Senior Pakistani jurist and former Senator Syed Muhammad Zafar, popularly known as SM Zafar was passed away peacefully in Lahore on Thursday at the age of 93, following a prolonged illness, as confirmed by his grieving family.
S.M. Zafar’s funeral prayer will be offered in Lahore, where colleagues, friends, and admirers will gather to pay their respects to this extraordinary man who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and the betterment of society.
A paragon of justice, S.M. Zafar, leaves behind a legacy etched in the annals of Pakistan’s legal history.
Born in Burma on December 6, 1930, he embarked on his illustrious career in the 1950s after graduating from University Law College. Over six decades, he carved an indelible mark on the country’s judiciary, politics, and the advocacy of human rights.
Serving as the federal minister for Law and Justice from 1965 to 1969, Zafar’s dedication to the principles of justice knew no bounds. His legal acumen and unwavering commitment to the cause were evident in landmark cases he represented in Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
Notably, he played a pivotal role in the acquittal of Pakistani Scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan and contributed significantly to the discussion and draft of the 1973 Constitution. His advocacy also extended to shaping the 18th constitutional amendment, leaving an enduring impact on the nation’s legal framework.
Beyond his professional achievements, S.M. Zafar was a fervent champion of human rights. His tireless efforts in advocating for minority rights, women’s rights, and staunch opposition against honor killings and blasphemy laws set him apart as a beacon of hope in the fight against oppression.
As a co-founder of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, he exemplified the spirit of activism and empathy.
Zafar’s influence stretched into the realm of academia, where he imparted his profound knowledge to aspiring young legal minds at Punjab University Law College, his alma mater. He served as a dean and authored several enlightening books on law, governance, and rights, leaving an indomitable legacy in the academic sphere.
In 2012, his exemplary contributions were recognized with the prestigious Nishan e Imtiaz, among several other accolades, acknowledging his invaluable services to the nation. Even in his later years, he remained a guiding light, inspiring generations of lawyers, activists, and citizens with his wisdom and commitment to justice.
Meanwhile, President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi expressed profound grief and sorrow over demise of the renowned lawyer and prayed for the departed soul.
“My condolences to my friend & lawyer Senator Ali Zafar & his family on the death of his father Dr S M Zafar, the outstanding constitutionalist author & brilliant advocate. May his soul rest in peace.When I finished reading his book “Democracy and Islam in History” that he had graciously sent to me I had recently sent a message to him on his excellent treatise,” the President wrote on X formerly Twitter.
Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq, in a statement, expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of the lawyer. He prayed for the deceased and extended his condolences to Zafar’s family.
