Daily Times

LARKANA: The Awami Tahreek Pakistan (ATP) leaders on Friday paid a rich tribute to the veteran politician, writer and scholar Rasul Bux Palijo for the services he rendered for the people of Sindh.

Reportedly, the leaders including ATP vice-president Shoukat Tunio, Mehran Sindhi, Zulfiqar Mirani, advocate Sajid Mahesar, Sindhiyani Tehreek Habiban Noonari, Hafeezan Rahujo, Sindhi Hari Tahreek Mustafa Chandio and notables of the area gathered in a ceremony and remembered Palijo.

“Palijo confronted critical issues of Sindh and struggled wisely against projects those were detrimental and unfavourable for Sindh’s development and prosperity including water scarcity,” they said.

He laid the foundation of ATP, a progressive and leftist party, besides establishing Sindhyani Tahreek, Sindhi Hari Tahreek, Sindhi Mazdoor Tahreek and Sindhi Shagird Tahreek for safeguarding and propagating the rights of poverty-stricken masses, labourers and women, particularly their participation in politics.

“Palijo did not participate in the power politics, instead he sought an exemplary politics to secure the fundamental rights of peasants, labourers and women,” they said while claiming that power politics has always inflicted damage to Sindh.

“The Mirs, Pirs of many shrines, Rais, Khans and landlords had maltreated the poor people of Sindh after gaining power and elections,” they added.

The ATP leaders further appealed to the general public to not vote or support candidates who had done ‘nothing’ for Sindh’s development and securing its rights rather looted its resources.

“Three assemblies have already rejected the proposal of Kalabagh Dam to be constructed, and the statement issued by the Chief Justice of Pakistan could prove counterproductive for country’s welfare and progress,” they said adding that all institutions should work under their respective constitutional domains.

They claimed that water scarcity issues need to be resolved through the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

Published in Daily Times, July 7^th 2018.