Pakistan Today recently got a chance to interview one of the most influential personalities of Pakistan, the president of Muslim Gymkhana Karachi Siddique Balwani. A man of great honesty and straightforwardness, he has sound knowledge of the issues facing the country and always wishes to bring prosperity to Pakistan. Whether it’s helping earthquake victims or solving the problems being faced by flood survivors, Balwani is always enthusiastic in helping people in need. He has always dedicated his wealth and earnings for the betterment of the country. The Muslim Gymkhana president is the author of many books written in the Gujrati language, dedicated to his mother, late Majida Ruqaiya Hajyani. All his books are sold free of charge. In his book titled “Balwani ka Andaz-e-Bayan”, he has shared some of his experiences beautifully. The selection of topics in his book is highly appreciated with Balwani expressing his feelings openly.
Sharing his experiences informally with Pakistan Today, Balwani said that Ayub Khan was one of the best leaders to rule the country despite being a dictator. “During his rule, Ayub Khan took Pakistan towards the path of development in the real sense of the word. The people of East Pakistan were inspired by the then president and still keep a photo in their house,” he added.
He was of the view that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto did only one good thing to the country that he brought nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan to Pakistan and he made the atom bomb for the country. Some of his words were quite offensive that spoke volumes about the awful experiences of his life.
Balwani has enjoyed friendly terms with Pir Pagara and Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan for many years. In times when people are selfish and greedy, and children are leaving their parents with no shelter or food, Balwani has bought a bungalow and made it into an old age home at Lasbella, where he has tried to provide every kind of comfort to the parents which they could get at their homes.