Liaqat Bashir Farooqi
Whenever the history of Muzaffarabad and the Lolab Valley is written in the context of the Kashmir freedom movement, the name of Ghulam Muhammad Butt Lolabi (late) will stand out as that of a defining figure. His life was not merely the story of an individual but a symbol of a sustained struggle that strengthened the narrative of the Kashmiri people’s rightk to self-determination and provided it with a firm intellectual foundation.
Ghulam Muhammad Butt Lolabi was born in 1930 in Baramulla, Lolab Valley, and passed away on April 15, 2013, in the capital city of Muzaffarabad. He was laid to rest in Naluchi Graveyard. He opened his eyes in an era when Kashmir was engulfed in political uncertainty, oppression, and instability. From an early stage, he realized that freedom was not a temporary slogan but demanded a long, patient, and principled struggle. Consequently, he devoted every aspect of his life to this cause.
His political and social insight distinguished him from many of his contemporaries. He was not a leader confined to speeches and gatherings; rather, he remained actively engaged with the public, understanding their problems and guiding them. His presence in Muzaffarabad infused the freedom movement with renewed energy and direction. From there, he played a significant role in amplifying the voice of freedom not only locally but also internationally.
A defining feature of his struggle was his fearlessness and adherence to principles. As a worker of the Kashmir freedom movement and the cause of Pakistan’s completion, he worked alongside Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah. In 1947, he served for approximately three months as a volunteer in the Muslim League National Guard. He maintained close associations with prominent figures including former Presidents of Azad Kashmir such as K.H. Khurshid, Mirwaiz Maulana Yusuf Shah, Captain Ali Ahmad Shah, and former Prime Ministers Khan Abdul Hamid Khan, Raja Mumtaz Hussain Rathore, and Raja Haider Khan. He also had ties with PPP leader Pir Ali Jan Shah and former Speaker Colonel Mansha Khan. The writer himself had the opportunity to sit in his company on multiple occasions and learn from his experiences.
Ghulam Muhammad Butt Lolabi never allowed expediency or personal interest to override his ideology. He remained steadfast in the field with the firm belief that the voice of truth cannot be suppressed. This unwavering commitment became his identity and his greatest legacy.
Throughout the history of the Kashmir freedom movement, there were numerous critical junctures where activists faced immense pressure and hardship. Yet, he consistently demonstrated resilience. His leadership not only inspired his contemporaries but also motivated the younger generation to join the struggle. In the 1980s, he co-founded a political party under the name “State Muslim League” along with the late S.M. Zafar and formally registered it.
Another prominent aspect of his personality was his intellectual and ideological vision. He believed that the freedom movement was not merely political but also a process of intellectual and social awakening. Therefore, he consistently emphasized the importance of education, awareness, and the power of the pen. Today, his family is regarded as a strong center of knowledge, literature, and journalism.
He maintained connections with Qaim Ali Shah, who served as Minister for Kashmir Affairs during the era of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. His sons have carried forward this intellectual legacy with great responsibility. Javed Lolabi (late), Abid Lolabi, Wahid Iqbal Butt, Shehzad Lolabi, and Tahir Iqbal Butt are not only custodians of his mission but are actively advancing it in new dimensions.
Wahid Iqbal Butt’s repeated leadership roles within the press fraternity reflect the family’s strong presence in journalism. Similarly, Shehzad Lolabi, as Secretary General, continues to play an active organizational role in both the movement and society.
This family has effectively become an intellectual nucleus, consistently raising its voice for the freedom movement while also contributing to social reform, public awareness, and the development of Muzaffarabad. It would not be an exaggeration to state that Ghulam Muhammad Butt Lolabi’s training and ideology remain alive and visibly active.
His death anniversary is not merely a commemorative occasion but a moment to renew commitment. It serves as a reminder that the Kashmir freedom movement has yet to reach its logical conclusion and requires the same spirit, perseverance, and sacrifice that he demonstrated throughout his life.
In today’s evolving global and regional context, where the Kashmir issue is once again drawing international attention, the thoughts and struggles of leaders like Ghulam Muhammad Butt Lolabi gain even greater relevance. His life teaches that consistency, integrity, and ideological commitment are the true guarantees of success in the pursuit of justice.
In conclusion, it can be said that Ghulam Muhammad Butt Lolabi was not just an individual but a philosophy, a movement, and a living chapter of history. His services and sacrifices represent a luminous chapter in the Kashmir freedom movement that will continue to guide future generations.
Before the earthquake, he had obtained the first form for the bus service to cross into Indian-administered Kashmir but, due to illness, could not undertake the journey.
On the occasion of his 13th death anniversary, the Government of Azad Kashmir could honor his contributions by naming a major educational institution after him. Moreover, if the Central Press Club were named after Ghulam Muhammad Butt Lolabi, it would send a positive message across the Line of Control.
May allah Almighty grant him the highest in Jannat-ul-Firdous.