enator Taj Haider, one of the founding members of the Pakistan Peoples Party, has departed for his eternal abode. He was 83. Senator Haider leaves behind a profound imprint on Pakistan’s political, parliamentary and cultural history.

Haider set the highest standards in Pakistan’s politics and earned a reputation as an articulate and dedicated political worker. He never wished to be called a leader and would insist on being referred to as a political activist.

His passing is a personal loss also to many a media persons including this scribe. He was easily accessible by phone, unlike many of his colleagues. This scribe would speak to him at least once a month for insights on political affairs. He always had something interesting to share. Before the 2024 elections, discussing campaign challenges, he remarked, “Zulfikar Ali Bhutto once told me that politics needs footwork. You must reach the voters to win them over.”

Asked about Asif Zardari’s marriage proposal for Benazir Bhutto, he had told me that Asif Zardari’s stepmother, Tammy Bukhari, had took the proposal to Begum Nusrat Bhutto.

He was a workaholic, yet a disciplined politician. He supervised the PPP’s election cell and wrote hundreds of letters to the Election Commission of Pakistan, highlighting irregularities before and after elections. He also served on the PPP’s constitution committee. His contributions are reflected in various laws and bills, including the 18th Amendment.

A few months ago, he did not answer a phone call I had made. Later, he called back and apologised, saying, “I was playing tennis.” He continued to play tennis regularly even at the age of 83, a testament to his fitness.

Taj Haider was born in Kota, Rajasthan, on March 8, 1942. His father, Professor Karrar Hussain, was a renowned writer, celebrated for his work as a teacher, poet and critic. After Partition, the family migrated to Pakistan and settled in Karachi.

Haider received his early education at a public school in Ranchore Lines, Karachi. He completed intermediate studies at Khairpur and earned a master’s degree in mathematics from Karachi University. He was then appointed as a lecturer in mathematics at the university. Influenced by a family tradition of literary pursuits and his own interest in the performing arts, he ventured into screenplay writing, acting and column writing.

Between 1979 and 1985, he wrote several plays for Pakistan Television, addressing the ills of authoritarianism and promoting democratic values. His notable dramas include Jinhein Raastay Mein Khabar Hui and Lab-i-Darya. He also acted in a few plays during the 1980s and received the award for best playwright in 2006.

Taj Haider was inspired by socialist ideology since his student days. He took part in the student movements against Gen Ayub’s dictatorial regime. This brought him close to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. When Bhutto founded People Party in 1967, Haider joined the party and become one of its idelogues. During Bhutto’s tenure, Haider was part of the team that shaped public policy for a democratic Pakistan.

He served the PPP in various roles, including information secretary for PPP-Sindh, central secretary information and secretary general.

In 1995, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto nominated him for the Senate. He was re-elected in 2012 and again in 2021. Haider also served as a member of various standing committees and chaired several of them. In recognition of his political services, the Government of Pakistan conferred upon him the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2013.

He had suffered from respiratory issues and was admitted to a hospital in Karachi, where he passed away on April 8, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to principles, values and ideology. He had been married twice and had two daughters from his first wife, who now live in France.

Condolences from President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and numerous other leaders and organisations highlight his immense contributions to politics and human rights.

Bilawal Bhutto announced three days of mourning following his death and suspended all PPP activities. Taj Haider will be remembered as a principled, honest, gentle and democratic politician.

The author is a senior journalist, teacher of journalism, writer and analyst. His X handle: @BukhariMubasher