Ali Muhammad Rashdi

Ali Muhammad Rashdi was a prominent Pakistani writer, journalist, politician, and diplomat who lived from 1905 to 1987. He held various high-ranking positions, including serving as the Federal Minister for Information and as an ambassador to both the Philippines and China.

Early life and education

Rashdi was born in 1905 in Larkana. His father, Muhammad Hamid Shah, resided in Bahman village within the Ratodero Taluka of the Larkana District in Sindh. He received his initial schooling from Muhammad Soomar and Muhammad Sidiq.

The scholar was largely self-taught in several languages. He mastered Persian, Urdu and English through independent study. He also studied the English language under the guidance of Marmaduke Pickthall.

Career

His professional journey began in 1924 when he worked as a journalist for the Sindh News newspaper. In 1927, he took on the role of secretary to Mohammad Ayub Khuhro. He later became the editor of Al Rashid in 1928 at Sukkur and also served as the editor of Al Amin. After founding the Sitar-e-Sindh newspaper in 1934, he transitioned to editing the English-language publication Sindh Observer in 1948. He eventually held the position of president for the Pakistan Newspapers Editors Association.

Rashdi entered politics in 1926 by joining the Sindh Muhammadan Association. He fought for the election of Sindh in Bombay during this period. In 1934, he joined the Peoples Party led by Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto. He moved to the Muslim League in 1938 to support the independence movement. During his time with the party, he served as Secretary of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League and Secretary of the Foreign Committee.

According to Yusuf Abdullah Haroon, Rashdi was involved in drafting the 1940 Pakistan Resolution. Following 1947, he helped reinstate the Gaddi of Pir Pagara by ignoring the Frontier Regulation. He won a seat as an MPA in the Sindh Assembly during the 1953 election. This victory led to his appointment as Minister of Revenue. During the administration of Mohammad Ayub Khuhro, he held the portfolios of Minister of Health, Revenue and Information. He also served as the Federal Minister for Information under Prime Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Ali.

His diplomatic career included a tenure as Pakistan's ambassador to the Philippines from 1957 to 1961. He then moved to China to serve as Ambassador for 10 months. While in China, he concluded negotiations for a border agreement that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto later signed. His journalistic assignments also took him to Hong Kong.

As an author, Rashdi produced books in Sindhi, Urdu and English. His writings covered topics such as politics, biographies, local issues and diaries. His notable publications include the 3 volumes of Uhee Denhin Uhee Shenih, Jager Dari Jo Khatimo, Sindh jee Nain Wizarat, Boodin Ja Imdadi Masla, Cheen jee, Imam Inqlaab and Sindh Ways and Days.

Personal life

Rashdi was the elder brother of the scholar Hassam-ud-Din Rashidi. He had two sons, Pir Hussain Shah Rashdi and Pir Mohsin Shah Rashdi. His grandson is Pir Baqa Shah Rashdi.

Awards and recognition

He was awarded the Order of Sikatuna.