ISLAMABAD: The Punjab chapter of the National Party (NP) held an event in Islamabad on Saturday to mark the fifth death anniversary of veteran politician Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, where his comrades paid rich tributes to his political struggle and democratic values.

The reference was attended by Senator Jan Buledi, former Senator Farhatullah Babar, senior journalist Nasir Zaidi, NP Women’s Secretary Yasmin Lehri, NP Punjab President Ayub Malik and party workers.

At the start of the ceremony, participants were briefed on Bizenjo’s long political journey, from his student days to his lifelong commitment to democratic and progressive politics.

Speaking on the occasion, Farhatullah Babar recalled his long association with Hasil Khan Bizenjo, saying he had spent 10 years with him in the Senate and various committees, where Bizenjo always stood out for his integrity and selfless politics.

“He did not come to politics to earn privileges; in fact, he left in an inferior condition,” Babar said.

Mr Babar described Bizenjo as a prominent figure of left-wing politics and praised his pivotal role in the 18th Constitutional Amendment, particularly in securing provincial autonomy. Senator Jan Buledi said Hasil Bizenjo was as great a political figure as Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo, who always guided people with progressive thinking rather than emotional slogans.

“Despite belonging to a tribal family, nowhere in his politics do you find a tribal approach; he was always humble and democratic,” Senator Buledi said.

He urged political forces and institutions to unite for a political solution in Balochistan, the cause Bizenjo fought for all his life.

Senior journalist Nasir Zaidi said that political leaders like Hasil Khan Bizenjo and Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo are ideals who always stood at the forefront of constitutional supremacy, the restoration of democracy and the struggles of the oppressed classes. He described them as “unsung heroes”.

Punjab NP President Ayub Malik, who shared three decades of political association with Bizenjo, recalled his resilience during illness. “Even after doctors declared him incurable, he was smiling and playing games on his mobile phone,” he added.

On this occasion, Yasmin Lehri urged the youth to study Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo, follow in the footsteps of Hasil Khan Bizenjo and carry forward the struggle for democracy.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2025