Syed Wajid Ali

Syed Wajid Ali (20 December 1911 – 14 June 2008) was a leading industrialist of Pakistan who is also known for his services to the Olympic Movement for 26 years.

He became the President of Pakistan Olympic Association in 1978 and stayed on the post for 26 years until he retired in 2004 to become the longest serving president in the history of the association. He is also known for promoting arts and culture as well as Red Crescent (Red Cross) in Pakistan.

In the early 1940s, he quit the British Indian Army to look after the growing family business. In 1945, he established a textile plant in Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab which was later wound up in 1997.

Pakistan movement activist

Syed Wajid Ali also became actively involved in the Pakistan Movement and closely worked for the cause alongside Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Fatima Jinnah. During the movement, he was nominated by the Muslim League on a three-member Committee to oversee the 'British government-arranged referendum' in the then North West Frontier Province.

Death Syed Wajid Ali died after a protracted illness on 14 June 2008 at age 96. He had been a long-time diabetic patient and unwell for many years. He fought for his life, especially after both of his legs were amputated at Karachi's Liaquat National Hospital which was founded by him. He was buried at Miani Sahib Graveyard in Lahore, Pakistan.