Jamaluddin Aali Biography
Name: Jamaluddin Aali
Date of Birth: 20 January 1925
Nationality: Pakistani
Birth Place: New Delhi, India
Date of death: 23 November 2015 (aged 90)
Died Place: Karachi, Pakistan
Religion: Islam
Alma mater: Anglo Arabic College, University of Karachi
Occupation: Poet, songwriter, critic, playwright, essayist, columnist, scholar
Spouse: Tayaba Bano (married 1944)
Children: 5 (3 sons and 2 daughters)
Awards: Pride of Performance in 1991, Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence) Award in 2004
Aali married Tayyba Bano in 1944. He had three sons and two daughters.
Aali died of a heart attack on 23 November 2015 in Karachi. His Namaz-I-Janazah was held in the mosque “Tooba” in DHA, Karachi. He was buried in an army graveyard at Bizerta Lines, Karachi on 23 November 2015.
Jamaluddin Aali
Who is Jamaluddin Aali?
Nawabzada Mirza Jamaluddin Ahmed Khan PP, popularly known as Jamaluddin Aali or Aaliji, was a multifaceted personality in Pakistan, distinguished as a poet, critic, playwright, essayist, columnist, and scholar.
Born on 20 January 1925 in Delhi, India, Aali hailed from a notable lineage. His father, Amiruddin Ahmed Khan, held the title of Nawab of Loharu, while his mother, Syeda Jamila Baigum, traced her ancestry directly to Khwaja Mir Dard, adding to the richness of his heritage. Aali pursued a BA in Economics from Anglo Arabic College, Delhi in 1944.
Following the partition of India in 1947, Aali migrated to Karachi, Pakistan, on 13 August 1947, alongside his family. His professional journey commenced as an assistant in the Ministry of Commerce. In 1951, he successfully cleared the CSS examination, leading to his induction into the Pakistan Taxation Service. Notably, he served as the Officer on Special Duty at the President’s House from 1959 to 1963.
Aali’s creative flair extended beyond his bureaucratic duties. He penned the iconic patriotic song “Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan” during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, which resonated deeply with the nation and attained widespread popularity. This contribution showcased his commitment to the spirit of patriotism and national unity.
Transitioning to the corporate sphere, Aali joined the National Bank of Pakistan in 1967, eventually rising to the position of vice president before his retirement in 1988. Concurrently, he pursued further academic pursuits, obtaining an FEL and LLB degree from the University of Karachi in 1971.
Aali’s involvement in politics saw him aligning with the Pakistan Peoples Party, culminating in his participation in the 1977 National Assembly elections from NA-191. Despite his efforts, he faced defeat to Munawwar Hasan of Jamaat-e-Islami. Nevertheless, he continued his political engagement and was elected as a member of the Senate in 1997, representing a six-year term with the support of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement.
The legacy of Jamaluddin Aali extends far beyond his professional and political endeavors. His contributions to literature, culture, and national identity remain cherished, with his song “Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan” serving as a timeless anthem of pride and patriotism for generations of Pakistanis.
( Updated: 1 March 2024 )
