Sharifuddin Pirzada

Sharifuddin Pirzada. A preeminent Pakistani jurist, constitutional expert, and diplomat, he was a central figure in the nation's legal and political history. His career spanned the early years of Pakistan's independence, where he served in multiple high-profile governmental roles, including as Attorney General of Pakistan and Foreign Minister. Pirzada played a pivotal role in drafting key constitutional documents and represented Pakistan with distinction at major international forums like the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Early life and education

He was born on 12 June 1923 in Bombay, then part of the Bombay Presidency in British India. He pursued his higher education at the University of Bombay, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and later a Bachelor of Laws. To qualify as a barrister, he traveled to England and was admitted to the prestigious Lincoln's Inn, one of the Inns of Court in London. His legal training in the United Kingdom provided a strong foundation in common law principles, which would heavily influence his later work on the Constitution of Pakistan.

Legal and political career

Pirzada began his professional legal practice in Karachi after the creation of Pakistan in 1947. His expertise was quickly recognized, leading to his appointment as the Advocate-General of Sindh. His rise continued when he was appointed Attorney General of Pakistan in 1964, serving under President Ayub Khan. Following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and the subsequent political changes, he was appointed Foreign Minister of Pakistan in the cabinet of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Throughout the 1980s, he served as a senior advisor on legal and foreign affairs to President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, holding the title of Minister of State.

Role in constitutional development

He was a principal architect in Pakistan's constitutional history, serving as Secretary to the Constitution Commission that drafted the Constitution of Pakistan of 1962. He also played a crucial role as Secretary of the Constitutional Committee responsible for the Constitution of Pakistan of 1973, the country's current supreme law. His legal opinions were instrumental during significant national events, including the Hamoodur Rahman Commission inquiry into the 1971 war and the contentious Lawyer's Movement for the restoration of the judiciary in the 2000s.

International diplomacy and awards

On the global stage, he represented Pakistan as its Permanent Representative to the United Nations and served as the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. He was a leading advocate for the Islamic world, arguing prominent cases such as Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir conflict at the UN Security Council. For his services, he received Pakistan's highest civil honors, including the Hilal-e-Imtiaz and the Hilal-e-Pakistan. International recognition came with awards like Egypt's Order of the Nile and an honorary doctorate from the University of Karachi.

Later life and legacy

In his later years, he remained active in legal practice and continued to provide counsel on constitutional matters from his chambers in Karachi. He passed away on 2 June 2017 in Karachi at the age of 93. His legacy endures as one of Pakistan's most influential legal minds; his extensive writings and arguments before the Supreme Court of Pakistan are considered foundational texts in Pakistani constitutional law. The Sharifuddin Pirzada Law College at the University of Central Punjab is named in his honor.

Category:Pakistani lawyers Category:Pakistani diplomats Category:1923 births Category:2017 deaths