The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has a long history of appreciating and assisting its workers. The party’s dedication to its members is based on the conviction that their commitment is the lifeblood of the party and is essential to attaining its objectives and serving the public. Whether it was the horrible dictatorship of Pervaiz Musharraf or the ruthless tenure of Imran Khan, the leadership always stood behind the workers whenever needed.
Similarly, the PML-N is fortunate to have dedicated workers who share the party’s ideology and stand as its staunch supporters. Their contributions are invaluable, yet their efforts often go unnoticed.
One such unsung hero of the PML-N is Rana Hassan, a shopkeeper and party worker from Kot Momin, Sargodha. Since 1985, his passion and loyalty to the party and its leaders have gone beyond the norm. He has devoted his life to advancing the values and concepts that PML-N stands for and became an active member of the party’s initiatives in Sargodha.
Rana Hassan endured three arrests as a result of his support for the PML-N during the turbulent rule of General Pervez Musharraf.
During his affiliation with the party, he and his family made many sacrifices. In the 1990 general election, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif contested the election from NA 48. It was a period when politics was deeply heartfelt, and every worker was eager to dedicate themselves to their leaders. On the very day when Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s supporters were anticipating his arrival in Mateela, political adversaries opened fire at the procession, yet Rana Hassan was fearless and continued to march. Regrettably, his brother suffered serious injuries at a Nawaz Sharif rally that left him permanently disabled. However, such tragedy did not diminish his love and zeal for the party.
Rana Hassan’s family suffered once again when his son was detained and subjected to torture by an opposing political group. This experience served as a sobering reminder of the significant risks associated with political activism.
Rana Hassan endured three arrests as a result of his support for the PML-N during the turbulent rule of General Pervez Musharraf. At this time, many big names had left the party. These people had been awarded party tickets, ministries and many other advantages, but when the party fell on hard times, these people turned out to be fair-weather friends.
A political party worker’s biggest dream is to meet his beloved leaders. Rana Hassan never got this chance, yet he continues to give his best to the party.
When Maryam Nawaz Sharif was appointed as PML-N’s senior vice president and chief organiser, he warmly welcomed her. Throughout his journey as a PML-N activist, he received attractive offers from adversarial parties to join their camp, but he rejected them all.
The Horizon Team and PML-N leadership acknowledged his sacrifices and celebrated his journey.
The writer is an educationist and teaches at the University of Central Punjab.
