Khairpur State’s Last Ruler Mir Ali Murad Khan Talpur Dies at 93
SUKKUR, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Mir Ali Murad Khan Talpur II, the last ruler of the former princely state of Khairpur and an important figure in Sindh’s modern history, has died at the age of 93.
His son, Prince Mir Mehdi Raza Talpur, confirmed his death.
Mir Ali Murad had been receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Sukkur before his death on Monday.
His funeral prayers are scheduled to be offered in Kot Diji at 11am on Tuesday, followed by burial at the Talpur family’s ancestral graveyard.
News of his death triggered mourning across Khairpur district, particularly in Kot Diji, where members of the community and well-wishers gathered to pay their respects.
Born on June 29, 1933, in Brighton, England, Mir Ali Murad became ruler of the princely State of Khairpur in July 1947 when he was just 14 years old.
His reign coincided with one of the most significant periods in the history of the subcontinent — the creation of Pakistan and the subsequent political integration of princely states.
Khairpur acceded to Pakistan shortly after independence, making the state part of the newly established country.
Mir Ali Murad remained the final ruler of Khairpur before its separate political status eventually came to an end during the restructuring of Pakistan’s western territories.
The former Khairpur State was ultimately incorporated into West Pakistan under the One Unit arrangement in 1955.
Mir Ali Murad remained closely associated with the cultural and historical heritage of Khairpur long after the princely state’s political status ended.
His death marks the passing of one of the final living links to the era of princely rule in the region.
Historic landmarks including Faiz Mahal and Kot Diji Fort continue to represent the legacy of Khairpur’s Talpur rulers and remain prominent symbols of Sindh’s cultural heritage.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed grief over Mir Ali Murad’s death and paid tribute to his contribution towards preserving the history and culture of Khairpur and Sindh.
Mir Ali Murad is survived by two sons and a daughter.
His passing closes a significant chapter in the history of Khairpur, whose transition from a princely state into Pakistan remains an important part of Sindh’s political history.
