Home Anniversary Remembering Taj Muhammad Langah – The Visionary

Remembering Taj Muhammad Langah – The Visionary

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Remembering Taj Muhammad Langah – The Visionary

Taj Muhammad Langah, who passed away at the age of 73 on April 7, 2013, founded Pakistan Siraiki Party 34 years back as the first political party voicing the demand for a Siraiki province

By Nukhbah Taj Langah

Barrister Taj Muhammad Langah was born on September 1, 1939, in a decently landed family belonging to a village named Jhoke Langah (moza Naseer di Vehan), district Lodhran. He received his early education in a local school (Goth Bahar). He studied in a college in Bahawalpur and later pursued his LLB at the Government College Lahore. His passion for law inspired him to pursue a Bar-at-Law degree from Lincoln’s Inn. Later, his wife accompanied him to London where he joined the Ministry of Housing and Planning and worked here for eight years.

He was part of Bhutto’s first cabinet and played a key role in organizing the party in the Punjab province

Taj-Langah-Sindh-CourierBeing a staunch patriot, he decided to return to Pakistan to serve his country and joined Pakistan Peoples’ Party on Late Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s invitation. He was part of Mr. Bhutto’s first cabinet and played a key role in organizing the party in the Punjab province. He also contested a competitive election against Mr. Daultana in Vehari.

As a Barrister he also actively pursued his practice in Supreme Court Lahore, later establishing his practice in Multan after the bench was divided. Around 80s, he became more involved in the struggle for the political rights of Siraiki community. Realizing that parliamentary parties rarely regarded them their rights as a priority, he decided to dedicate his life for voicing the demand for a Siraiki province. At Multan, he initiated ‘Siraiki Lawyers Forum’ which later evolved into ‘Siriaiki Sooba Mahaz’ and finally as Pakistan Siraiki Party (PSP) centered at Multan 1989.

Barrister Taj Muhammad Langah – a prominent political figure in Pakistan – was devotedly remembered on 7th April 2023 on his 10th anniversary; this day also marked the 34th birthday of the first political party (PSP). Siraiki cadres, his friends, colleagues, and followers get together this day to pay tribute to his decades of devoted commitment towards his motherland and mother language. The demand for a Siraiki province is a symbol of his vision and struggle, which is reinforced each year this day.

Langah debated that Siraiki language should be acknowledged as the language spoken by most of the community in Punjab

Taj-Langah-Sindh-Courier-1Taj Muhammad Langah created PSP as the first political party voicing the demand for a Siraiki province in Punjab. This political party aimed to promote the rights of the Siraiki people and to demand the creation of a fifth province within the federation of Pakistan by proposing the bifurcation of the present Punjab. The movement demanded ending the self-imposed economic and political hegemony of the ruling elite. Langah not only debated that Siraiki language should be acknowledged as the language spoken by most of the community in Punjab but was also as the identity marker of an ethnicity that needs a province for the protection of their democratic rights.

Langah also remained an ardent supporter of the rights of the working class and believed in the power of class equality. He had a progressive approach in life and always supported the minorities and downtrodden communities. He was jailed several times due to his activism and progressive ideas. Nevertheless, his relentless commitment towards his community, cause and struggle have made his vision immortal.

He has left a legacy of struggle for the democratic rights and empowerment of Siraiki people. His vision is carried forward by his daughter (Dr. Nukhbah Taj Langah who now chairs PSP), Malik Allah Nawaz Wains (PSP President) who hope to pursue his vision and inspire youth to join his just cause.

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