THIS is with reference to Dr Moonis Ahmar’s article ‘Sindhi culture and Sindh’s urban space’ (Dec 2). The Sindhi Language Bill was not the source of assertion of Sindhi nationalism; rather it was a natural consequence.
In 1948 Karachi was separated and Sindhi-medium schools were closed. But in 1955 Sindh’s separate identity was erased when West Pakistan was created through One Unit.
Then in 1970 the One Unit was discarded and the Sindh Assembly restored.
The two main ingredients of the anti-One Unit movement were Sindhi language and Sindhi culture. So when the new assembly started its life, it gave the Sindhi language its due status.
Hence the said Language Bill. The ensuing violence Dr Ahmar talks of was unwarranted as the bill had simply restored the Sindhi language status enjoyed during colonial days.
Dr Ahmar wrongly says Karachi was never a Sindhi-speaking city. In support of his assertion he says that even before partition, non-Muslim communities like Christians, Hindus and Parsis formed the majority of Karachi’s population.
Religion and language are two different things. Before partition, Punjab had a slight majority of Muslim population but linguistically it was more than 90pc Punjabi-speaking.
Until 1947 the Hindus were in a majority in Karachi and spoke Sindhi.
Even Christians and Parsis didn’t claim separate identity. Until 1947 the Hindus were in a majority in Karachi and spoke Sindhi even Christians and Parsis didn’t claim separate identity.
It may be stressed that dress is only one component of culture.
Peace, humanity and hospitality are other components. It is for these qualities that people speaking other languages are here in Sindh.
As regards value and worth of Sindhi attire, particularly its Ajrak, it’s not only Sindhis but all others living here use it as a symbol of honour, status and respect at ceremonies and functions. Recently the Karachi Press Club representatives presented Ajrak to their distinguished guest, the much respected journalist and rights defender, Mr Hussain Naqi.
Abdul Khalique Junejo
Karachi
Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2018
