Hamdard Islamicus 111 Vol. XL, No. 2

OBITUARY

SYED SHARIFUDDIN PIRZADA

We sadly announce the passing away of Syed Sharifuddin
Pirzada, one of the oldest member of the Pakistan Historical Society
and a legal luminary of the country on 2nd June, 2017. Born in
Burhanpur (South India) in 1923, he joined the legal profession in
1945 and was called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn. He settled down
in Bombay (Mambai), joined the Muslim Students Federation and
the Muslim League. It brought him into contact with Quaid-i-Azam,
who was also a member of Bombay City Muslim League.

After independence he came to Karachi and for some time
taught law in the Sindh S.M. Law College. His legal expertise was
recognized and in 1968 he was appointed Pakistan’s Attorney
General, a post which he held three times. His legal expertise won
international recognition also. He represented his country in
international forums. He was appointed as a member of the
International Law commission (1978-1980) and also served as the
chairman of the UN Sub-Commission on prevention of discrimination
against Minorities. He was elected unanimously as the Secretary
General of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) as well
(1985-1988). He had the honour of drafting the historic UN General
Assembly Resolution on Jerusalem. His legal opinion was often
sought by Pakistani governments and rulers.

He also authored a number of books, few of them are as
follows:

1. Evolution of Pakistan
2. The Pakistan Resolution and the Historic Lahore Session
3. Quaid-i-Azam Jinnah’s Correspondence
4. Fundamental Rights and Constitutional Remedies in

Pakistan
5. Foundation of Pakistan (3 vol. set)
6. Collected works of the Quad-i-Azam (3 vol.).

He would be long remembered for his legal expertise.
May Allah rest his soul in peace! Amen!

Hamdard Islamicus