Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy (1956-1957)

Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy (1892-1963) was a prominent Pakistani politician who served as the fifth Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1956 to 1957. He was born on September 8, 1892, in Midnapore, Bengal (now in India).

Suhrawardy had a distinguished career in law and politics. He studied law in England and became a barrister. He actively participated in the Indian independence movement and joined the All India Muslim League. He played a significant role in the Pakistan movement and was known for his eloquent speeches advocating for the rights of Muslims.

In 1946, Suhrawardy became the Prime Minister of Bengal, which was then a province of British India. He played a crucial role in establishing an interim government in Bengal and working towards the creation of Pakistan.

After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Suhrawardy served in various governmental positions, including as the Minister of Law and Labour. In 1956, he was appointed as the Prime Minister of Pakistan under the newly adopted 1956 Constitution.

As Prime Minister, Suhrawardy faced numerous challenges, including political instability and regional tensions. His government aimed to address the concerns of different regions and ethnic groups and promote national unity. Suhrawardy emphasized economic development and social justice as key priorities for his administration.

However, Suhrawardy’s tenure was short-lived. In 1957, his government was dismissed by President Iskander Mirza, who imposed martial law and suspended the constitution. This event marked the end of Pakistan’s first democratic experiment.

After his time as Prime Minister, Suhrawardy remained active in politics and continued to advocate for democracy and political reforms. He played a prominent role in the opposition against military regimes in Pakistan and was known for his liberal and progressive political views.

Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy passed away on December 5, 1963, in Beirut, Lebanon. He is remembered as a prominent leader of the Pakistan movement and a significant figure in the early years of Pakistan’s history. His contributions to politics and his efforts to promote national unity and democracy in Pakistan continue to be recognized.