Ali, (Chaudri) Muhammad (1905-1980)

Pakistani politician, prime minister 1955-56. In 1932 he was made accountant general of Bahawalpur state and re-established its finances. In 1936 he became private secretary to the Indian finance minister and in 1945 was the first Indian to be appointed financial adviser of war and supply. In 1947, on the partition of India, he became the first secretary general of the Pakistan government, in 1951 finance minister, and in 1955 prime minister. He resigned in 1956 because of lack of support from members of his own party, the Muslim League.

Born in Jullundur, India, he was educated at Punjab University. In 1928 he left a chemistry lectureship at Islamia College, Lahore, for the Indian Civil Service. A man of powerful intellect, he was often described in Pakistan as the ‘brains trust’ of the post-partition governments.