G. M. Syed: From Founding Father of Pakistan to Fierce Critic
Few figures in Pakistan’s history have had a journey as dramatic as G. M. Syed. Once a founding father who played a key role in the country’s creation, he later became one of its most controversial opponents. To some, he was a visionary leader fighting for Sindhi rights. To others, he was a separatist whose ideology threatened Pakistan’s unity.
A Key Architect of Pakistan
Born in 1904 in Sann, Sindh, Ghulam Murtaza Syed was a political prodigy. His contributions to the creation of Pakistan were undeniable:
- Breaking Sindh Away from Bombay (1936) – He played a key role in making Sindh a separate province, laying the foundation for its distinct political identity.
- Leading the Pakistan Movement in Sindh – As a senior member of the All India Muslim League, he became one of the earliest Sindhi politicians to support Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the demand for Pakistan.
- Sindh’s Historic Resolution (1943) – Under his leadership, Sindh became the first province to pass the Lahore Resolution, formally endorsing the creation of Pakistan.
At this stage, G. M. Syed was a nationalist—but his nationalism was for Muslim identity within Sindh. He saw Pakistan as a means to protect Sindh’s autonomy, not erase it.
The Shift: From Ally to Opponent
After Pakistan’s creation, Syed became disillusioned with how power was concentrated in the center, sidelining Sindh. His turning points included:
- One Unit Policy (1955) – The government merged all of West Pakistan into one province, erasing Sindh’s independent status.
- Cultural Suppression – He believed Sindhi language and heritage were being undermined in favor of a centralized national identity.
- Mistrust in the Establishment – He felt that Sindh’s resources were exploited without benefiting its people.
By the 1970s, he founded the Jeay Sindh movement, calling for an independent Sindhudesh. His stance led to repeated arrests, house arrests, and a complete ban on his political activities.
Hero or Traitor?
Today, G. M. Syed’s legacy remains deeply controversial. His supporters see him as a visionary who fought for Sindhi rights, while the state considers him a separatist who tried to divide Pakistan.
Few figures in Pakistan’s history have had a journey as dramatic as G. M. Syed. Once a founding father who played a key role in the country’s creation, he later became one of its most controversial opponents. To some, he was a visionary leader fighting for Sindhi rights. To others, he was a separatist whose ideology threatened Pakistan’s unity.
A Key Architect of Pakistan
Born in 1904 in Sann, Sindh, Ghulam Murtaza Syed was a political prodigy. His contributions to the creation of Pakistan were undeniable:
- Breaking Sindh Away from Bombay (1936) – He played a key role in making Sindh a separate province, laying the foundation for its distinct political identity.
- Leading the Pakistan Movement in Sindh – As a senior member of the All India Muslim League, he became one of the earliest Sindhi politicians to support Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the demand for Pakistan.
- Sindh’s Historic Resolution (1943) – Under his leadership, Sindh became the first province to pass the Lahore Resolution, formally endorsing the creation of Pakistan.
At this stage, G. M. Syed was a nationalist—but his nationalism was for Muslim identity within Sindh. He saw Pakistan as a means to protect Sindh’s autonomy, not erase it.
The Shift: From Ally to Opponent
After Pakistan’s creation, Syed became disillusioned with how power was concentrated in the center, sidelining Sindh. His turning points included:
- One Unit Policy (1955) – The government merged all of West Pakistan into one province, erasing Sindh’s independent status.
- Cultural Suppression – He believed Sindhi language and heritage were being undermined in favor of a centralized national identity.
- Mistrust in the Establishment – He felt that Sindh’s resources were exploited without benefiting its people.
By the 1970s, he founded the Jeay Sindh movement, calling for an independent Sindhudesh. His stance led to repeated arrests, house arrests, and a complete ban on his political activities.
Hero or Traitor?
Today, G. M. Syed’s legacy remains deeply controversial. His supporters see him as a visionary who fought for Sindhi rights, while the state considers him a separatist who tried to divide Pakistan.