Muzaffarabad: The party workers would always commemorate the great contributions of Sardar Ghulam Sadiq Khan, former speaker assembly State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
He was the great follower of the idea of ZA Bhutto that the power lies within the masses of Pakistan
He was one of those very few politicians of Azad Kashmir Pakistan who have never been dreaded by the autocracy and authoritarian rules. He always supported the democratic forces and his legacy shall always be continued through his party workers. He taught many good lessons to the new generation including consistency, perseverance and sincerity in ideas and goals
He was a staunch supporter of diversity and pluralism that has always been evident in this political actions, he never supported tribal politics or any such ideas that supported division, discrimination or segregation on any basis
He is the beacon of constant struggles and efforts
His successes have always been associated with his prioritization of masses and their welfare irrespective of his personal interests or inclinations
My late Uncle Sardar Ghulam Sadiq is remembered in beautiful memories of his people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He was the voice of the voiceless in his constituency as well as AJ&K. Though he spent his life in a very posh and simple life style yet he was the familiar personality among masses owing to his outright character and humility. He created a huge vacuum in the party, which would remain unfilled after his demise.
The death On December 1st, we are commemorating the great son of the soil, Sardar Ghulam Sadiq Khan, on his third death anniversary to pay rich tributes to the deceased and laud his matchless service for the nation in Hajira on 25th November 2023. The Central Chief Organizer of Pakistan People’s Party Azad Kashmir and Former Speaker Legislative Assembly, Khan left for eternal abode on December 01, 2020. The deceased was laid to eternal rest at his ancestral graveyard in his hometown Hajira on December 02,2020.
Mr Sadiq, who was elected fromLA-18 Poonch-II in three consecutive general elections in 2001, 2006 and 2011, had remained adviser to the chairperson AJK Council from Nov 30, 2008 to July 4, 2011, and Legislative Assembly Speaker from July 25, 2011 to July 30, 2016.
Sadiq was a senior parliamentarian who had started his carrier as a teacher and later joined PPP in1979 as district councilor and rose to the third highest position in the state after resigning from his job and twice elected as member legislative Assembly. The main motive of the PPP to serve the poor of the country and ensure they get ‘Roti, Kapra and Makan (Bread, clothes and home), attracted the deceased leader to join this party as he thought that if he had to do anything for the poor, the PPP would be the appropriate platform. keeping this in mind, he carried on journey on this path and served the people, not only of his own constituency but all across the state. His services for public would be remembered always. The onslaught on democracy by military dictators and extra-judicial killing of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had forced him to revolt against the societal injustice and join politics. He raised voice against the dictatorship and practically participated in the struggle against the unconstitutional punishment of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. He had to face jails and was arrested many times, but he did not leave the path of struggle and carried on his journey to fight for the
rights of people.
He also served as advisor to Prime Minister of Pakistan and speaker legislative Assembly as well. He was known as a principled politician who earned wide respect in the political circles of AJK irrespective of political affiliations. He was known as a very humble and a genuinely respected politician in various segment of the society.
Many people hailing from different segments of the society including senior parliamentarians and politicians, leaders and representatives of different political and religious organizations admired his outright character and believed that the death of
Sardar Ghulam Sadiq Khan was a great loss to the entire state and that AJK is deprived of an experienced parliamentarian and devoted politician.
However, some close friends and fellows of late speaker are of the view that the political struggle of Sardar Ghulam Sadiq Khan was a beacon of light for the coming generations who believed in the value based politics and will be remembered for long. He had virtually created political awareness among the masses.. The deceased was a man of fidelity and morality, possessing high qualities and abilities. He was a party’s asset and had made great contributions to the supremacy of democratic and parliamentary traditions in the state [AJK]. During his political career Khan promoted tolerance, brotherhood and interfaith harmony. Being an ideological worker he remained loyal to his party it till his death. He spent his entire life in the service of the poor and devoted his entire life to the service of the people. His death is not only a loss for the PPP but it is a great loss for the entire state.
For a thousand years the narcissus has been lamenting its blindness With great difficulty the one with true vision is born in the garden.
May the departed soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen