Dr Zulfiqar Ali Mirza is a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, known for his outspoken and controversial views. He was born on February 25, 1954, in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. He hails from a political family, with his father and grandfather both being prominent politicians in the region.Dr Mirza obtained his medical degree from Liaquat Medical College in Jamshoro, Sindh, and later pursued a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Karachi. He worked as a medical practitioner before venturing into politics in the 1990s.In 1993, Dr Mirza was elected to the Sindh Assembly on the ticket of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), a left-leaning political party that has played a significant role in Pakistani politics since its inception in the 1960s. He served as a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) until 1996, and again from 2002 to 2007.
Dr Mirza rose to prominence during the tenure of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who appointed him as the Sindh Home Minister in 2008. He served in this position until 2011 and gained a reputation for his tough stance against criminal elements in the province. During his tenure as Home Minister, Dr Mirza launched several operations against gangsters and criminals, which resulted in the arrest and prosecution of numerous high-profile criminals.However, Dr Mirza's tenure as Home Minister was not without controversy. He was accused of involvement in extrajudicial killings and human rights violations by human rights organizations, political opponents, and the media. Dr Mirza has vehemently denied these allegations and claimed that they were part of a conspiracy to malign him and the PPP.In 2011, Dr Mirza resigned from his position as Home Minister and from the PPP, citing differences with the party leadership. He subsequently formed his own political party, the Sindh United Party (SUP), and contested the 2013 general elections from his hometown of Badin. However, he was unsuccessful in his bid for a National Assembly seat.
Dr Mirza's political career has been marked by his vocal opposition to the military establishment in Pakistan, particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency. He has accused the ISI of meddling in Pakistani politics and of being responsible for the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007.Dr Mirza is also known for his controversial statements, which have often landed him in trouble. He has been accused of making inflammatory remarks about various ethnic and religious groups in Pakistan, including the Mohajirs, Sindhis, and Balochs. He has also been criticized for his sexist and misogynistic comments.Despite his controversial reputation, Dr Mirza remains a popular figure among his supporters in Sindh, who see him as a champion of the province's interests. His political career has been marked by his efforts to promote democracy and human rights in Pakistan, and his outspoken criticism of the military establishment has earned him the respect of many Pakistanis who are disillusioned with the country's powerful army.
In conclusion, Dr Zulfiqar Ali Mirza's personal life and political career have been marked by controversy and outspokenness. He remains a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, known for his tough stance against criminal elements and his vocal opposition to the military establishment. While his legacy remains a subject of debate, there is no doubt that Dr Mirza has left a lasting impact on the political landscape of Pakistan.
