Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed, or Khaleel Ahmed Pakistani was an activist of the All India Muslim League and a freedom fighter. Pakistan's 'Father of the nation', Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, gave him the title Pakistani.

Jinnah, while he was campaigning all around India for the creation of Pakistan, spotted Khaleel Ahmed shouting Pro-Pakistani slogans. Khaleel rushed to the Jhansi railway station where Jinnah came off the train. Being outstanding in the group of students demanding Pakistan, Jinnah called Khaleel towards him and said, "Well young man what do you know about Pakistan and why do you want it?" said Khaleel. After hearing his response, Jinnah patted him on his back and said "You're a true Pakistani".

He was popularized as Khaleel Ahmed Pakistani all over the city by his friends. Later he was formally recognized for his freedom struggle, when President General Zia-Ul-Haq's government launched a campaign called "Tehreek-e-Karakunan-e-Pakistan" which involved compiling a book, to give a tribute to all those who struggled for Pakistan . He was recognized for his efforts campaigning all over India, giving speeches and taking part in debates against activists of the All India Congress, who opposed the creation of Pakistan.

Several years later he was also given a gold medal by the Nawaz Sharif government, for his struggle. Over 80 years of age, he now resides in Ghotki with his son, with a few members of his extended family living close by in the neighbourhood.

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