| Haibat Khan Niazi | |
| Death Date: | 16th Century |
| Other Names: | Azam Hamayan |
| Occupation: | Noble, Governor of the Punjab |
Haibat Khan Niazi was an Afghan noble and military leader in the Sur Empire. He was the most powerful noble of Sher Shah Suri and Commander of the Niazi contingent of his army.[1] He is best known for bringing law and order in Multan by destroying the power of Balochs and Fetah Khan Jat dominated the entire South Punjab. Sher Shah Suri granted him the title of Azam Hamayun[2] and appointed him governor of the Punjab.[3]
Sher Shah Suri ordered Khan to conquer Kashmir, Multan and Sindh in present-day Pakistan. Haibat Khan first conquered Kashmir and installed the Chak dynasty. The conquest of Multan and Sindh and the restoration of law and order was completed by November, 1543.[4]
Islam Shah Suri after his accession directed his efforts towards the eradication of pro Adil Shah nobility including Haibat Khan Niazi and Khawas Khan who in reaction to the excesses committed against Afghan nobles rebelled. The Niazi rebellion intensified as Haibat Khan Niazi declared independence in Lahore. The uprising gained further support with Khawas Khan and Isa Khan Niazi joining from the Kumaun hills. Islam Shah, with Shujaat Khan, marched north and defeated the Niazis at Sambla near Dinkot. Following their defeat, Islam Shah humiliated the Niazis. The Afghans were outraged by the mistreatment of their captured kin, which included systematic indignities. In Punjab, the Niazis, unable to sustain their resistance, sought refuge with the Gakkhars near Rohtas. Later along with his kin he escaped towards Kashmir where their path was blocked by the Kashmiris who put Haibat Khan Niazi to death along with Shahbaz Khan and Saeed Khan.[5]