KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Wednesday criticised the alleged derogatory remarks used by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan about the people of Sindh, and demanded that the PTI chief take back his words and extend an apology to the people whose unmatched sacrifices for democracy made it possible for him to carry on unhindered politics in Pakistan.

There was a consensus on a resolution piloted by senior minister Nisar Ahmad Khuhro out of turn and when put to vote, it was unanimously carried.

The resolution reads: “This house condemns the derogatory remarks uttered recently by Imran Khan, PTI chairman, against the democratic and patriotic people of Sindh calling them slaves.

“This house also appreciates the brave struggle of the valiant people of Sindh under the dynamic leadership of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for the promotion and protection of democracy and the supremacy of constitution in Pakistan.”

Criticising Mr Khan’s ignorance about the history of the democratic struggle in Pakistan, Mr Khuhro said the role played by the people of Sindh for separating Sindh from then Bombay, for adopting Pakistan resolution before any other province and for not tolerating the military dictators was praiseworthy. But by calling them ‘slaves’, Mr Khan attacked their political consciousness, he said. The use of word ‘slave’ for the people of Sindh was an insult to the politically awakened people. “No one has the right to call the people of Sindh slaves,” Mr Khuhro added.

He said the people of Sindh had never accepted any military dictator, while Mr Khan acted as their polling agent and always supported them.

Mr Khan was a supporter of Kalabagh dam that would damage Sindh’s economy but the people of Sindh would never allow anyone to approve such projects and consider them slaves. “If any attempt was made to build the dam, it would cause irreparable loss to Pakistan,” he warned.

Deputy Speaker Syeda Shehla Raza, who initiated the discussion on the resolution, said Mr Khan had established a tradition in politics by replacing constructive criticism with personal attacks. He called the people of Sindh slaves though Sindh had produced heroes such as Hoshu and Dodo Khan, she said. They waged struggles against every oppressive ruler and subjugation, she said. It was Sindh, known as Babul Islam, that launched the movement against One Unit and as many as 34 persons had sacrificed their lives, she said. She also recalled the sacrifices of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto for the sake of democracy.

She said criticism of PPP’s policies was welcome but the PPP would not allow anyone to call the people of Sindh slaves.

MQM lawmaker Syed Faisal Sabzwari said Imran Khan insulted the people of Sindh and hurt their feelings. He said politics and politicians were being maligned and those maligning politicians were themselves indulging in politics. Society had already become polarised and the present situation called for being cautiuos in choosing words, he added.

Minister Jam Khan Shoro said those abusing the people of Sindh wanted to derail democracy and replace it with a technocrat government. He said the people of Sindh could take to the streets against the remarks of Mr Khan and that would refresh the memory of the movement for the restoration of democracy.

MQM lawmaker Zafar Kamali endorsed the resolution and criticised the remarks of Mr Khan.

PPP lawmaker Imdad Pitafi said Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah belonged to Sindh, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, who gave the constitution, democracy and nuclear programme to the country were also from Sindh.

Asubai Kohli invited to assembly

The assembly paid tribute to a Thari woman, Asubai Kohli, from Umerkot by terming her a symbol of courage and determination who despite all odds struggled to educate children on her own with the result that she had over 250 girls enrolled in her institution at present.

As a tribute to her commitment and selfless spirit, the house also decided to invite her to the assembly to pay tribute to her dedication for the cause of education.

In this connection, a resolution was piloted by minister Murad Ali Shah that reads: “This assembly salutes the strength and resilience of young Asubai Kohli from district Umarkot who despite physical and other limitations has proved to be a shining example of a young dynamic Pakistani woman; and commends the selfless spirit with which this champion of education continues to single handedly struggle to educate girls of her area and her unwavering commitment to spread the message of education as the only way to progress.”

Before tabling the resolution, the minister said this was the first assembly to have paid tribute to Malala Yusufzai and this day again this assembly adopted the resolution to pay tribute to a person who championed the cause of education, Asubai Kohli, in her locality.He said there were talks and tall claims about change but if the people really wanted change they must educate their daughters. He proposed that she should be invited to the assembly to pay her tribute.

Mr Shah also recalled that PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also recognised her services of promoting education among women.

PPP lawmaker Mir Nadir Khan Magsi said women must be encouraged to come forward and play their role in the development of nation, as there was no other way to prosperity.

Hailing the struggle of Asubai Kohli, MQM lawmaker Mohammad Hussain said inviting her to the assembly and recognising her services would be a good tribute.

Other business transacted during the proceedings included adoption of five government bills related to health into law. They were — The Sindh Allopathic System (Prevention of misuse) Bill, The Sindh Physiotherapy Council Bill, The Sindh Pharmacy Council Bill, The Sindh Nursing Council Bill and The Postgraduate College of Medical Science Sindh Bill.

Sindh Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Sikandar Mandhro tabling these bills said the health sector was devolved to the provinces after the 18th amendment. Therefore in order to regulate matters relating to the health services enacting legislation at provincial level was the need of the hour, he said.

After completion of its business, the assembly session that had commenced on Oct 20 was prorogued sine die on Wednesday by Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad. Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani, who had called the house in order at 10am, read out the order of governor at 3.30pm after the five-hour session without break.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2014