HYDERABAD, Aug 9: Tribute was paid to Shaheed Nazeer Abbasi for the services he rendered in the cause of democracy and the masses at his 23rd death anniversary at the press club here on Saturday.

Speaking at the programme, organized by the Communist Party of Pakistan, leaders of different political parties and intellectuals called upon leftist parties to shun their differences and narrow-minded ideologies and forge unity in their ranks for the common cause.

Sindh Taraqqi Pasand Party chief Dr Qadir Magsi said the late Abbasi was not only a hero of communists but also a national hero of Sindh.

He said the progressive movement and the nationalist movement were natural allies and they should work in tandem.

CPP secretary-general Khadim Thaheem, who presided over the function, criticized the interference of army in politics and government affairs and added that this interference had destroyed the political, economic and social fabric of the country. He said army should restrict itself to its professional responsibilities.

Mr Thaheem also lashed out at the increasing role of multinational companies in the country’s economic affairs. He deplored that workers were being deprived of their rights, their salaries were being cut and they were being terminated.

Sindh Hari Committee president Azhar Jatoi, Waris Raza, Wahab Pandrani, Aslam Bangalzai and Fatah Daudpoto also spoke on the occasion.