the first non-European in Sindh to be in charge of that post, which he would retain for 14 years. His family includes Wajid Shamsul Hasan, former High Commissioner of Pakistan to the United Kingdom and the former President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, is Effendi's great grandson through his mother's family. Sindh Madrasatul Islam Effendi began to take an interest in the welfare of the Muslim population in Sindh, and especially the spread of education in these communities. He was the life-long President of the Managing Board of the above Madrasa. Much of his drive was influenced by the Indian Muslim educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, founder of the Muhammedan Anglo-Oriental College. Wishing to replicate Syed Ahmed Khan's efforts, Effendi even travelled to Aligarh (present-day India) where he sought guidance from him. In 2011, Sindh Madrasatul Islam School was upgraded to a university and renamed as Sindh Madressatul Islam University. Commemorative postage stamp Pakistan Post Office issued a commemorative postage stamp to honor Hassan Ali Effendi for his services in 1990 in its 'Pioneers of Freedom' postage stamp series. References 1830 births 1895 deaths Pakistani educational theorists Pakistani people of Turkish descent People from Hyderabad District, Pakistan Sindhi people Members of the Bombay Legislative Council Founders of Pakistani schools and colleges