| Baba-e-Parcham | |
| Master Afzal Hussain | |
| Birth Place: | Delhi, India |
| Death Date: | 15 7 1987 |
| Death Place: | Karachi, Pakistan |
| Nationality: | Pakistani |
| Occupation: | Tailor |
| Known For: | Stitching the first flag of Pakistan |
Master Afzal Hussain, also known as Baba-e-Parcham (which means "Father of the Flag"), was a tailor from Delhi. Together with his younger brother, Altaf Hussain, he stitched the very first flag of Pakistan two months before the country's independence.[1] [2] Even though he played an important role in the country's history, Master Afzal's story is not well-known, and his family continues to live in poverty without any help from the government.[3] [4]
Master Afzal Hussain was a dedicated participant in the Pakistan Movement and had a tailoring shop in Delhi. His shop was frequented by well-known politicians and leaders of the Pakistan Movement who came to get sherwanis (traditional clothing) tailored. After moving to Pakistan, he decided to live a simple life in Karachi, allowing his significant contributions to the country to be forgotten over time.[5] [1] [6] [7]
Afzal's contributions were acknowledged later in his life, by the efforts of a well-known scholar Hakim Mohammad Saeed. This led President General Zia-ul-Haq to announce the Pride of Performance Award for Master Afzal. On 15 July 1987, Afzal passed away after being diagnosed with bone cancer, still waiting for his award and the recognition it represented.[1]
His dilapidated grave in the area of New Karachi gained attention on social media.[8] People on social media have shown their unhappiness with the state of his legacy and have encouraged authorities to recognize and appreciate these overlooked heroes. They believe that these unsung heroes have made more valuable contributions to Pakistan's progress than many of today's politicians, and their efforts deserve acknowledgment.[3]