TOBA TEK SINGH: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr, addressing a workers convention of the Haqooq-i-Khalaq Party (HKP) in Faisalabad on Sunday night, said while he is the heir of the Bhutto dynasty, the true heirs of Pakistan are its common people.

Grandson of PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and son of Murtaza Bhutto, the Bhutto Junior said both farmers in Punjab and tenants (Haris) in Sindh were suffering losses due to water scarcity and rising input costs.

He opposed the extraction of six canals from the already dry river Indus. He said the plan for new canals was meant to promote corporate farming in Sindh at the expense of local farmers.

He said he would resist the construction of new canals for corporate farming, pledging to stand with Sindhi Haris in their fight.

He said he was thankful to HKP for inviting him to Punjab and providing him an opportunity to interact with farmers and industrial workers.

He reiterated his commitment to standing with the poor masses to bring about a revolutionary change in the country.

HKP Central General Secretary Dr Ammar Ali Jan said Pakistan remained free only for the rich and capitalists, while workers, peasants and ordinary citizens continue to live in oppression.

Drawing parallels to Bhagat Singh’s revolt against British imperialism, Dr Jan called for a similar uprising to challenge the current system.

He said HKP would actively participate in the upcoming local elections and accelerate its membership drive and organisational expansion across cities.

The convention, held on the martyrdom day of local labour leader Abdullah Butt, was also addressed by PTI MNA from Swat Dr Amjad Ali Khan, Baba Latif, Muzamil Kakar, Rab Nawaz Watto, Amar Rashid, Tariq Mehmood, Maher Ghulam Abbas, Aslam Meraj, Sohail Javed, Azmat Ali, and Dr Taimur Rehman.

Workers from 15 cities attended the convention, where it was decided to organise a nationwide labour and peasant movement to uphold democracy and the constitution.

The participants also resolved to demand the immediate holding of local body elections in Punjab. Tributes were paid to the late trade union leader Abdullah Butt for his unwavering struggle for workers’ rights.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2025