Mir Ibrahim Rahman CEO of GEO TV Network

Mir Ibrahim Rahman known as "MIR" is the elder son of Pakistan's most powerful person and media tycoon Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman. He is the CEO of GEO TV. He is reportedly a former Goldman Sachs investment banker, specializing in media and telecom. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with Honors from Babson College in Economics, Finance and Entrepreneurship in 2000 and is one of the youngest CEOs to head a channel.

Syed Khalid Mahmood

Having started his professional career during his student life in the 1980s, Syed Khalid Mahmood has evolved into an acclaimed writer, journalist, author, biographer, broadcaster, editor, publisher, blogger, analyst, presenter and motivational speaker, having worked for many prestigious organizations. He has authored the highest number of books (17) on the subject of sports in Pakistan. 

  

After having studied at Cadet College Petaro and Government Delhi College, Karachi, he graduated as a civil engineer from NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, in 1986. Choosing to devote more time and energy for writing-related works, he became founder member of the editorial team of The News, the famous English daily launched by Jang Group of Newspapers in 1991. He officiated as News Editor and Editor for Daily News, the first-ever evening newspaper of Pakistan. He also worked for The Frontier Post besides having a brief stint with The Mississauga News. 

Jumbo Karachi Guide, the first-ever guidebook of its kind of any city of Pakistan, was conceptualized and launched by his team in 2011. They have plans to bring out similar guidebooks of other cities and countries from the platform of Jumbo Publishing which has already produced numerous high-quality books.

Founding a youth club by the name of The Young Champs in 1984, library activism has featured prominently in his social sector engagements. He has headed Rotary International’s National Library Promotion Committee besides serving as Advisor to a couple of library associations. He is Acting President of Delhi Anglo-Arabic Schools & Colleges Old Boys Association. He is co-founder of Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries which was inaugurated by the President of Pakistan in March 2024. 

 

He himself was an energetic all-round cricketer, being a lively fast bowler and an accomplished top-order batsman. He captained his club’s outfit with great success with his ‘trust in teamwork and believe in yourself’ mantra. He also played hockey, basketball, table tennis and scrabble in his eventful student life. (Updated May 2, 2025)

Pir Sahib Pagara

EARLY LIFE OF PIR PAGARA:

He was born in pir Goth on 22nd November1928. He had his primary education at pir Jo Goth. During arrest of his father, Education was looked after by kalifas at Dargah Sharif. His circumcision was perfumed at Grange bungalow near Sanghar.

From 8th May 1943 to 1946.
In1946 he was kept under house arrest along with his Younger brother and family members in Karachi.He stayed three years Aligrah from 1943 to 1946.in 1946 he was shifted by Ship to liver pool (ENGLAND) In England he was admitted in Majiour Davis Private School and was under arrested. This private school was no less than a hell.


This was in far flung rural area near hero in pioneer. There were only 12-13 students in this school all from foreign countries belonging to those families who opposed British rule in their countries. In this school he had no choose of subjects, but to study whatever administration said. He was forced to study a Christianity subject of Divinity to Learn French and Latin.
In 1949 Prime Minister Liaqut Ali Khan met him in England and assured of restoration of Status of Pir Pagara On 4th February 1952 his status of pir Pagara was officially restored and Dasterbandi was done.

EDUCATION:

PIR PAGARA HAD PRIMARY EDUCATION AT PIR JO GOTH
Then for some time at Karachi when he was under house arrest from 1946 he got his education at Aligarh.
In Aligarh Kazi Sadrruddin a prosecuting Inspector Police used to teach Quran. From 1946 to 1952 in Liver pool [England] in Major Davis school as told above. He had his graduation from England.

LATER LIFE OF PIR SAHIB PAGARA SHAH MORDAN SHAH SANI AFTER RESTORATION OF GADI.
Present Pir Sahib has great dominating and impressing personality. Pir Sahib is very kind hearted sympathetic, courageous and brave man. Immediately after restoration of Gadi he had many challenges. Most important challenge was to restore the image of Hur Jamat. British during last 30 years had tarnished the image of Jamat and projected the Jamat as terrorist. It was a big task to clarify the position of the Jamat to organize the scattered and absconded Jamat and to restore confidence in Jamat. He took special interest in education of Jamat and to make Jamat law abiding and peaceful citizens. He tried for academic as well as religious education. He got hur scholar-ship sanctioned by Government for poor hur students.
Philanthropic people in Jamat also supported the poor, intelligent and deserving hur students. Pir Sahib him self also paid educational expenses of poor and deserving hur students. Pir Sahib repeatedly stressed the need of education particularly higher education both males and females.
For religious education Pir Sahib on May 1952 established Jamia Rashidia at Dargah Sharif. Management and expenses of jamia was the responsibility of Dargah. By now there are about eight branches of Jamia Rashdia in different cities of Sindh from where thousands of muftis, hafiz of Quran, Molvi, Alams, and Fazils are produced who are serving in different cities of Sindh. He had established a beautiful library at Dargah Sharif which has lacks of valuable and precious books. Though he is heavily busy, he is the only leader in Pakistan who attends his telephone personally, directly, so it is very easy to talk to him for any problem. Pir Sahib married in 1954 to daughter of Makhdoom Maliak Syed Ghulam Miran Shah Pir Sahib has three sons, Sibghtullah Shah [Raga sain], Ali Gohar Shah, Sadaruddin Shah[Younis sain].
After restoration of Gadi he called all the absconders of hur Jamat at Dargah Sharif, took their photographs personally. Those having major cases were handed to Government and advised to face cases and almost all of them were freed as the cases were false. Those who had minor cases or no cases were asked to live peace fully like law abiding Citizens. After consultation with Khalifas and seeking permission form Government in 1952 Pir Sahib made a program to meet Jamat and tour the different areas. He came to hunting first in Makhi and Awadh. Till that time Hurs were in concentration camps. Some people advised him to go to camps so that followers inside camps can see him. He refused and said I will burn all these camps. It happened so, that after a few days all camps caught fire. Any way the inmates of camps were brought out side of camps in groups to see their leader. Pir Pagara never visited any foreign country except England [during arrest] and Saudi Arabia [for religious obligations]. Pir Pagara has no account or property in any foreign country.

HORSE RACING - SPORT OF KINGS

Pir Sahib is very fond of Hunting some areas as Awadh is reserved for.

Pir Sahib hunting where no body else is allowed to hunt.

Pir Sahib is very fond of horses and horse racings. He has many horses of high breed, which often win the races Karachi race club has been restored only with Pir Sahib's efforts.

Forecasting is also hobby of Pir Sahib. His Political forecast often comes true.

HUR MOVEMENT:

Hur movement was actually started in the days of Sibghtullah Shah Bad Shah.[1831-1779]and reached its peak in the days Sibghtullah Shah Shaheed Suraih Bad Shah, Hurs become active against britishers, so rulers sent every active person to Vasarpur district Ahmed Nangar for Jail in India.

Sibghatullah Shah 1 provided forces to Syed Ahmed Shaheed to fight against Sikhs and since then these brave people are called as Hurs [free people] freedom struggle was practically started by Syed Sibghtullah Shah Shaheed Awal in 1246[Hijri].


Pagaras' and their followers fought for freedom against British rulers and their supporters for 108 years from 1843 to 1951.

In 1922 when Sibghtullah Shah II [Sarah Bad Shah] becomes Pir Pagara he was only 12 years old. Very soon he realized that British officer’s behavior towards Hur Jamat or Sindhi people was insulting and Humiliating, he resented and rose voiced against British rulers. He organized, encouraged and determined to continue struggle against British rulers. As a result Marsha law was imposed by British rulers to control hur movement. Pir Sahib made Grange Bungalow as his general head quarter. He with planning recruited his followers for armed struggle. They were trained for fight and to continue armed struggle. This act of Pir Sahib raised slogan “home land or death”. After the arrest of Pir Sahib Hurs increased their activities against Government.
Please download Java(tm).

Hurs started attacking Police stations, Government buildings, Railway Stations, Telephone System and irrigation system to paralyze Government and to pressurize Government to release their spiritual leader. Government as a result started arrest of Hurs and their leaders. Governments established false cases against them and punished them heavily after summary trials.

Pir Sahib had succeeded in telling his intensify their struggle and activities if he is arrested. Railway train Lahore mail was derailed by Hurs on 16th may 1942.
When Hurs attacked army or police they raised slogan of “Bheg Pagara” . To crush Hurs, Grange Bungalow their center was bombarded and destroyed on 26th may 43. Lastly he was arrested on 24th October 1941 & was sent to seoni in India jail. Dargah Sharif & bungalow in pir Jo Goth were also destroyed in 1943.
In 1942 the important leaders of hur Jamat were also arrested. Pir Sahib was brought back from Seaoni to Sindh in January 1943 and was arrested in Hyderabad central jail. The hurs made makhi forest as their base for activities. Government when failed to control struggle by land forces, started air bombing over grange bungalow, makhi forest and Dargah Sharif.

Hurs were ordered them not to give daily attendance instead become absconder and to continue struggle and activities. Government ultimately arrested thousands of hur leaders along with their families and kept them in concentration camps [where attendance was taken in morning and evening].They were in camps till 1952 when the present Pir Sahib Pagara was crowned and Gadi was restored.

Abdul Sattar Edhi

About Edhi Foundation

Abdul Sattar Edhi established his first welfare centre and then the Bilqis Edhi Trust with a mere Rs. 5000. What started as a one-man show operating from a single room in Karachi is now the Edhi Foundation, the largest welfare organization in Pakistan. The foundation has over 300 centers across the country, in big cities, small towns and remote rural areas, providing medical aid, family planning and emergency assistance. They own air ambulances, providing quick access to far-flung areas.


In Karachi alone, the Edhi Foundation runs 8 hospitals providing free medical care, eye hospitals, diabetic centers, surgical units, a 4- bed cancer hospital and mobile dispensaries. In addition to these the Foundation also manages two blood banks in Karachi.

20,000 abandoned babies have been saved
40,000 qualified nurses have been trained
50,000 orphans are housed in Edhi Homes
1 million babies have been delivered in Edhi Maternity Centers

Edhi is to Karachi what Mother Teresa was to the poor of Calcutta. Edhi and wife Bilquees have spent a lifetime working for people and their welfare work to date remains unparalleled in Pakistan. They are both very private people who shun publicity. They have had little formal education, and are totally committed to the cause of helping the poor and needy.


The Dawn of Edhi Foundation

What started as a one-man show operating from a single room in Karachi is now the Edhi Foundation, the largest welfare organization in Pakistan. The foundation has over 300 centers across the country, in big cities, small towns and remote rural areas, providing medical aid, family planning and emergency assistance.

Born in 1928 in Bantwa , Gujarat, India , Edhi’s family belonged to the industrious Memon community. From a young age his mother taught Edhi to be kind towards others and to help the poor. In 1947 the family migrated to Pakistan and settled in Karachi. That was a time of great emotional trauma and social and political upheaval. Edhi became involved in social work and began working with welfare organisations and soon started his own dispensary, providing medical aid to the poor. He bought his first ambulance, an old van which he called the "poor man’s van" and went around the city providing medical help and burying unclaimed bodies. His van became his advertisement and soon he came to be known for his work with the poor. As a consequence, donations started pouring in and his operations expanded, employing additional nurses and staff. It was here that Edhi met his wife Bilquees who was a trainee nurse at the dispensary. They were married in 1966. Bilquees became the ideal wife for Edhi, totally committed to welfare work.

Edhi established his first welfare centre and then the Edhi Trust with a mere Rs. 5000 [$1000]. The Edhi Foundation grew as people began to recognize its humanitarian aims. In 1973 when an old apartment building collapsed in Karachi, Edhi’s ambulances and volunteers were the first to reach the scene and start rescue operations. From then, on, through the troubles in Karachi and all over the country, Edhi’s ambulances have been rescuing and taking the injured to hospitals and burying unclaimed bodies. They go to places where even government agencies hesitate to venture.

The Edhi Foundation is the first of its kind in South Asia that owns air ambulances, providing quick access to far-flung areas. Whether it is a train accident or a bomb blast, Edhi ambulances are the first to arrive. The foundation relies on the support of its 3, 500 workers and thousands of volunteers who form the backbone of the organisation


Edhi's Founder
Despite the growth of the foundation, Edhi remains a very down to earth person. Dressed always in a grey homespun cotton, he has a hands on approach to his work, sweeping his own room and even cleaning the gutter if need be. Apart from the one room, which he uses for his living quarters, the rest of the building serves as his workplace in Mithadar, a locality of old Karachi that is full of narrow streets and congested alleyways. Adjoining their living room is a small kitchen where Bilquees usually prepares the midday meal. Next to it is a washing area where bodies are bathed and prepared for burial..


When Edhi is not travelling to supervise his other centres, a typical day for him begins at five in the morning with Fajr prayers. His work starts thereafter answering any calls for help, organizing and meeting people in need while afternoons are spent at various centres and hospitals all over the city. In the evening he dines with hundreds of poor at his "langar" [free community meals common among Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs] at another Edhi centre in the city. His Fridays are invariably spent at homes for the destitute children where Edhi personally helps bathe the ones who are physically handicapped, before joining them for Friday prayers. Occasionally, when he is able to, he also takes them out for picnics.


Assets of Edhi Foundation

In Karachi alone, the Edhi Foundation runs 8 hospitals providing free medical care, eye hospitals, diabetic centres, surgical units, a 4- bed cancer hospital and mobile dispensaries. In addition to these the Foundation also manages two blood banks in Karachi. As with other Edhi services, employed professionals and volunteers run these. The foundation has a Legal aid department, which provides free services and has secured the release of countless innocent prisoners.

Commissioned doctors visit jails on a regular basis and also supply food and other essentials to the inmates. There are 15 " Apna Ghar" ["Your Homes"] homes for the destitute children, runaways, and psychotics and the Edhi Foundation states that over the years 3 million children have been rehabilitated and reunited with their families thorough the Edhi network.

The foundation also has an education scheme, which apart from teaching reading and writing covers various vocational activities such as driving, pharmacy and para-medical training. The emphasis is on self-sufficiency. The Edhi Foundation has branches in several countries where they provide relief to refugees in the USA , UK , Canada , Japan , and Bangladesh . In 1991 the Foundation provided aid o victims of the Gulf war and earthquake victims in Iran and Egypt .


Vision Of the Foundation
Edhi plans mass campaigns against narcotics, illiteracy, population control and basic hygiene. Edhi's wife Bilquees works in the areas of maternity centre management. She runs 6 nursing training schools in Karachi , which provide basic training courses. These centres have so far trained over 40,000 qualified nurses. Some 20,000 abandoned babies have been saved and about a million babies have been delivered in the Edhi maternity homes. Bilquees also supervises the food that is supplied to the Edhi hospitals in Karachi . The total number of orphans in Edhi housing is 50,000 and Edhi's two daughters and one son assist in the running of the orphanages and the automation of these institutions.

Edhi's vision is to create an institution that will carry on his life's work and survive for a long time to come. His dream is that of a Pakistan as a modern welfare state, which provides a safety net for the poor and needy while providing basic health and education with vocational skills. A welfare state Edhi feels is the only way to tackle Pakistan 's myriad social problems. He hopes that one day, Pakistan will be a model for other developing countries.

In 1985 Edhi received the Nishan-e-Imtiaz from the Government of Pakistan and in recognition of their services the Government of Philippines awarded Edhi & Bilquees the Magsayay award.

The Edhi Foundation refuses to take any aid from the Government, thereby maintaining its independence

Ansar Burney, Advocate

Chairman and Founder Ansar Burney Trust


Born August 14th 1956 in Karachi Pakistan, Syed Ansar Ahmed Burney, son of Syed Mukhtar Ahmed Burney, was the first man to introduce true human rights in Pakistan over 25 years ago.

A graduate of Master's and Law from Karachi University and honorary recipient of a PhD. in Philosophy, Ansar Burney, Advocate started his noble mission in 1980 by setting up the “Ansar Burney Welfare Trust", "Prisoners Aid Society" and "Bureau of Missing and Kidnapped Persons" in Karachi Pakistan.

A vocal and prominent student leader in the 1970s, Ansar Burney was always known as one to raise his voice for justice, freedom of speech and for human and civil rights during the time of Martial Law in Pakistan. As such, he landed himself in trouble on many occasions with the military government.

In 1977 at the age of 20, Ansar Burney was arrested on charges of delivering speeches against Martial Law in Pakistan and without a fair trial he was sentenced to 8 months rigorous imprisonment.

Upon his release, he was again arrested by the Martial Law Authorities who sent him to Karachi Prison for a further 2 months detention. In 1979, he was again arrested for the third time and detained for a month.

At all three times, Ansar Burney was imprisoned for raising his voice for democracy and against the terrible injustices being committed by the then military government.

During this time of detention in different prisons, Ansar Burney witnessed first hand the miserable conditions of Pakistani prisons and the barbaric treatments inflicted on prisoners. He met many innocent people who had been locked up for several years without ever committing a crime or even facing trial.

That was the time that he decided to help those in need; and after completing his law degree in 1980, Ansar Burney established the “Prisoners Aid Society” with the purpose of bringing reforms in prisons and to get the release of all innocent and illegally confined prisoners.

As a result of his continued and selfless work, Ansar Burney has so far been able to secure release of around 700,000 prisoners from countries all around the world. These have included persons locked up on false charges, those released from private and illegal prisons, illegal immigrants and those who were released from slave labor camps; some released after as many as 55 years of illegal confinement.

With the passing of time, Ansar Burney led the Trust into becoming a true human rights organisation working for justice without discrimination and against all forms of human and civil rights repressions and violations.

Working at the forefront, Ansar Burney has fearlessly led legal missions, humanitarian relief teams and fought for the rights of the innocents in many parts of the world; facing yet more imprisonment in Bosnia and various attacks on his life.

Ansar Burney, founder and chairman of Ansar Burney Trust, is an authority on human rights in Pakistan and the Middle East. He has hosted and attended hundreds of National and International conferences, groups and forums and has received over 200 awards and medals from home and abroad. On the 23rd March 2002, he was conferred Pakistan’s National Civil Award "Sitar-i-Imtiaz", the first in the history of Pakistan in the field of human rights.

Ansar Burney got married with Shaheen on May 28, 1981 and they have three children - Fahad, Raheel and daughter Sana.