Educationist and activist of Tehreek-e-Pakistan –

Professor Abu Bakr Ahmed Haleem was a well-known educationist, historian and one of the elites of the Pakistan Movement. He remained famous for his teaching, good management and discipline, but he is also remembered for his elegance and high morals.

His name is also abbreviated as ABA Haleem. The professor was the head of the history department of Aligarh Muslim University in India, while he was also the vice chancellor of Sindh University and the first vice chancellor of Karachi University.

Abubakar Ahmad Halim was born on 1st March 1897 in Araki, Jehanabad (Bihar). He studied at Patna University and Oxford University. When he returned to India in 1921, he started his practical life as a teacher in Aligarh Muslim University, in 1923 he became a professor of history and political science in the same institution and then became the president. Served in Aligarh Muslim University till 1944. In 1942, he was appointed Chairman of the Inter-University Board of United India. By this time he had started participating in meetings and conferences organized to improve the political, social and educational condition of Muslims.

In 1944, ABA Haleem entered the field of regular politics and played a very dynamic and active role. He rendered valuable services for Tehreek Pakistan. From 1944 to 1945, he held the post of Secretary of the Planning Committee of the All India Muslim League. In 1945, he became a member of the Legislative Assembly on the All India Muslim League ticket. He was also the Secretary of the Education Committee of the Muslim League. During the Shimla Conference in 1945, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah also appointed him as his constitutional advisor. After the partition of India in 1947, he was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Sindh University where he served till 1951. Then he was appointed as the first Vice Chancellor of Karachi University. Here, ABA Haleem, after resigning from his post, became associated with Mutmar-e-Alam-e-Islami and remained associated till the last time.

On April 20, 1975, the professor left this world forever. Pakistan Post issued a commemorative stamp in 2003 for his valuable services.

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