Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) chief and spiritual leader of the Hur community Pir Syed Mardan Shah II, more commonly known as Pir Sahib Pagara, passed away in London late on Tuesday night, Geo News reported. He was 83.
The veteran politician was taken to London by a special air ambulance on January 5 along with his physician and family members for treatment of infected lungs. His sons Pir Sadruddin Shah Rashdi and Pir Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi, his wife, physician Dr Saulat, secretary Dr Karim Mehar and adviser to the Sindh Chief Minister Imtiaz Shaikh were also in London to oversee his treatment at a private hospital.
Hazrat Pir Syed Mardan Shah II was the leader of the Sunni Muslim Sufi order of Hurs in Sindh. His father, Hazrat Pir Syed Sibghatullah Shah, was hanged on March 20, 1943 by the British colonial government during his struggle against British rule. He will be buried in his native town of Pir Jo Goth, Khairpur district, Sindh, where he was born. Pir Syed Mardan Shah II was given the title of Pir Pagara in 1922 when he was only 12. Pagara was fond of horse races and he often spent his Sundays at the Karachi Race Course. He also took active part in Pakistani politics since the 1960s. When Fatima Jinnah lost elections to Ayub Khan, she declared the Muslim League “Functional” and made Pir Pagaro the head. In politics, he was known for his predictions for governments and his supporters believe his predictions to be correct. He was first arrested in 1930 for his struggle against British rule and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah represented him in court. The news of his death spread like wildfire throughout Sindh as his followers and party workers began to mourn his demise. His body will be flown to Karachi today (Wednesday) as the Sindh CM announced a three-day mourning in the province.
Pir Pagara passes away in London
