Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar (1957)

Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar (1898-1960) was a Pakistani politician who served as the sixth Prime Minister of Pakistan for a brief period in 1957. He was born on November 15, 1898, in Karachi, which was then part of British India and is now in Pakistan.

Chundrigar had a diverse career that spanned law, business, and politics. He studied law in England and became a barrister. He practiced law in Karachi and played an active role in politics during the Indian independence movement.

After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Chundrigar served in various governmental positions. He held portfolios such as Minister of Commerce, Minister of Industries and Natural Resources, and Minister of Economic Affairs. He also worked in the private sector and was involved in business ventures.

In 1957, Chundrigar was appointed as the Prime Minister of Pakistan following the dismissal of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy’s government. However, his tenure as Prime Minister was very short-lived, lasting only for two months, from October to December 1957.

During his brief time in office, Chundrigar faced significant political challenges and struggled to gain the support and cooperation of various political factions. His government was criticized for its inability to effectively address the economic and political issues facing the country.

Chundrigar’s government was ultimately dissolved by President Iskander Mirza, who imposed martial law and suspended the constitution in 1958. This marked the beginning of a prolonged period of military rule in Pakistan.

After his tenure as Prime Minister, Chundrigar retired from active politics. He continued his business activities and remained involved in philanthropic endeavors.

Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar passed away on September 26, 1960, in Karachi. Although his time as Prime Minister was short-lived and marked by political challenges, he is remembered as a prominent figure in Pakistan’s early political landscape. His contributions to law, business, and public service have left a lasting impact.