Balakh Sher Mazari, born on July 8, 1928, in Kot Karam Khan, was a prominent Pakistani politician and chieftain of the Mazari tribe. His father, Murad Buksh Khan Mazari, was the 21st Sardar and the sixth Mir of the Mazari tribe, a position Balakh Sher Mazari inherited in 1933 following his father’s untimely death. The Mazari tribe is strategically situated in the tri-state area between Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab provinces of Pakistan.
BALAKH SHER MAZARI
Born on 08 JUL 1928
Died on 04 NOV 2022
A former Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan & Mazari tribe chief
Educated at Aitchison College, Lahore, Mazari completed his education in 1945. He then returned to Rojhan-Mazari and embarked on a political career in 1951. Over the years, he was elected to the National Assembly and the Provincial Assembly multiple times, reflecting his significant influence and leadership.
Mazari, known by the titles of ‘Mir,’ ‘Tumandar,’ and ‘Sardar,’ was the 22nd Sardar and the seventh Mir of the Mazaris. His political legacy extends to his family, with his brother Sherbaz Khan Mazari also being a prominent political figure. Additionally, his grandson, Mir Dost Mohammad Mazari, a Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) parliamentarian from Rajanpur, served as the parliamentary secretary for the Ministry of Water and Power.
On April 18, 1993, during a period of political instability, President Ghulam Ishaq Khan exercised his extra-constitutional presidential powers and appointed Balakh Sher Mazari as the Caretaker Prime Minister. His tenure, though brief, was marked by significant foreign policy efforts. At the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit, he condemned Indian atrocities in Jammu and Kashmir, advocated for Palestinian rights, addressed the genocide in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and called for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Azerbaijan.
Mazari also supported a bi-zonal and bi-communal federal structure for Cyprus and advocated for the rights and welfare of Muslim minorities. He expressed Pakistan’s commitment to combating international terrorism and called on the OIC to address racism and xenophobia affecting Muslims in Europe.
On May 26, 1993, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled that President Ishaq Khan’s dissolution of the National Assembly and dismissal of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif were unconstitutional, leading to the reinstatement of the Sharif government. This period highlighted the ongoing power struggle between the president and the prime minister, underscoring the challenges of governance in Pakistan.
Balakh Sher Mazari’s leadership extended beyond his political roles. As the tribal chief, he was deeply respected for his wisdom and mediation skills within his community. He played a crucial role in fostering peace and addressing tribal disputes.
Mazari passed away on November 4, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of service and leadership. His life and career remain a source of inspiration, exemplifying the values of integrity, dedication, and public service.
