By Shah Khalid Khan
Although Shangla lags behind in terms
of economic and financial development, its people have compensated for this with their voice, pen, and language. Whether it is in social services or first aid relief, the people of Shangla are always at the forefront of leadership in major cities. Our struggle has strengthened us, and politics runs deep in our DNA.
When a few self-interested individuals distanced themselves from the Pakistan Peoples Party in Shangla, the founder of Shangla, Dr. Afsar-ul-Mulk Khan, entrusted me with a huge responsibility. At that time, I was just a student, completely unaware of the complexities of politics. But I followed the footsteps of my leader, and by the grace of Almighty Allah, today I am recognized across Shangla.
Politics does not require immense wealth or expensive cars—it demands sincerity. And it is sincerity and self-respect that elevate a person to greatness.
My senior companions must surely be familiar with Malik Meraj Khalid, though today’s youth have stopped reading books and are often distracted by inappropriate content on laptops. Malik Meraj Khalid was once a boy who sold milk, yet he set high targets for himself. His story is painful yet inspiring. I will focus only on his self-respect and dedication.
He completed his graduation and became a professor at Lahore College. But Malik Meraj Khalid had a different goal in mind. During that era, Shaheed Bhutto founded the Pakistan Peoples Party. Malik Meraj Khalid resigned from his teaching job and joined the party.
As elections approached, Bhutto Sahib gave Malik Meraj Khalid the party ticket to contest against the very landlord to whom he used to deliver milk and from whose payments he funded his education. The election was held, and Malik Meraj Khalid won with a large majority. Recognizing his capabilities, Bhutto Sahib included him in his cabinet.
Bhutto Sahib moved from a village to Lahore and rented a flat in Lakshmi Chowk. That was just the beginning of success. During the martial law period, Malik Meraj Khalid became the Dean of the Islamic National University and led it to great achievements.
Later, when elections were announced, he was appointed as the caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan. His loyalty to the country was unmatched. He used to bring food from home and never wasted even a single rupee of the nation’s tax money.
If we structure our lives on such principles, our country will soon join the ranks of developed nations.