Muttahida Quami Movement USA Houston Chapter Commemorates the 7th Martyrdom Anniversary of Shaheed-e-Wafa Professor Dr. Hasan Zafar Arif
Houston, Texas – January 17, 2025
The Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) USA Houston Chapter held a solemn memorial event to commemorate the 7th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed-e-Wafa Professor Dr. Hasan Zafar Arif. The event, dedicated to his memory, brought together office bearers, workers, sympathizers, and members of the community to honor his extraordinary contributions.
Syed Atif Shamim, Coordination Committee Member, praised Dr. Arif’s enduring legacy, stating, "The name of Shaheed-e-Wafa Professor Dr. Hasan Zafar Arif will forever be etched in golden letters in the history of loyalty." He added, "In a time of turmoil, Professor Dr. Arif, under the leadership of Mr. Altaf Hussain, united the nation and embraced martyrdom, becoming a beacon of light for every ideological worker."
Shamim also underscored the tragic nature of Dr. Arif's martyrdom, highlighting that "His martyrdom remains a national tragedy, largely overlooked due to anti-Mohajir sentiment."
Imamuddin Shahzad, former Member of the Provincial Assembly, spoke passionately about Shaheed-e-Wafa’s role as both a scholar and an active ideological worker. He emphasized, "Professor Dr. Arif was not just a scholar, but a true patriot who lived and died for his beliefs."
Azam Akhtar, President of the Karachi University Alumni, reflected on his time with Dr. Arif at Karachi University, remembering him as a compassionate educator and humanitarian.
The event, which took place at a local Houston hall, was hosted by Muhammad Burhan and began with a recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Faizan Siddiqui.
Engineer Syed Asim Rizvi, Joint in Charge of the Houston Chapter, briefed attendees on the event’s objectives and Dr. Arif's revolutionary contributions. Ms. Azmat Jabeen from the Women's Wing of MQM USA highlighted Shaheed-e-Wafa’s multifaceted personality and immense service to the movement.
Azam Akhtar shared personal memories of Dr. Arif’s academic contributions, while Fawad Ahmed, in Charge of the Houston Chapter, offered his gratitude to attendees, praying for Dr. Arif’s elevated status in the afterlife and emphasizing his vast contributions to the movement.
Imamuddin Shahzad further enlightened the audience about the various hardships Shaheed-e-Wafa faced, including unlawful detentions, harassment, and physical abuse.
Engineer Syed Atif Shamim poignantly recounted the immense suffering endured by Dr. Arif, stating, "Despite his age, Shaheed-e-Wafa Professor Dr. Hasan Zafar Arif unwaveringly promoted the thoughts and philosophy of Mr. Altaf Hussain. He was repeatedly imprisoned, subjected to unlawful confinement, and his family was persecuted. Yet, he stood firm in his commitment to the ideology of Altaf Hussain."
He continued, "When Dr. Arif refused to submit to tyranny, he endured extreme physical torture during his imprisonment, ultimately leading to his martyrdom. His lifeless body, bearing the marks of severe abuse, was discovered on the outskirts of Karachi. May Allah accept his sacrifices and grant victory to the movement."
The memorial event was a poignant reminder of Shaheed-e-Wafa’s unwavering loyalty and sacrifice for his beliefs, as well as the lasting impact of his contributions to MQM and the community at large.