Riaz Budh described as a steadfast follower of the political philosophy of Rasool Bakhsh Palijo

LARKANA: Leaders of the Awami Tehreek (AT) on Sunday paid rich tributes to Riaz Budh at a memorial gathering held in Nanger Jathiyal village near Nasirabad town of Qambar-Shahdadkot district where speakers lauded his lifelong commitment to the party and to the rights of the people of Sindh.

They laid wreaths at the late leader’s grave and described him as a steadfast follower of the political philosophy of Rasool Bakhsh Palijo, who remained associated with the movement till his last breath.

Addressing the gathering, the party’s central general secretary, Sajid Hussain Mahesar, alleged that under the Special Investment Facilitation Council, tourist destinations from Gilgit to Gorakh were being taken away from local communities.

He claimed that islands and forest lands in Sindh were being occupied for corporate farming projects. He alleged that Shah Hussain Island was also facing encroachment under green tourism and corporate farming projects, urging the federal government to refrain from interfering in what he termed Sindh’s natural and territorial resources.

Central joint secretary Ms Mah Noor Mallah called upon Sindhis to intensify efforts to protect historic and cultural sites, including the Karoonjhar Mountains, Keenjhar Lake, Kachho region, Gorakh Hill Station and Shah Hussain Island. She alleged that roads leading to Gorakh had been left in a dilapidated condition, which she described as an attack on Sindh’s tourism and culture. She also claimed that corporate farming projects were expanding into the Kachho area.

Criticising the law and order situation in Qambar-Shahdadkot district, other speakers said robberies in broad daylight had become a daily routine and police had failed to act on time.

District party president Imdad Ali Pathan said law and constitutional governance had “collapsed” in the district while party leader Rafiq Laghari alleged that citizens were being looted openly.

The speakers also criticised the federal government over what they described as plans to take control of Sindh’s islands. The provincial government led by the Pakistan Peoples Party had remained a “silent spectator” on the issue.

They demanded removal of Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, accusing him of acting against the province’s unity. They also termed a recent resolution passed in the Sindh Assembly as ineffective, urging the ruling party to take practical steps instead.

The speakers alleged that billions of rupees had been misused in Gorakh Hill Project, leaving the site neglected.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2026