Sherbaz Khan Mazari facts for kids

Sherbaz Khan Mazari (Urdu: سردار شیر باز خان مزاری) (born October 6, 1930 – died December 5, 2020) was an important politician from Pakistan. He served as the Leader of the Opposition in the country's main law-making body, the National Assembly. This means he was the main voice of the parties not in power.

Early Life and Education

Sherbaz Khan Mazari was born in a place called Rojhan Mazari on October 6, 1930. His father, Mir Murad Bakhsh Khan, was the leader of the Mazari tribe in Dera Ghazi Khan.

Sadly, Sherbaz lost his mother when he was just one year old and his father when he was two. Because he was an orphan, he and his two brothers, Sardar Mir Balakh Sher and Sardar Sher Janand, along with three sisters, were looked after by the British government. He went to school at Aitchison College in Lahore and later at the Royal Indian Military College in Dehradun.

A Political Journey

Sherbaz Khan Mazari started his political career when Fatima Jinnah ran for president against Ayub Khan. Mazari supported Ms. Jinnah, even though he knew the election might not be fair. He was known for sticking to his beliefs.

Standing for Principles

When General Yahya Khan took control of the country, Mazari spoke out against this undemocratic change. He also disagreed with Yahya Khan's military actions in what was then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

Later, when Zulfikar Ali Bhutto became leader, Mazari supported his party, the Pakistan Peoples Party. However, in 1970, instead of trying to get a ticket from a big party, he ran for the National Assembly as an independent candidate. This showed he wanted to make his own way in politics.

Leader of the Opposition

Mazari tried to solve problems in Balochistan through talks in the National Assembly. But Bhutto chose to use military force instead. After this, Mazari joined the National Awami Party, led by Khan Abdul Wali Khan. When this party was banned, Mazari started his own party called the National Democratic Party (NDP).

He became the Leader of the Opposition in the parliament and stayed in that role until 1977. It's important to know that Mazari signed the 1973 Constitution as the head of the independent group in the National Assembly.

Mazari also joined the Pakistan National Alliance, a group that worked to remove Bhutto's government in 1977. However, later in 1983, he supported the Pakistan Peoples Party and other groups in starting the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD). This movement was against the rule of General Zia.

Helping His Community

The Mazari family had a long-standing disagreement with another family, the Bugtis. Even so, Mazari asked Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to find a peaceful solution for Nawab Akbar Bugti during the time of Ayub Khan.

In 1951, Sherbaz Khan Mazari settled in a place called Sonmiani. As a tribal chief, he was responsible for looking after his tribe. People who lived there remember how safe they felt when Mazari was around. No one dared to steal or rob others. He was very good at solving disagreements and old family fights quickly. In meetings, no one could force him to make an unfair decision. Unlike some feudal lords, he did not protect criminals. During his time, there were no criminal gangs in the area, and people could sleep peacefully without fear.

Later Life and Legacy

Sherbaz Khan Mazari loved books and had a large collection in his personal library. He even wrote his own book, called Pakistan: A Journey to Disillusionment, which was published in 1999.

In 1980, General Zia offered Mazari the job of prime minister. But Mazari turned down the offer because he strongly believed in democracy and fair elections. After losing an election in 1988, Mazari moved from Rajanpur and lived the rest of his life in Karachi. He was buried in Rojhan, and many people came to mourn his passing.

He is remembered for his strong principles and his dedication to democracy and his community.

See also

• Hyderabad tribunal