Sir Mian Mohammad Shafi

SIR MIAN MOHAMMAD SHAFI

Date of Birth: 1869 and Date of Death: 1932

            Sir Mian Mohammad Shafi, who believed that a community, devoid of partnership in political power could not progress well, and had designed his programme in that direction, was born in ‘Baghban-pura’ family at Lahore in 1869.  He went to England in 1889 for higher studies.  He showed keen interest in public service activities from a very young age.  When he was studying in England, he took membership in the ‘Anjuman-e-Islamia’ and later became its president.  After completing his Law course, he returned to India.  Mian Mohammad Shafi believed that a community cannot develop which was not having its due share in political empowerment.  He participated in the Simla delegation in 1906.  As he observed the backwardness of the Muslim community in India, he started the ‘Muslim Association’ to guide and develop Muslims in political, economical and educational fields.  While organising several programmes for the Muslims, Mian Mohammad Shafi participated in the ‘All India Mohammedan Educational Conference’ on 6^th December, 1906 in Dhaka on the invitation of Nawab Sir Khwaja Saleemullah.  When stalwarts like Syed Amir Ali, Moulana Mohammad Ali, Nawab Waqar-ul-Mulk, Nawab Mohasin-ul-Mulk, who participated in that conference, were discussing the issue of establishing an institution for the inclusive development of Muslims, Mian Mohammad Shafi suggested to them the name of the platform, ‘All India Muslim League’ to work on the political front.  He worked for the expansion of the All India Muslim League after its formation.  He also started the Punjab Regional Muslim League in November, 1907.  He worked as its General Secretary and developed it into a successful branch of the Muslim League.  As he was keen on the development and welfare of women, he introduced his daughter Begum Jahanara to politics.  Mian Mohammad Shafi got elected to the Provincial Legislative Council in 1909 and 1914 and also to the Imperial Legislative Council in 1911, 1914 and 1917.  He earned name and fame as an able advocate and served the people as the Member of the Viceroy Executive Council from 1919 to 1924, and discharged the responsibilities of education, health and legal department.  Mohammad Shafi was ambitiously working for the political empowerment of Muslims and played a vital role during the arrival of the Simon Commission.  He attended the first Round Table Conference in 1930.  Sir Mian Mohammad Shafi breathed his last in 1932.