By Irfan Siddiqui
In the vast political landscape of Pakistan, where mainstream figures often dominate headlines, many unsung heroes work behind the scenes — tirelessly, selflessly, and without the expectation of recognition. One such name is Al-Haj Fawad, a seasoned political activist and one of the oldest stalwarts of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) in Sindh, whose contributions to the party span decades and whose loyalty to Nawaz Sharif remains unshakable.
Long before political branding and media optics became the norm, Al-Haj Fawad was laying down the grassroots foundation of the PML-N in Karachi — not in air-conditioned offices, but on the ground, among workers, in labor colonies, and at the helm of union meetings. He is perhaps the only political figure in Sindh who gave the labor movement a proper political voice within the PML-N. It was Fawad who pioneered the establishment of labor unions aligned with the party, making it one of the few mainstream platforms to seriously engage with working-class issues.
When Nawaz Sharif arrived in Karachi for party rallies, it wasn’t senior ministers or flashy protocol officers who managed the logistics — it was Al-Haj Fawad who led from the front. Whether it was picking up Nawaz Sharif from the airport, managing the rally routes, or ensuring seamless coordination at the venue, Fawad handled it all. Often, he would personally drive trucks for up to 14 hours, ensuring everything was in place for a successful event. These were not tasks of convenience but acts of devotion — a demonstration of his deep personal affection for Nawaz Sharif, who he often referred to as a “leader of the people and hope of the workers.”
His commitment wasn’t limited to organizational tasks alone. Fawad also founded a newspaper, widely regarded as the unofficial mouthpiece of PML-N in Sindh, giving voice to party narratives at a time when the media landscape was far less accommodating. Through this platform, he shaped public opinion and defended the party’s stance during its most trying times — from legal battles to political isolation.
Al-Haj Fawad’s role became even more critical during the formative years of the PML-N in Sindh, where the party faced stiff competition from regional giants. Alongside the late Senator Mushahidullah Khan, Fawad worked relentlessly to expand the party’s base and to promote a moderate, worker-centric narrative. His bond with Mushahidullah was not just political but personal — both shared a commitment to labor rights, political discipline, and loyalty to Nawaz Sharif.
But Fawad’s political connections were not limited to PML-N leadership alone. He maintained a longstanding friendship with Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, even during the years when Sheikh Rasheed parted ways with the PML-N. Despite political differences, their camaraderie remained intact — a testament to Fawad’s ability to separate personal respect from political divergence.
Likewise, his association with Akram Nadeem, another influential figure, was based on mutual political vision and trust. Together, they strategized labor outreach and local mobilization in key urban sectors, making PML-N’s presence in Karachi more rooted and resilient.
Today, when PML-N leadership reflects on its legacy in Sindh, the contributions of Al-Haj Fawad deserve formal acknowledgment. He may not have held ministerial portfolios or appeared frequently on television, but his sacrifices, long hours, and unwavering belief in Nawaz Sharif’s vision helped anchor the party in one of the most politically complex provinces of Pakistan.
His journey is a reminder that political movements are not just built by leaders at the top but also by selfless workers at the grassroots — men like Al-Haj Fawad, who preferred action over rhetoric and loyalty over opportunism.
As the political tide continues to shift, the legacy of Al-Haj Fawad stands as a beacon for the next generation of party workers — firm, principled, and deeply connected to the cause.
