Sungi Development Foundation was established by Omar Asghar Khan in year 1989 with an aim to build an alternative platform to fight for the rights of marginalized segments of the society and to advocate for pro-people policy reforms. Being dependent upon local philanthropy and volunteerism, Sungi had humble beginning with minimal staff and modest funds. However, under Omar’s dynamic leadership Sungi achieved phenomenal success. It pioneered rights-based approaches that continue to influence much of the development sector in Pakistan. By the time Sungi celebrated its tenth anniversary in 1999, it had empowered more than 200,000 women and men in over 100 communities through its offices across KP formerly known as NWFP.

Born on 3 July 1953, Omar Asghar Khan led an eventful life. In his school days, he was well known for his exceptional sporting talents. He captained the school’s swimming and hockey teams. Omer joined the Army in 1971 and soon rose to the rank of Captain. Disillusioned with the debacle of East Pakistan and the Army action in Balochistan, he resigned in 1973. A year later he left for England to pursue higher studies. He obtained an M-Phil in Economics from Cambridge University and returned to Pakistan in 1979.

In 1980, he began teaching Economics at the Punjab University. Omar’s popular efforts to promote progressive political thought among students instigated a physical attack on him by the Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba. In 1983 Zia-ul-Haq’s repressive regime ordered Omar’s dismissal from the Punjab University on the flimsy pretext of his presence at a labor rally. After leaving the University, Omar became more active in politics as a leader in Tehreek-I-Istiqlal. He led the Istiqlal Youth League and later became the Tehreek’s central Information Secretary. Omar contested the national elections in year 1988 and 1990 – losing on both occasions as he practiced principled politics and resolutely spurned the politics of money and biradari. He was part of a team of researchers that compiled the white paper on the 1990 elections: How an Election Was Stolen, published in year 1991.

Omar played a key role in setting up many successful initiatives. In year 1982, he helped establish the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research to promote workers’ rights and served as its faculty member all his life. In year 1987 Omar established SEBCON (Socio-Economic and Business Consultants) with an aim to produce quality action research and policy analysis in Pakistan. In year 1989 Omar established Sungi Development Foundation.

Sungi’s work was widely recognized both nationally and internationally. Omer being the executive Director of Sungi provided critical leadership to civil society by effectively mobilizing collective action on a range of issues including protecting the rights of the marginalized particularly women, ensuring equitable use of natural resources, promoting tolerance and social justice in the society, and achieving peace between India and Pakistan and a nuclear-free South Asia. Sungi achievements command national and international acclaim. In recognition of its work, Sungi received the 1996 UNESCAP Award for Human Development. In 1998 Omar conceptualized and initiated the People’s Assemblies process. Recognizing the limitations of NGO work, this process was aimed at creating broader civil society alliances as a platform for public mobilization and action. It had wide appeal. More than 50 civil society organizations soon entered its fold. Omar provided it inspiring leadership until the end of year 1999.

In late 1999 Omar resigned as an Executive Director of Sungi and accepted General Pervez Musharraf’s offer to join his cabinet on 6 November 1999. Omar was sworn in as the Federal Minister for Environment, Local Government & Rural Development, Labour, Manpower, and Overseas Pakistanis. In his two years tenure as a federal minister, Omar was successful in shaping and influencing many key policies. His unstinting efforts gave ownership rights to Kachi Abadi (slums) residents through the National Policy on Kachi Abadis. Omar’s competence and creativity facilitated the establishment of first-ever Workers and Employers Bilateral Council of Pakistan that helped achieving consensus on substantive policy and giving greater social protection to workers. He played a pivotal role in designing the devolution policy, focusing on creating political space for women, peasants, and workers; and protecting provincial autonomy. He lobbied for restoration of the joint electorate, ensuring equal rights for all citizens.

In December 2001 Omar resigned from the cabinet to play his role in mainstream politics. He launched the Qaumi Jamhoori Party on 28 December 2001. The party strives to establish a modern, progressive Pakistan in which the rights of all citizens are protected. Omar was unanimously elected the party president at QJP’s National Convention on 26 May 2002. On 15 June 2002, the party announced its decision to contest the October 2002 general elections. Omar was working with determination and diligence to organize the young party until his untimely death under mysterious circumstances in Karachi on 25 June 2002.

Omar’s vision was a society based on values of equity, social justice, and tolerance. His compassion for the disadvantage groups and his commitment to improve their well-being is reflected in every aspect of his work and accomplishments. He strived to reform the state and make it responsive to the needs and aspirations of its citizens, particularly the traditionally marginalized. He provided leadership to Pakistan’s civil society enabling it to achieve democratic politics and governance in Pakistan. Razor-sharp intellect, unwavering conviction, uncompromising integrity and unflinching courage were key elements of Omar’s character. Add to that passionate energy, genuine compassion, disarming humility and it was the stuff legends are made of. Omar’s vision and accomplishments are the legacy he has left us with. Its influence will place its footprint on our future as we continue to take his mission forward.