Syed Wajid Ali

Syed Wajid Ali (Urdu: سید واجد علی‎) (Born 20 December 1911 – 14 June 2008) was a leading industrialist of Pakistan who is also known for his services to the Olympic Movement. He became the President of Pakistan Olympic Association in 1978 and stayed on the post for 26 years^[1][2][3] until he retired in 2004 to become the longest serving President in the history of the association.^[4] He is also known for promoting arts and culture as well as Red Crescent movement in Pakistan.

Career

Wajid Ali, was born on 20 December 1911 in Lahore, Punjab, British India. He was the second son of Syed Maratib Ali. He received his early education in Lahore and studied at the Government College, Lahore. He then joined the Indian Army as a Commissioned Officer and was on duty during the Second World War.^[5]

In early 1940s he quit the army to look after the growing family business. In 1945, he established a textile plant in Rahim Yar Khan, which was only wound up in 1997. He also became actively involved in the Pakistan Movement and closely worked for the cause alongside Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Fatima Jinnah. During the movement, he was nominated by the Muslim League on a three-member Committee to oversee the referendum in the North West Frontier Province.

An Industrialist

In Pakistan, he set up and managed a number of industrial ventures. Among the major projects was a Ford car manufacturing plant, which was subsequently taken over by the Government in 1973 as part of the nationalisation process.^[6] In his other industrial activities, he remained the chairman of some of the largest entreprises in Pakistan, including Packages Limited, Treet Corporation, Zulfeqar Industries, Loads Limited, and Wazir Ali Industries.

Services to sports

The Olympic Movement

Wajid Ali's dedication to sports has been exemplary and goes a long way to 3 March 1978 when he joined Pakistan Olympic Association as its President and remained in this position till 11 March 2004.^[1]

Among his prominent contributions to the Pakistan Olympic Association was the financing and creation of the Olympic Museum, which is the first of its kind in the Subcontinent. Most of the artefacts in the Museum were donated by himself.

His various roles in relation with the International Olympic Committee were as follows:^[1]

• Member of the IOC Executive Board (1966–76)
• Member Coordination and Supervising Committee for IOC/NOC Relations (1967–68)
• Member of Information and Culture Commission of IOC (1973–74)
• Vice Chairman Coordination and Supervising Committee for IOC/NOC Relations (1968–71)

He also remained the honorary IOC member from 1996 till death,

Lahore Race Club

Wajid Ali was among the founder members of the Lahore Race Club at Kot Lakhpat Complex. He was enrolled in 1945 and was subsequently elected as steward for many years. He was elected the chairman of the club in 1982, and held the office until 1988.

Activities in culture and arts

Wajid Ali became the Chairman of The All Pakistan Music Conference in 1960. The Conference introduced and promoted many classical singers and performers who continue to entertain people. The activities of the All Pakistan Music Conference are regular and of good quality.

On another scale, he envisioned and established the Institute of Islamic Culture in 1952. The Institute of which he was Chairman promotes harmony among various Islamic scholars and peoples by publishing various books and articles of famous scholars.

Service to the Red Crescent Movement

His activities in the health sector included his efforts in founding Liaquat National Hospital in 1953 in Karachi of which he was Chairman. This not-for-profit hospital it has 700 beds and is dedicated to provide the most modern facilities to humanity, especially the poor.

Among his other contributions in the area of health include his association and service to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society where he served as its Chairman from 1968 to 1998. Since 1998, he was Vice President Emeritus of this important relief movement. Syed Maratib Ali was the Chairman of Gulab Devi Hospital from 1947 till his demise in 1961. During his leadership, Gulab Devi established another unit in Kasur.

Death

Syed Wajid Ali died after a protracted illness on 14 June 2008. He was buried at Miani Sahib Graveyard in Lahore.

See also

• Pakistan Olympic Association

Notes