IT is uncommon that flair for politics, business acumen and a commitment to philanthropy are combined in the personality of one individual. But Haji Sir Abdullah Haroon, whose death anniversary is being observed today, was one of those rare individuals who excelled in all these fields. A public figure with a conscience, and a key member of the Pakistan Movement, Haroon was no typical seth, but a man with a genuine vision for the betterment of people, and great political foresight.

Abdullah Haroon — orphaned at a young age — faced difficulties in his early years but worked hard and reached the pinnacle of business and political success. He credited his mother for making him who he was. Later in life, remembering his own adversities, he did much to improve the lot of orphans and the destitute through various philanthropic projects.

The list of his philanthropic contributions is considerable, with many of these institutions continuing to operate today, specifically in Karachi. He had also funded Aligarh Muslim University, while despatching help for the Muslims of Palestine and Turkiye.

In business, through sheer hard work, he made a name for himself, and became known as Sindh’s ‘sugar king’. Despite suffering........

© Dawn