SUKKUR: As controversy between Mahar chiefs deepened over who was more entitled to be new chieftain after Sardar Mohammad Bux Khan Mahar proved himself ‘unworthy’ of the position for violating tribal customs, Ali Gohar Mahar was made the new tribal chief by fellow clansmen at Gohar Palace in Khangarh late on Saturday night.

Ali Gohar, who was also MPA of Grand Democratic Alliance and an influential politician allied to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, was declared the new tribal chief at a simple ceremony of turban-fastening by notables of the clan.

Sources said that a large number of Mahar tribesmen continued to arrive at Gohar Palace on Sunday to congratulate Ali Gohar on being new chieftain of the tribe. Custodian of Dargah Haq Bahoo, Pir Khalid Mehmood Sultan, also took part in the turban fastening ceremony.

Ali Gohar said on the occasion that one could not be chieftain with the support of police and condemned arrest of Mahar tribesmen who were reportedly tortured by police.

On the other hand, sources said, Sardar Mohammad Bux Mahar had started meeting with allies and supporters to consult about organising a big power show in response to recent power show by Ali Gohar.

A statement issued by spokesman of Sardar Mohammad Bux Mahar said that Ali Nawaz aka Raja Khan Mahar had not met co-chairman PPP Asif Ali Zardari nor any message was sent from Zardari. Raja Khan Mahar went to meet Zardari but could not meet, he said.

All the roads and streets in Khanpur Mahar were still sealed with containers and normal life has been paralyzed.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2020