Habib Rahimtoola

Habib Ibrahim Rahimtoola (12 March 1912 – 2 January 1991) was a Pakistani politician, diplomat primarily based out of Karachi.

[5] He entered politics at an early age and became Secretary General of the Muslim Students Union at his college between 1927 and 1931.

Following the path to Partition of India, Habib Rahimtoola canvassed for the Muslim League in the 1946 elections.

By August 1947, Habib Rahimtoola was sent to receive the Independence of Pakistan formally from the British Government.

In 1952 Habib Rahimtoola officially formed part of the proclamation of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne of the United Kingdom.

In the late 1950s, he entered private business by setting up an investment company called Bandenawaz (Pvt) Ltd. Habib also served as Minister in various capacities of Commerce, Industries and Petroleum.

He also led the Pakistan trade delegations to the Afro Asian Conference in Bundung 1955 and British East Africa 1956.

After the declaration of martial law in 1958 under General Ayub Khan, Habib Rahimtoola withdrew from active politics.

Following the separation of East Pakistan in 1971, Habib Rahimtoola's business interests suffered a major setback.

Left to right: Habib with his wife Zubeida Rahimtoola , Brigadier Syed Ghawas , and General SMA Faruki at the Pakistan House in London (1951)