Ishtiaq Hussain Qureshi, Pakistani historian and academic (b. 1903)

Ishtiaq Hussain Qureshi: A Luminary of Pakistani Historiography and Education

Ishtiaq Hussain Qureshi (Urdu: اشتیاق حسين قریشی), born on 20 November 1903 and passing away on 22 January 1981, was a towering figure in Pakistani intellectual circles. Widely recognized as I.H. Qureshi, and distinguished by the esteemed civil honors of Sitara-e-Pakistan (SP) and Hilal-e-Imtiaz (HI), he was a prominent Pakistani historian and playwright. His profound contributions significantly shaped the academic and cultural landscape of the nascent nation, particularly through his work as a right-nationalist historian who championed the ideological foundations and historical narrative of Pakistan.

A Distinguished Career in Academia and Public Service

Qureshi's career was marked by a remarkable blend of academic excellence and dedicated public service. He served with distinction as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi from 1961 to 1971, a crucial decade during which he oversaw significant expansion and academic development of one of Pakistan's premier educational institutions.

Early Political Engagement and Governmental Roles

An ardent and early activist in the historic Pakistan Movement, the political struggle that led to the creation of an independent Pakistan, I.H. Qureshi played a vital role in the foundational years of the new state. His commitment to national development led him to serve as secretary in key governmental ministries, including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Frontier Regions. Furthermore, his dedication to public representation saw him elected as a member of the Parliament of Pakistan, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to national progress.

Transition to International Academia and Return to Pakistan

Despite his significant governmental appointments, Qureshi's deep-rooted passion for academia ultimately led him to resign from public service. He subsequently joined the esteemed academic faculty at Columbia University in the United States, where he served as a professor of South Asian history. This international tenure underscored his scholarly repute and the global recognition of his expertise. However, his strong commitment to his homeland drew him back to Pakistan. In the 1970s, he embarked on another foundational endeavor by establishing the National Language Authority (NLA), an institution critical for the promotion and development of Urdu as the national language of Pakistan. Simultaneously, he was instrumental in the establishment of the History Department at the University of the Punjab, further strengthening the country's academic infrastructure.

Lasting Legacy and Scholarly Contributions

I.H. Qureshi eventually joined the faculty of history at the University of Karachi, where he dedicated the remainder of his life to scholarship and education, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students and academics. Beyond his administrative and teaching roles, Qureshi's most significant scholarly contribution is widely recognized as his editorship of a seminal four-volume series on the history of Pakistan. This comprehensive work stands as a foundational text in Pakistani historiography, providing a detailed and authoritative account of the nation's past and contributing significantly to the understanding of its origins and development.

Frequently Asked Questions About I.H. Qureshi

Who was I.H. Qureshi?

Ishtiaq Hussain Qureshi, popularly known as I.H. Qureshi, was a distinguished Pakistani right-nationalist historian, playwright, and academic who held significant positions, including Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi, and was recognized with civil honors Sitara-e-Pakistan (SP) and Hilal-e-Imtiaz (HI).

What were I.H. Qureshi's key contributions to education in Pakistan?

His key contributions include serving as Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi (1961-1971), founding the National Language Authority (NLA) in the 1970s for the promotion of Urdu, and helping to establish the History Department at the University of the Punjab.

Did I.H. Qureshi serve in government?

Yes, as an early activist of the Pakistan Movement, he served as secretary in the ministries of education and frontier regions and was also elected a member of the Parliament of Pakistan before resigning to pursue his academic career.

What is I.H. Qureshi's most notable scholarly work?

He is most notably credited for editing a four-volume series on the history of Pakistan, which is considered a foundational and comprehensive work in Pakistani historiography.

Where did I.H. Qureshi teach internationally?

He served as a professor of South Asian history at Columbia University in the United States, before returning to Pakistan.