Allah Subhana hu Taalah bestows some special and unique qualities to some of his selective persons. These personalities always have deep fear of God in their hearts, they love suffering human beings, always ready to help them. Nawab Jahangir Khanji was among one of them. He was a philanthropist, guardian and supporter of poor segments of society, a well-wisher and equipped with high moral ethics, social activist, patron of many welfare organizations. He hailed from a distinguished lineage, being the grandson of Mohsin e- Pakistan Nawab Mahabat Khanji and the son of former governor Sindh Colonel Nawab Dilawar Khanji of the State of Junagadh.
Nawab Jahangir Khanji dedicated his whole life for the independence of Junagadh State and continued his struggle till his last breath. He always raised the slogan, “Junagadh is Pakistan”. He was a true patriotic and had a deep love for Pakistan and its people with core of his heart. Junagadh house, which was built in 1954 by his grandfather Muhammad Mahabat Khanji, was the heart of social, political and welfare activities and was the heart and soul of these circles. He was liked, admired and was nucleus of people of all walks of life ranging from highly influential circle to common people, downtrodden and poor segment of society. He was generous, kind hearted, caring and loving.
Junagadh was an independent state spreading to about 6,437 Sq km or about 4,000 sq miles the second largest Muslim State in terms of area and fifth richest one. Junagadh was occupied by India in 1947, illegally, neglecting all international rules and law. Nawab Mahabat Khanji III grandfather of Nawab Jahangir Khanji signed an instrument of accession with Quad e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on 15th September,1947. At that time there were five hundred and sixty-two states under the Muslims control. Junagadh was very important one among them. About two million Muslims migrated from India and settled in Pakistan and they all consider Nawab of Junagadh family as their guardian and patron. Nawab Jahangir’s mother Mohtarma Musarrat Jahan is daughter of Nawab of Bhopal Sardar Rauf Muhammad Khan.
Nawab Jahangir Khanji had a very attractive, charismatic and charming personality and whenever he dressed in his traditional Junagadh attire, carrying his traditional sword, he looked very charming. He was a very caring and loving husband and his wife was died on 2nd May, 2023 he took her death on his heart and on 21st July, 2023 just after two months and twenty days he passed away, perhaps he would have met in paradise with his beloved wife and might have said, “ Wafa ke is safar main zingagi bhar saath diya ab tumhain tanhan kesey chore sakta hun” ( You were with me in this journey of love and loyalty, how can I leave you alone).
A day before his death me and Mr. Jawed Malik Editor in Chief, The News Lark met with Mr. Moin Khan Secretary to Nawab Jahangir who informed us about Nawab Sahib’s illness. We expressed our wish that as soon he gets well we will see him. Although he was diagnosed cancer but we still hope that he might get well soon as thinking about departure of such a noble man was very painful. The next day Mr. Moin Khan informed us Nawab Sahib passed away. We were shocked to know this. His traditional smiling face, warmth and hospitality was hovering before our eyes. The News of passing away reverberated across the nation. The demise of Nawab Jahangir is loss of whole nation. He was an asset, benefactor for Pakistan and its people and his death created a huge gap at national scenario which might not be filled.
His funeral prayer was offered at his residence on 21st July,2023 which was led by famous social and welfare figure Haji Hanif Tayyab. It was attended by large number of people including DG Rangers Maj General Azhar Waqas, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, Jawed Ahmed Malik, Editor in Chief the News Lark, Karachi, Dr. Syed Mehboob, Senior Editor the News Lark, Karachi, Mustafa Khawur Senior Reporter the News Lark, Karachi, Ishtiaq Baig, Ikhtiar Baig, Sardar Magan Singh and others. He leaves behind a grieving family, including his mother Mussarat Jahan Begum of Junagadh, his son Nawab Zada Ali Murtaza Khanji, his daughter Princess Maryam Khanji, as well as his brothers Nawab Alamgir Khanji and Zaheer Khanji, as well as his sister Nawab Zada Alia Khanji.
Nawab Muhammad Jahangir Khanji started his primary education from Karachi Convent of Jesus and Mary, at the age of seven he was sent to Burn Hall a boarding school in the northern area, this missionary school run by European Roman Catholic fathers. Later Nawab sahib was went to Switzerland for higher education to Aiglon College & from Gstaad International School. Nawab Sahib also obtained a degree of Bachelor form Karachi University. He is a gold Medallist from the SKI Club of Switzerland in skiing. He has been a keen sportsman who has won cups in rowing competition and water polo, football and fencing etc. He was also blackbelt in martial arts.
He has also served as an advisor to the senior most executive of Sindh chief minister on matters concerning cultural, heritage and archeology. Nawab Sahib has been a pattern for many N.G.O in Pakistan. He has also served as elected Preside Nawab Muhammad Jahangir Khanji started his primary education from Karachi Convent of Jesus and Mary, at the age of seven he was sent to Burn Hall a boarding school in the northern area, this missionary school run by European Roman Catholic fathers. Later Nawab sahib was went to Switzerland for higher education to Aiglon College & from Gstaad International School. Nawab Sahib also obtained a degree of Bachelor form Karachi University. He is a gold Medallist from the SKI Club of Switzerland in skiing. He has been a keen sportsman who has won cups in rowing competition and water polo, football & fencing etc. He is also Black Belt in Martial Arts. He has also served as an advisor to the senior most executive of Sindh chief minister on matters concerning cultural, heritage and archeology.
Nawab Sahib has been a pattern for many N.G.O in Pakistan. He has also served as elected President of Junagadh State Muslim Federation in 1986, he was a member of committee called ‘Friends of Thar’ had invited Madam Carven from Paris to Karachi to hold a fashion show in which money was raised for the welfare of people of Thar. The Nawab Sahib is the founder and first Chief Executive of the Nawab of Junagadh Foundation, which would work in a dedicated to serve of humanity. He had also served as a private secretary of his father when he was Governor of Sindh.
Their hobbies are Photography, Art, Culture, Music and Cars. He believes in conversation of in echo system and a particular wild life. Intentions for the future are to fight for Junagadh, injustice and pollution.
d of Junagadh State Muslim Federation in 1986, he was a member of committee called ‘Friends of Thar’ had invited Madam Carven from Paris to Karachi to hold a fashion show in which money was raised for the welfare of people of Thar.
The Nawab Sahib was the founder and first Chief Executive of the Nawab of Junagadh Foundation, which is working and is dedicated to serve of humanity. He had also served as a private secretary of his father when he was Governor of Sindh. His hobbies were Photography, Art, Culture, Music and Cars. He believes in conversation of in echo system and a particular wild life. Intentions for the future are to fight for Junagadh, injustice and pollution.
He will always be remembered and would be in hearts and minds of people of Pakistan.