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Raees Ghulam Mustafa Khan Jatoi:
Man of life upright
Throughout his association with Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Jatoi was considered the ’right hand’ of the party’s founding chairman, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He had been equally acceptable to traditional political families of Sindh, Balochistan, NWFP, and Punjab, and had a close relationship with Seraiki, Mohajir and other nationalist and political groups. Jatoi’s elders belonged to a forest village called Jatoi Village, which, in 1930 shifted to another place called New Jatoi. Since then this small town has remained one of the main centers for political dialogue, the formation of governments and negotiations for power. Born to a traditional landlord family of Ghulam Rasool Jatoi in New Jatoi, district Naushehro Feroz, he mostly remained non-controversial except once when he supported President Ayub Khan. However he abandoned Khan in 1969 and joined the PPP. Jatoi was considered a cool and calm politician who never believed in adventurism in the politics. He was also famous for his loyalty towards his friends during his long political career. Jatoi led the Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD), which was run by the friends of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto after failing to stop Bhutto from hanging. He handed himself over to the police at Mazar-e-Qaid on August 14, 1983, to strengthen the movement. During the MRD, Jatoi’s sons and other family members were arrested and the irrigation canals to Jatoi’s family lands were blocked and their crops destroyed. He was also famous for not blaming other politicians. For instance, in his last interview, even though he realised the incapability of the PPP leadership to save Z.A Bhutto from hanging, he did not use harsh language for them. Similarly after his disassociation from the PPP, Jatoi never used any harsh words against the successors of Z.A Bhutto. This calm attitude was perhaps one reason for the respect that he earned during his political life. Jatoi also promoted educational activities in Sindh. As the chief minister of the province, he launched the Peoples Medical College and Mehran Engineering College (now Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering and Technology) in Nawabshah, and built a large number of secondary and primary schools in the most backward areas. People also give credit to Jatoi for building Moro-Dadu Bridge which was the major demand of the people living on both sides of the River Indus. Being the grandson of poet and social reformer, Khan Bahadur Imam Bakhsh alias ’Sabir Jatoi’, Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi followed the footprints of his ancestors and contributed greatly to the promotion of literature and cultural activities in the province. He organised the week-long mega-cultural and historical event “Sindh Through the Centuries” in Karachi, and asked leading scholars of Sindh to explore the history of the province and suggest ways to promote old cultural values. This event attracted hundreds of writers, artists, intellectuals, and students.
President, PM grieved President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani have expressed deep shock and grief over the sad demise of a veteran politician and former caretaker Prime Minister Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, who died in London on Friday (November 20) after protracted illness.
The President and the Prime Minister in their separate messages lauded the political contribution and services of late Jatoi, who served the country and nation in various positions. The President and the Prime Minister said through the demise of Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi the country and nation has lost a veteran politician. The two leaders prayed to Allah Almighty to shower His blessings on the departed soul and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude. *** GM Jatoi’s death condoled Senate Chairman Farooq H. Naek and Deputy Chairman Senate, Mir Jan Jamali have expressed their deep grief over the sad demise of veteran politician, former Caretaker Prime Minister and leader of National Peoples Party (NPP) Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, who breathed his last in London on November 20. They described his death as a national loss and paid glowing tributes to the services rendered by the late politician. They said that the Jatoi enjoyed respect among all shades of political opinion and politicians of all hues as he symbolizes moderation and tolerance in politics. His services, they said would be long remembered. He played a major role in development of his province and area and improving the quality of life of the people, they added. The chairman and deputy chairman prayed that Allah Almighty may rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude the members of the bereaved family to bear this loss with equanimity. The leader of the House in the Senate, Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Wasim Sajjad have also condoled the death of Jatoi and prayed for his eternal salvation. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Federal Minister for Defence Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, Federal Minister for Production Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi and Minister of State for Defence Arbab Muhammad Zahir Khan have also condoled the death of Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi. In their separate condolence messages with the members of the bereaved family, they prayed to Allah Almighty to shower His blessings on the departed soul and grant courage and fortitude to the members of the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with patience and equanimity. *** Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi (late), a name which I heard in my childhood was a living legend of MRD agitation. May Allah rest his soul in heaven. (Ameen)
Dr. Sikandar Ali Shoro ***
We feel orphan with the death of Raees Ghulam Mustafa Khan Jatoi Sahib. He was a very kind, loveliest, heartiest and sweetest personality. May Allah rest his soul in paradise.
Sahib Khan Lund *** Ghulam Mustafa Khan Jatoi Sahib was one of the most respected and decent human being who had touched our hearts. My deepest condolences on his passing away. May Allah give courage to we all to bear this great loss and rest his soul in peace. (Ameen)
Subak Majeed *** I have had the honour of knowing Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi right from a young age and he was friend of my uncle and grew very found of him. He always treated me as his own and I learnt a lot from him. He was institution in himself. His passing away has created a big void in the country’s politics and always would be missed.
Jam Saifullah Dharejo *** Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi was one of Pakistan’s senior and veteran politicians. A thorough gentleman, for more than two decades, he played an important role in the national politics of this country. He was always very humble, kind and was very comfortable to interact with. With his departure Pakistan and Sindh has lost one of its favourite owns. May Allah give the strength to his family to bear this “irreparable loss”.
Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah *** A gentleman has departed. He was a respectable and honourable person and a politician. A fatherly figure for us all. I requested his sons to please try to follow his path and footsteps. May Allah rest his soul in His eternal peace. (Ameen)
Zafarullah Khan Jamali *** Ghulam Mustafa Khan was great personality, a caring and loving person. A noble person, very sincere and dedicated to his friends. He was also a good friend of my father Pir Ghulam Rasool Shah Jilani, who started his politics in the company of his illustrated father from Sindh Assembly in 1953. I had the honour and privilege of serving as Provincial Minister in 1977 under Jatoi Sahib’s Chief Ministership, and later as Federal Minister when he became Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1990. His memories will always remain with me.
Pir Aftab Shah Jilani *** Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi Sahib, was a great leader of Sindh and Pakistan. He will always be remembered for his leading role in the MRD movement. It will be very difficult to fill the vacuum he has left in the political field of the country. He was like a elder brother to me. He will always remain close to my heart. He will always command respect among the people of Sindh.
Mujeeb Pirzada *** The passing away of Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi represents the eclipse of an era in the history of Pakistan. He will be missed not only by his family but by all those who had known him. His presence gave warmth to the politics of Pakistan. He will always be remembered as a friend of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
Ghinwa Bhutto *** Jatoi Sahib’s family & Rana Chander Singh’s family has a long and traditional relationship which has deep roots in history. Jatoi Sahib was a charismatic leader and an institution by himself. Sindh will always miss this great leader.
Rana Hameer Singh
Rana Jageer *** He was a great man and great leader of Sindh & Pakistan. This is a great loss for the family & the country. May God rest his soul in peace and harmony.
Abdul Hafeez Jamali *** In the passing away of Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Khan Jatoi Pakistan has lost a human being, a politician and fatherly figured who has left a legacy behind. I pray the heirs keep the traditions alive.
Jan Muhammad Jamali *** Indeed it’s a great loss for the family & for Pakistan. A gentle soul, a caring person we will always remember him.
Sardarzada Nasir Jamali *** It is indeed a great loss. May God rest his soul in peace and give solace to the whole family.
Agha Shuja Durrani *** Raees Ghulam Mustafa Khan Jatoi was great person and a great leader also. He was very near and dear to me and I respected him like my elders. We really miss him. May Allah rest his soul in peace. Nasrullah Dombki *** Late Ghulam Mustafa Khan Jatoi, spent his whole life clean and defending this country at all forums. He has lived all the years serving the cause and the faith of Sindh and Pakistan. May Almighty God rest the soul in peace.
Maysara Al Shawa ***
I have the sweetest and
jolliest memories of Jatois. *** A truly great man, great personality, great leader, great politician, certainly a legend of Pakistani politics and one of the few leaders who were respected and honoured by all. His untimely death is a great loss to the nation. The gulf after his death will take a long time to be filled in. Honourable Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, however, will continue to live amongst his well wishers. On behalf of Quaid-e-Tehrik Altaf Hussain Bhai of MQM and each and everyone worker we offer our heartfelt condolences to the family members and pray to Almighty Allah to grant him place in Jannat.
Raza Haroon *** Chacha Ghulam Mustafa Khan was like my father. He was a great and a sweet person. He was respected and loved by all of us. He was a true Sindhi and Pakistani. May God give him space in Janat. (Ameen)
Jam Madad Ali *** Ghulam Mustafa Khan Jatoi Sahib was a great man. He was people friendly and a visionary politician. He used to guide Altaf Hussain Bhai. The vacuum created following his departure to the permanent abode seems very difficult to be filled in.
Farooq Sattar *** Jatoi Sahib was a symbol of upright politics in Pakistan. Following his departure the chapter of an upright and dedicated politics stands closed.
Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani *** Jatoi Sahib was a gentleman having lot of qualities of being friendly to all with a clear conscience and always ready to jump in for everyone’s help. May Allah place his soul in peace.
Pir Syed Abdul Qadir Shah Jilani *** I couldn’t so far see or meet a great man like Ghulam Mustafa Khan Jatoi. I had a chance of serving under him as Federal Minister and also had a chance to see and observe him closely. He possessed great qualities based on human values. He was a great asset for Pakistan. May Allah help his family members to continue his mission.
Muhammad Naseer Mengal *** The demise of Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Khan Jatoi is a great loss for the country in general and the Sindh is particular. He played a vital role for the solidarity and integrity of the country as well as the democratic institutions. His efforts for the cause would be remembered forever.
Muhammad Ismaeel Rahoo *** Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi was our elder and we spent some time together in the assembly. I found lot of qualities in him among all he was a true patriot and an ardent Pakistan lover. He was a loving personality and always used to advise us to develop devotion and commitment in politics so as to get the country out of crises.
Ubaidullah Shadikhel *** Raees Ghulam Mustafa Khan Jatoi was a complete institution. He was known by his gentlemanly qualities. May Allah rest his soul in peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss.
Arbab Anwar *** With the departure of Raees Ghulam Mustafa Khan Jatoi to the heavenly abode, an era of healthy politics has come to stand still. Pakistan has lost a great politician. His role during 1980s political agitation against the then military dictatorship would always be written in golden words. He was among the top confidants of Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. His services for the cause of promotion of education in his area or else where shall also be remembered with a degree of proud. He introduced new trends in the national politics and sowed the seed of tolerance and self respect in the politics.
Muhammad Idrees Jatoi *** Raees Ghulam Mustafa Khan Jatoi was a rare asset of national politics of Pakistan. His services for introducing healthy & positive trends in the national politics would long be remembered and would serve as a benchmark for the next generation of politicians. He was a man of integrity, and a committed politician. His stainless record in politics is again an asset and a valuable addition in the science of politics. May Allah rest the departed soul in peace. (Ameen)
Momin Bullo ***
Three stalwarts of the Movement for the
Restoration of Democracy, 80s
It may be described as historic given that these three senior politicians of Pakistan, in addition to the late Benazir Bhutto, were regarded by the people as comprising the heart and soul of the MRD-led anti-Zia agitation of the 1980s. This period, of course, saw the movement focus principally in Sindh province until General Zia’s death in an aeroplane crash on August 17, 1988 at Basti Kamal, near Bahawalpur. Raees Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, Asia’s biggest private land holder, was credited with spearheading the MRD in 1983. Indeed, he was deemed such a threat to the ruling establishment that he was swiftly arrested from the premises of Mazar-e-Qaid in that same year, on the first day of the movement’s first phase. His younger brother, Raees Ghulam Mujtaba Khan, was detained in his hometown of Moro before being taken to Mach Jail in Balochistan. However, GM Joti’s eldest son, Ghulam Murtaza Khan Jatoi, escaped detention, despite being implicated in the murder of half a dozen policemen. He simply disappeared underground, albeit for a rather long period of time. Yet this active participation of Sindh’s top feudal lords in a mass political movement not only represented a break from past tradition, it also succeeded in weakening the writ of dictatorship, thereby establishing new parameters in Pakistan’s political history. However, these new parameters were not to last long. Yet when the emerging differences between GM Jaoti and Benazir could no longer be ignored, the former sought to use an interview to defend himself: ”Unfortunately, the two of us have not understood each other. There has been very little communication between us: one could say there has been a communication gap.” (The Herald, May, 1986) It was therefore almost inevitable that GM Jatoi would leave the Pakistan People’s Party. He, along with GM Khar and other former PPP stalwarts, formed the National Peoples Party (NPP) in 1986. After failing to make a mark in the 1988 elections, GM Jatoi was then invited to contest the by-elections from Kot Adu, on a seat vacated by his old friend, Mr Khar. Admittedly, the formation of the NPP served as a direct political attack on the PPP leadership of the day. Yet Jatoi and Khar hardly represented the first defectors (led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s lieutenants) to flee the PPP during difficult times. The first rebellion against ZAB’s PPP was staged by none other than his own cousin. Mumtaz Ali Bhutto left the party ranks in 1984 to form his own party - the Sindhi Baloch Pashtun Front (SBPF). And if that were not a hard enough blow for ZAB to suffer, his cousin dealt him another by making Abdul Hafeez Peerzada, the top architect of the 1973 Constitution, his party’s Secretary General.
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The
demise of Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi has left hundreds of his followers, friends
and relatives in mourning, and created a huge vacuum in the political scene
of the country. His death has resulted in the loss of a pioneer who promoted
cultural and educational activities in Sindh, and served as a traditionally
powerful link between the political leadership of all four provinces a
privilege only a few politicians have enjoyed in the country.
This picture captures an
historic grouping of Khan Abdul Wali Khan, Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan and
Raees Ghulam Mustafa Khan Joti, all of whom are participating in a marathon
session of the Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD) in Karachi.