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{{short description|Pakistani politician}}
{{more citations needed|date=January 2017}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix =
| name = Ameen Faheem
| native_name = {{nobold|{{nq|امين فہیم}}}}
| native_name_lang =
| honorific-suffix =
| image = Makhdoom Amin Faheem - Horasis Global Arab Business Meeting 2012.jpg
| imagesize =
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| alt =
| caption = Faheem at the [[Horasis]] Global Arab Business Meeting in 2012
| order = [[Commerce Minister of Pakistan|Minister of Commerce and Chambers]]
| office =
| term_start = 3 November 2008
| term_end = 16 March 2013
| alongside = 
| vicepresident =
| viceprimeminister =
| deputy =
| lieutenant =
| monarch =
| president = [[Asif Zardari]]
| primeminister = [[Yousaf Raza Gillani]]<br />[[Raja Pervez Ashraf]]
| taoiseach =
| chancellor =
| governor =
| governor-general =
| governor_general =
| predecessor2 = [[Mubashir Hassan]]
| successor2 = Incumbent
| constituency2 = 
| majority2 = 
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1940|08|04}}
| birth_place = [[Hala, Sindh|Hala]], [[Sind Province (1936–55)|Sind]], [[British Raj|British India]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|2015|11|21|1940|08|04}}
| death_place = [[Karachi]], [[Sindh]], [[Pakistan]]
| death_cause = [[Leukemia]]
| restingplace = [[Hala, Sindh|Hala]], [[Sindh]], [[Pakistan]]
| restingplacecoordinates =
| birthname = Makhdoom Muhammad Ameen Faheem
| nationality = [[British Raj|British India]] (1939–1947),<br />[[Pakistani]] (1947–2015)
| party = [[Pakistan Peoples Party]]
| otherparty = 
| spouse = Nelofar
| partner = 
| relations =
| father = [[Makhdoom Zaman Talib-ul-Mola]]
| children = [[Makhdoom Jameeluz Zaman]] (son)

Makhdoom Shakil uz Zaman (son)

Makhdoom Aqueel uz Zaman (son)

Makhdoom Najib Zaman (son)

Makhdoom Naimatullah (son)

Makhdoom Habibullah (son)

Maliha Makhdoom (daughter)

Makhdoom Sindhyar (son)

Dr Maahroo Makhdooom (daughter)

Dr Shahroo Makhdooom (daughter)
| residence =
| alma_mater = [[University of Sindh]]
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'''Makhdoom Muhammad Ameen Faheem''' ({{langx|ur|{{Nastaliq|مخدوم محمد امین فہیم}}}}; ''alt. spelling'': Amin Fahim; 4 August 1940 – 21 November 2015) was a [[Pakistani]] populist [[Left-wing politics|left-wing political figure]] and poet.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thesindhtimes.com/pak/makhdoom-amin-fahim-passes-away/ |title=Seasoned politician, poet Makhdoom Amin Fahim passes away - the Sindh Times |access-date=21 November 2015 |archive-date=13 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613020251/http://www.thesindhtimes.com/pak/makhdoom-amin-fahim-passes-away/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was the senior vice-chairman of [[Pakistan Peoples Party]], chairman of [[Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians]] and former chairman of [[Alliance for Restoration of Democracy]].

Earning Bachelor of Science in political science from the [[University of Sindh]] in 1961, he started his political activism in 1970 and contested successfully the [[1970 Pakistani general elections|1970 general elections]] and was a close ally of [[Benazir Bhutto]] during the 1990s. He was the spiritual figure of the [[Sufism|''Sarvari Jama'at'']]{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} as well as the prominent Sufi in his native province, [[Sindh]]. After successfully contesting the [[2008 Pakistani general elections|2008 general elections]], he notably stepped down for the candidacy of [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|prime minister]] office in favour of [[Yousaf Raza Gillani]].

==Early and personal life==

===Family roots and early years===
Makhdoom Muhammad Ameen Faheem was born in [[Hala, Sindh|Hala]] in [[Sindh]], which is located 200 km off the southern port city of [[Karachi]], on 4 August 1940.<ref name="Pakistan Herald">{{cite web|last=Staff Editorial |title=Details of Makhdoom Muhammad Ameen Fahim |url=http://www.pakistanherald.com/newprofile.aspx?hofid=141 |work=Pakistan Herald |accessdate=9 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227080552/http://www.pakistanherald.com/newprofile.aspx?hofid=141 |archivedate=27 February 2014 }}</ref> His father, [[Makhdoom Muhammad Zaman Talib-ul-Mola|Makhdoom Muhammad Zaman]] was the 17th spiritual leader of ''[[Sufism|Sarwari Jammat]]'' and as well a powerful feudal figure in the province. His father was one of the prominent 67 participants who laid the foundation of the [[Pakistan Peoples Party]] where he was made the senior vice-chairman of the party and PPP was founded at his house in Hala, Sindh. Makhdoom Muhammad Zaman 'Talib ul Mola' successfully contested the [[1970 Pakistani general elections|1970 general elections]] and stepped into the [[Parliament of Pakistan|national parliament]] as a member of parliament (MP). Makhdoom Muhammad Zaman was also offered many high-ranking posts in the time of General [[Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq]], but he refused and chose to stay in Hala and look after his Sarwari Jamaat.

===Education and early career===
Amin Fahim completed his primary education in 1955 from Hala and did matriculation from a local high school in his native town [[Hala, Sindh|Hala]], in 1957.<ref name="Pakistan Leaders Online">{{cite web|last=Staff|title=Makhdoom Muhammad Ameen Faheem|url=http://www.pakistanileaders.com.pk/profile/Makhdoom_Muhammad_Ameen_Faheem|work=Pakistan Leaders Online|accessdate=9 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217075554/http://www.pakistanileaders.com.pk/profile/Makhdoom_Muhammad_Ameen_Faheem|archive-date=17 February 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> After passing the university entrance exams, Fahim enrolled in the [[University of Sindh]] as an undecided major and declared his major in 1958 at the department of social sciences.<ref name="Pakistan Leaders Online"/> Faheem declared his major in political science and gained a Bachelor of Science (with honours) in [[political science]] from the [[University of Sindh]] in 1961.<ref name="Pakistan Leaders Online"/><ref name="Dawn Newspapers, 2012">{{cite news|last=Staff|title=Makhdoom Muhammad Ameen Faheem|url=http://dawn.com/2012/06/25/makhdoom-muhammad-ameen-faheem/|accessdate=9 September 2012|newspaper=Dawn Newspapers, 2012|date=25 June 2012}}</ref>

=== Spirituality ===
Makhdoom Amin Fahim was also the leader of the largest spiritual group of people called the "Sarwari Jamaat" in Pakistan, consisting of millions of people across the world.

It was recorded that Sarwari Jamaat consisted of 900,000 people, 300 years ago and was titled as the 'No Lakhi Gadi' which means the Gaddi of 900,000 disciples.

=== Relationships and children ===
He was once married to Dina, elder sister of famous Bangladeshi singer [[Runa Laila]] who later died due to cancer. He was married thrice. He had 9 sons and 3 daughters from different wives.

==Political career==

=== Early career with the PPP ===
During the popular wave of [[Pakistan Peoples Party]] for the [[1970 Pakistani general elections|1970 general election]], Faheem joined the party as the junior member. He successfully contested the elections, securing his [[Constituencies of Pakistan|NA-Thatta]] constituency in [[Sindh Province|Sindh]]. He served in the [[Sindh Assembly]] on PPP platform, working on human rights affairs and educational development.

=== Rise to prominence ===
Since then, he has contested eight elections from elections held in 1977, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1997, 2002, 2008 and 2013, remaining undefeated and creating a national record. Makhdoom Amin Fahim, however, boycotted the non-party elections of 1985 held by General [[Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq]]-led military regime in line with the decision of his party. In 1993 he contested as MPA and MNA, and was the only Parliamentarian in Pakistan to win both seats unopposed. After that he gave up the MPA seat to his younger brother and he even came unopposed on it.

Makhdoom was offered the post of Prime Minister in 2002 by then President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, keeping in mind his party's leader [[Benazir Bhutto]]'s refusal to appoint Amin Fahim's son Makhdoom Jameel Zaman as the Chief Minister Sindh, though he was offered the post of Prime Minister thrice before 1988–1990 and 1993. He remained loyal to his party and did not accept offers from then Prime Minister [[Nawaz Sharif]] and the military dictators.
Makhdoom Amin Fahim was the senior vice-chairman of PPP, and was also the Parliamentary Leader, (President) of the same party in the [[National Assembly of Pakistan|National Assembly]]. He was twice the Federal Minister in tenure of [[Benazir Bhutto]]. He was Communications Minister from December 1988 to August 1990, Railways Minister from December 1988 to March 1989. In the next tenure, he was Minister for Housing and Works from January 1994 to November 1996.

=== Career after Benazir Bhutto assassination ===
Makhdoom Amin Fahim was mentioned as a possible chairman for the PPP, in the wake of the 27 December 2007 [[assassination of Benazir Bhutto]],<ref>David Rohde, [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/28/world/asia/28assess.html?ex=1356498000&en=5018468118d730c4&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss "Musharraf’s Political Future Appears Troubled"], ''The New York Times'', 28 December 2007.</ref> but [[Bilawal Bhutto Zardari]] and [[Asif Ali Zardari]] were named party co-chairs and he was considered the party's probable candidate for Prime Minister.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3110390.ece "Revenge mission that will have to wait"]{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} ''The Times'' 31 December 2007</ref> However, the PPP hesitated to name Makhdoom as its candidate following its victory in the [[2008 Pakistani general election|February 2008 election]]. It was suggested that Benazir Bhutto's widower [[Asif Ali Zardari]], might be reluctant to nominate Makhdoom Amin Fahim as prime minister, because he was worried that Faheem could strengthen his political base in [[Sindh]] and threaten the influence of the Bhutto family there.<ref>Jo Johnson, [https://www.ft.com/content/3653db10-ec5b-11dc-86be-0000779fd2ac "Party fails to name PM candidate"], ''Financial Times'', 7 March 2008.</ref>

On 15 March 2008, Makhdoom Amin Fahim said that he did not understand why the PPP had still not named him as its candidate. According to Faheem, if Zardari wanted to take the position for himself, he would support him.<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/15/asia/AS-GEN-Pakistan.php "Pakistan: Bhutto party says PM candidate to be named next week"], Associated Press ''International Herald Tribune'', 15 March 2008.</ref>

Later, the PPP nominated [[Yousaf Raza Gillani]] as Prime Minister on 22 March 2008. Although this was viewed as a snub to Amin Fahim, he said that he would not leave the PPP and had the "best wishes" for Gillani.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080326110156/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23757751/ "Bhutto's party names Pakistani PM candidate"] Associated Press (''MSNBC''), 22 March 2008.</ref> Amin Fahim, however, was made the [[Commerce Minister of Pakistan]] in November 2008 shuffle as a consolation.

== Other interests ==

=== Poetry ===
Initially, Makhdoom Amin Fahim was more interested in poetry than politics. However, he had no choice but to jump into the fray as the political heir of Makhdoom family.{{Citation needed|date=February 2018}}

He once said, "Poetry is my first love. I am still fond of saying verses and reading poetry of others. His forte is mystic poetry. His poetry speaks about love, [[Peace]], and [[simplicity]]."

"I have always been fond of the poetry of [[Maulana Rumi]], [[Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai]], and [[Sachal Sarmast]]. Their poetry has left a deep impact on my life. I have learned from them (Poets) to be loyal, to be loved, in good or rainy days."

He further said, "I don't believe in ruling the people. I believe in ruling their hearts. That is why my voters love me, and they never disappointed me."

== Death ==
Faheem died on 21 November 2015 from [[leukemia]] after being admitted to a hospital in [[Karachi]], [[Pakistan]] under [[Intensive Care Unit|ICU]] at the age of 76.<ref>[http://www.dawn.com/news/1221270/senior-ppp-leader-makhdoom-amin-faheem-dies Senior PPP leader Makhdoom Amin Fahim dies]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Faheem, Ameen}}
[[Category:Commerce ministers of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Communications ministers of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Pakistani Marxists]]
[[Category:Pakistan People's Party politicians]]
[[Category:Pakistani democracy activists]]
[[Category:Pakistani expatriates in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:Pakistani religious leaders]]
[[Category:People from Matiari District]]
[[Category:Sindhi politicians]]
[[Category:University of Sindh alumni]]
[[Category:1939 births]]
[[Category:2015 deaths]]
[[Category:Deaths from leukemia in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Makhdoom family]]
[[Category:Pakistani MNAs 1977]]
[[Category:Pakistani MNAs 1988–1990]]
[[Category:Pakistani MNAs 1990–1993]]
[[Category:Pakistani MNAs 1993–1996]]
[[Category:Pakistani MNAs 1997–1999]]
[[Category:Pakistani MNAs 2002–2007]]
[[Category:Pakistani MNAs 2008–2013]]
[[Category:Pakistani MNAs 2013–2018]]
[[Category:Muslim socialists]]
[[Category:Sindhi-language poets]]

Ameen Faheem - Revision history

AntoniettaWhitco at 01:28, 31 January 2026