Sikander Hyat Khan was an Indian Muslim political leader in the
province of Punjab, when India was a part of the British Empire.
He was the leader of the Unionist Party, an all-Punjab political
party formed to represent the concerns and issues of India's
Muslims, however opposed to the political separatism and demand
for Pakistan of the All India Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali
Jinnah. Khan led his party in the elections under the Government
of India Act 1935 held in 1937. He governed the Punjab as Chief
Minister in coalition with the Sikh Akali Dal and the Indian
National Congress.He was widely respected by Punjab's Sikhs and
Hindu communities. Khan had opposed the Quit India Movement of
1942 and backed the British during World War II. While
politically cooperating with the British, Khan never gave up his
desire for the independence of India and the unity of Punjab.
Khan was a very popular Punjabi leader who fought for greater
Muslim rights and representation while opposing Jinnah's demands
for Pakistan.