THATTA: Hundreds of people from all walks of life travelled to the Shirazi House here from different areas of Thatta, Sujawal and some neighbouring districts to attend the first death anniversary of Syed Aijaz Ali Shah Shirazi on Friday.

They included supporters and followers of the deceased politician, leaders and workers of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and other political entities, nationalist groups, civil society organisations, lawmakers and members of the Shirazi community, besides relatives of the deceased.

Paying homage to the late leader, PPP Sindh president Nisar Khuhro described Aijaz Shirazi as the most popular political figure of the coastal region. Praising his political acumen, Mr Khuhro said the late Shirazi always played a right card while dealing with a ruling party at the Centre and in Sindh. He stood firm on the issue of Kalabagh dam during the joint struggle launched by PPP leader Benazir Bhutto and Awami Tehreek chief Rasool Bux Palijo, Mr Khuhro recalled.

He said Aijaz Shirazi also played a practical and prominent role in all campaigns for the rights and welfare of the poor and helpless people of Thatta and Sujawal. In this regard, he specially mentioned the role of Shirazi family in the event of natural calamities, unlawful activities aimed at land-grabbing, attempts by outsiders to usurp rights of local people and fishermen community and excesses against the poor and downtrodden segments of the area.

Mr Khuhro noted that the late Shirazi was highly inspired by PPP founder chairman Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and pointed out that the entire Shirazi family having several lawmakers always supported PPP.

The Shirazi Group [comprising the family’s political personalities] wielded considerable influence in politics of the area thanks to the political acumen of the late leader, he said, and said that over the last 40 years, members of this family remained elected members of the National Assembly, Sindh Assembly or local government institutions.

Other speakers acknowledged that the Shirazi Group maintained a strong and ever-growing vote bank in the twin districts due to its people-friendly attitude and services, deliverance, sincerity and public welfare activities. Syed Aijaz Ali Shirazi was the brain and motivational force behind its growth and success, they said.

Former senator Syed Shafqat Hussain Shah Sheerazi, who now heads the Shirazi Group, MNA Syed Ayaz Ali Shah Shirazi and MPA Syed Riaz Shah Shirazi told the audience that the death of their mentor was an irreparable loss not only to the group and PPP, but also to all people of Thatta, Sujawal and Sindh’s coastal areas. His unparalleled services to the masses could never be forgotten, they said.

Provincial Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, former chairman of Thatta district council Ghulam Qadir Palijo, Ghulam Qadir Malkani, Mohammad Ali Malkani, Sadiq Ali Memon, Mehmood Alam Shah and others also attended the anniversary programme.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2021