Shaukat Hayat Khan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shaukat Hyat Khan
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| Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan | |
| In office 26 March 1977 – 5 July 1977 |
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| Constituency | NA-42 (Campbellpur-II) |
| In office 14 April 1972 – 10 January 1977 |
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| Constituency | NW-30 (Campbellpur-I) |
| Member of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan | |
| In office 10 August 1947 – 24 October 1954 |
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| Constituency | Campbellpur District |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Shaukat Hayat Khan
24 September 1915 Amritsar, Punjab, British India |
| Died | 25 September 1998 (aged 83) Islamabad, Pakistan |
| Nicknames | SHK Shark |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch/service |  British Army |
| Years of service | 1937–42 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 16th Light Cavalry 1st Duke of York's Own Skinner's Horse |
| Battles/wars | Second World War–Mediterranean and Middle East theatre |
Major Shaukat Hayat Khan (24 September 1915 – 25 September 1998) was an important politician and military officer. He was also a key activist in the Pakistan Movement. This movement worked to create an independent Pakistan.
He played a big part in organizing the Muslim League in the area then known as Punjab. He studied at Aligarh Muslim University and served in the British Indian Army. He fought in the Second World War in the Middle East. After the war, he became very active in politics. He later returned to politics in 1970 and tried to help solve problems with the Awami League.
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Who Was Shaukat Hayat Khan?
Shaukat Hayat Khan was born in Amritsar, Punjab, in what was then British India. This was on 24 September 1915. His family came from the famous Khattar clan in Wah, Attock. He was the oldest son of Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan, a well-known Punjabi leader. His mother was Begum Zubaida Khanum.
His mother passed away in 1919. Shaukat and his siblings were then cared for by their aunt. He went to study at Aitchison College and Aligarh Muslim University. Following his family's tradition, he joined the British Indian Army.
Joining the Army
Shaukat Hayat Khan finished his military training at the Indian Military Academy. He officially became a Second lieutenant on 15 July 1937. He first worked with the 1st battalion Northamptonshire Regiment. In August 1938, he joined the 16th Light Cavalry.
He served on the North West Frontier. When the Second World War began, he volunteered for active service. He was sent to Skinner's Horse. He served in Somalia, the Middle East, and North Africa from 1940 to 1942. He was promoted to Captain and then to temporary Major. After his father died in December 1942, he left the army. He became a full Major and started his political career.
Starting His Political Journey
After his father's death, Shaukat Hayat Khan took on his political role. He was elected to the Punjab Assembly. He became a minister in the government led by Malik Khizar Hayat Tiwana. He was in charge of Public Works for the Unionist Muslim League government.
In 1944, he was removed from his position. This was because he supported the Muslim League and its leader, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, more and more. He was then chosen as the Deputy Leader of the Punjab League.
His Role in Creating Pakistan
Shaukat Hayat Khan was re-elected to the Punjab Assembly in 1946. He became a very important activist in the Muslim League's "Direct Action" campaign. This was a strong movement to push for an independent Pakistan. He was one of the most popular young leaders of the League. Jinnah himself gave him the title "Shaukat-i-Punjab" (Shaukat of the Punjab).
He played a big part in convincing many Punjabi Muslims to support the Muslim League. This support was crucial for the creation of an independent Pakistan.
Later Years in Politics
After Pakistan became independent, Shaukat Hayat Khan left the Muslim League party. He had disagreements with Mian Mumtaz Daultana. For a short time, he joined the Pakistan Azad Party. He later felt sad watching Pakistan face many challenges. He believed the country was losing its way due to greedy politicians and military rule.
He was elected again from Attock in the 1970 general elections. He helped in talks with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. These talks led to Pakistan's first temporary constitution. He was also one of the few leaders who tried to find a peaceful solution with the Awami League in 1970–71. This was to try and save East Pakistan, which later became Bangladesh. Feeling disappointed, Khan decided to leave politics for good.
He passed away on 25 September 1998. He had two sons and four daughters. His son, Sikander Hayat Junior, has also been involved in politics.
His Book
Shaukat Hayat Khan wrote a book about his experiences. It is called The Nation That Lost Its Soul: Memoirs of a Freedom Fighter. The Urdu version is named Gumgashtah qaum : ek mujāhid-i āzādī kī yād dāshten̲.
See Also
