yed Muhammad Zafar, famously known as SM Zafar, the veteran jurist and long-time politician, left for his eternal abode on October 19. He was 93. The funeral was attended by members of the legal fraternity, politicians, bureaucrats, government officials and people belonging to all walks of life.

SM Zafar was born on December 6, 1930, in Rangoon, Burma, where his father was engaged in the construction industry. The family traced its roots to Shakargarh in the Punjab. Following the Japanese occupation of Burma, the family returned to their ancestral village in 1944.

Zafar embarked on his career as a lawyer in the 1950s. After the imposition of martial law in 1958 he advocated for constitutional rule. When the 1962 constitution was drafted, he proposed some important amendments to provide safeguards for fundamental human rights.

After serving as a high court judge and as minister for law and justice from 1965 to 1969, Zafar established a private law practice.

In 1976, Zafar and some likeminded contemporaries founded the Human Rights Society of Pakistan. In recognition of his contributions, he was granted an honorary doctorate of philosophy in law at the 124th convocation of the University of the Punjab. He ended active legal practice in 2012.

SM Zafar was the federal minister for law in Gen Ayub Khan’s last cabinet. Additionally, he was the general secretary of the Muslim League (Convention).

As a seasoned lawyer, SM Zafar contributed to political developments as a Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) senator before retiring from partisan politics in 2018.

SM Zafar was the author of many books. Meray Mashhoor Muqadmay is important as anecdotal history as well as for legal insights. Other books are either historical accounts of the legal developments to which he was an eyewitness or commentary from a unique perspective.

After having served as federal minister for law and justice from 1965 to 1969, he was elected president of the Lahore High Court Bar Association in 1975. In 1979, he became the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association. He also served as chairman of the Human Rights Society of Pakistan and the Cultural Association of Pakistan Graduates and chancellor of Hamdard University.

SM Zafar is survived by three sons and a daughter. Roshaneh Zafar is the founder of Kashf Foundation and a microfinance pioneer in Pakistan. Syed Ali Zafar the lading lawyer, is a Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader and senator. He has also served as president of the Supreme Court Bar Assocition. Syed Asim Zafar and Syed Tariq Zafar his other two sons.

Speaking to The News on Sunday, leading jurist and former attorney general of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf Alsi said, “SM Zafar was a legend. He led a full life. While we mourn his loss, we need also to celebrate his life as a great lawyer, a brilliant orator, a sagacious politician, a celebrated author and a social scientist.

“He guided and shaped the career of many leading lawyers. He will be missed. May Allah place him in the company of His chosen people.”

“SM Zafar was a legend. He led a full life. While we mourn his loss, we should also celebrate his life as a great lawyer, a brilliant orator, a sagacious politician, a celebrated author and a social scientist.”

Barrister Ahmed Pansota said SM Zafar’s passing marked the end of an era in the legal community. His contributions to the field, he said, were not just about knowledge but also about the unwavering passion he brought to every case he accepted.

“He was a giant among lawyers, a mentor and a guide to countless aspiring lawyers. His wisdom, humility, and tireless dedication to justice will be dearly missed,” he said.

Pansota sais SM Zafar’s legacy was a testament to the enduring power of the law to shape and protect the society.

“He leaves behind a profound impact on the legal community and a wealth of knowledge that will continue to inspire and educate future generations of lawyers,” the lawyer added.

“Let us continue to champion the causes he held dear, upholding the principles of justice, liberty and the rule of law,” Pansota said.

Barrister Taimur Malik said Zafar was a legendary figure in the legal community. “The books he wrote will remain a part of our legal and political history.”

Jurist Bilal Minto said, “I am lucky to have seen him argue in court. I admired his clarity of thought.”

Yasmeen Aftab Ali told TNS that SM Zafar was known for his dignified conduct, professional competence and maturity. She said he was an icon.

She recalled that she had first met Zafar in 1990. Later he had joined her Whatsapp group and given valuable inputs, mostly on ongoing legal issues.

“Over the last year I had frequent exchanges with him. He was kind enough to send me some of his published books, including one about his father’s. It was a treat to read his work and a privilege to discuss it with him,” she said.

“SM Zafar was a legend in the Bar. He helped develop the law in many areas. His books are very useful to lawyers. May he rest in peace,” said Barrister Haris Azmat.

Leading tax consultant and author Huzaima Bukhari remembers him as a lawyer who dreamt of helping shape the law, not just react to it.

“His intellectual discourse, impressive way of presenting cases and literary contributions reflected his wisdom and experience,” she said.

Lawyer Abdul Rauf Shakoori said, “Pakistan mourns the loss of a distinguished legal luminary, SM Zafar, who not only left an indelible mark on the legal profession, but also made significant contributions to the political landscape. His accomplished career was marked by insightful writings on law.”

He said as a legal scholar and seasoned politician, SM Zafar brought a unique blend of wisdom to his work. His unwavering commitment to justice, combined with his deep knowledge of the law, will be remembered with profound gratitude.

Lahore High Court Bar Association Vice President Rabbiya Bajwa said that SM Zafar was one of the top law practitioners in Pakistan. She said he had mastered the art of presenting his arguments in an effective manner.

She also said his books are a source of inspiration for legal practitioners.

Dr Ikramul Haq said Zafar was extraordinarily intelligent and had a sharp wit and exceptional legal acumen. “His contributions to constitutionalism will be remembered for years to come. In his death the nation has lost a dedicated jurist, a true son of the soil and a friend of the masses.”

Barrister Zafarullah Khan recalled that SM Zafar was a very hardworking lawyer.

The writer is a journalist based in Lahore who reports on politics, economy and militancy. He can be reached on X @HassanNaqvi5