Hanif Ramay

Muhammad Hanif Ramay (1930-2006) was an internationally renowned intellectual, journalist and former Governor and Chief Minister of Punjab, and he was among the founding fathers of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Born near Sheikhupura in 1930, in an Arain agriculturist family, Muhammad Hanif Ramay earned a good name in politics and great respect in the profession of journalism. After completing B.A. honors degree from Government College Lahore (most prestigious educational institute in Lahore), later he did his Masters in Economics and Philosophy as well from Punjab University. Hanif had an avid interest in politics from his college years in Lahore; he held various leadership positions in the local political scene of Lahore. Hanif is often called as one of the pioneers of Socialist Islam in Pakistan. Hanif led the way for many progressive liberal politicians in Pakistan, and he was amongst the pioneers of the original Pakistan Peoples Party (Shaeed Bhutto wing).

Hanif Ramay was elected member provincial assembly on PPP ticket in 1970. He was Punjab finance minister from 1972-73, Punjab governor from February 1973 to March 1974 and was appointed chief minister of Punjab from March 15, 1974 to July 15, 1975. Later on he developed differences with Z.A. Bhutto and thus was forced to resign form his position, and later prisoned as a result of a malicious prosecution. During the same time frame he founded the left wing newspaper "Masawaat". In a self imposed exile to evade prosecution from the military dictatorship, Hanif left for the U.S., in the late 70s. Hanif Ramay was associated with University of California at Berkely in Northern California from 1980 to 1983. After the demise of his first wife (Ms. Shaheen), he married an American woman, then Joyce Murad, a widow of his close friend, and lived with her in Fort Myers, FL (USA) for several years. Hanif was the author of many best selling Urdu and English Books in Pakistan and abroad, the most famous book he ever wrote was titled "Punjab ka Muqadma" (Punjab's Case). Hanif is also world famous for his Picasso inspired art and thus he became the pioneer for Islamic Calligraphy paintings, his art was exhibited all round the word and was praised in various art journals and critics. Often Sadqian is given credit for the Caligrapic Art in Pakistan, but in fact Hanif Was was the true pioneer of this technique, which later inspried many painters across the world.

After deciding to re-enter politics in Pakistan in early 90's, he contested in the general election from Lahore on PPP ticket, and thus after winning he was selected as the Speaker of Punjab Assembly in 1993, and he remained in that position until 1996.

Hanif died on January 1, 2006 in Lahore after a prolonged illness resulting out of an accidental fall he took at his home. Hanif's death was widely condoled around the world. Hanif Ramay left behind his widow Joyce Ramay and a son, Ibrahim, and a daughter Maryam, and several grand children. Hanif was a great family man and was particularly very close to his sisters, Begum Khursheed and Begum Rasheeda.

[http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/jan-2006/28/columns5.php]

[http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006%5C01%5C02%5Cstory_2-1-2006_pg1_3]

###@@@KEY@@@###succession box |title=Governor of Punjab
years=February 1973 - March 1974
before=Ghulam Mustafa Khar| after=Sadiq Hussain Qureshi

succession box |title=Chief Minister of Punjab
years=15 March, 1974 - 15 July, 1975
before=Ghulam Mustafa Khar| after=Sadiq Hussain Qureshi

MOHAMMED HANIF the best F3 racers of all times has travelled all over the world racing with all sorts of cars...... has a great ambition towards cars loves riding any car even a dumb ambassador......