir Azam[dead link]
  3. ^ "First Chairperson of PIA (Pakistan International Airways) 1954: Sardar Amir Azam". Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2009.
  4. ^ Dawn Newspaper - Rehabilitation Minister 1955: Sardar Amir Azam[dead link]
  5. ^ Pakistan government -CENTRAL GOVERNMENT (4) PRIME MINISTER Mohammad Ali (Ch) 11 August 1955 to 12 September 1956)[permanent dead link] Retrieved: 14 May 2007
  6. ^ "Constitution of Pakistan 1956". Retrieved 30 October 2017.[dead link]
  7. ^ CENTRAL GOVERNMENT (5) PRIME MINISTER Mr. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy (12 September 1956 to 18 October 1957)[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ CENTRAL GOVERNMENT (5) PRIME MINISTER Mr. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy (12 September 1956 to 18 October 1957)[permanent dead link]