Master Afzal Hussain

Master Afzal Hussain, (ماسٹر افضال حسین) also known as Baba-e-Parcham (which means "Father of the Flag"), was a tailor from Delhi. Together with his younger brother, Altaf Hussain, he stitched the very first flag of Pakistan two months before the country's independence.[1][2] Even though he played an important role in the country's history, Master Afzal's story is not well-known, and his family continues to live in poverty without any help from the government.[3][4]

Master Afzal Hussain ماسٹر افضال حسین
Born
Delhi, India
Died15 7 1987
Karachi, Pakistan
NationalityPakistani
OccupationTailor
Known forStitching the first flag of Pakistan
TitleBaba-e-Parcham

Early life and career

Master Afzal Hussain was a dedicated participant in the Pakistan Movement and had a tailoring shop in Delhi. His shop was frequented by well-known politicians and leaders of the Pakistan Movement who came to get sherwanis (traditional clothing) tailored. After moving to Pakistan, he decided to live a simple life in Karachi, allowing his significant contributions to the country to be forgotten over time.[5][1][6][7]

Recognition

Afzal's contributions were acknowledged later in his life, by the efforts of a well-known scholar Hakim Mohammad Saeed. This led President General Zia-ul-Haq to announce the Pride of Performance Award for Master Afzal. On 15 July 1987, Afzal passed away after being diagnosed with bone cancer, still waiting for his award and the recognition it represented.[1]

Controversy

His dilapidated grave in the area of New Karachi gained attention on social media.[8] People on social media have shown their unhappiness with the state of his legacy and have encouraged authorities to recognize and appreciate these overlooked heroes. They believe that these unsung heroes have made more valuable contributions to Pakistan's progress than many of today's politicians, and their efforts deserve acknowledgment.[3]

References
  1. Shah, Rizwan (1987-07-15). "Forgotten Threads: The Tale of Baba-e-Parcham, Pakistan's Unsung Hero". Bnn.network. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
  2. "ماسٹر الطاف حسین، ماسٹر افضال حسین: ملک کا پہلا قومی پرچم کس نے سیا اور اس پر تنازع کیا ہے؟ - BBC News اردو" [Master Altaf Hussain, Master Afzal Hussain: Who has designed the first national flag of the country and disputed it?]. BBC News اردو. Bbc.com. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
  3. "Horrible Condition of Pakistan's Flag Maker Master Afzal Sparks Debate".
  4. "پہلا پاکستانی پرچم بنانے والے ماسٹر الطاف کی خدمات کا اعتراف" [Acknowledgment of the services of Master Altaf who made the first Pakistani flag]. Independent Urdu. March 23, 2023.
  5. "Master Afzal Hussain — an unsung hero of Pakistan". Geo.tv. 2022-03-24. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
  6. "پہلی بار پاکستانی پرچم کی سلائی کرنے والے ماسٹر افضل حسین کی قبر کی تصویر سوشل میڈ یا پر وائرل" [The photo of the grave of master Afzal Hussain, who stitched the Pakistani flag for the first time, went viral on social media]. Dailypakistan.com.pk. 2023-08-15. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
  7. "پہلا قومی پرچم سینے والے ماسٹر افضال کے اہلخانہ کس حال میں؟" [In what condition are the families of Master Afzal, who carried the first national flag?]. Jang.com.pk. 2022-03-23. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
  8. "قومی پرچم کے ماسٹر، افضال حسین کی قبر خستہ حالی کا شکار" [The grave of Afzal Hussain, master of the national flag, is in a dilapidated condition]. dailyausaf.com.
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