THATTA, Feb 10: Paying rich tributes to veteran progressive nationalist writer Mohammad Qasim Memon, popularly known as Pathar (stone) distinguished nationalists, intellectuals, writers and poets have said his exceptional struggle against feudalism and tyranny will be remembered for ever.

Speaking at a condolence meeting held in his native town Mirpur Bathoro on Sunday, Comrade Rochi Ram, Professor Qalandar Shah Lakiari, Aijaz Ali Khwaja, Abdul Wahid Arisar, Abdul Khaliq Junejo, Maulana Aziz Bohio, Dr Dodo Mehri, Apa Maryam Majidi, Ali Nawaz Butt and general secretary of World Sindh Congress, Professor Lakhoo Mal Lohano, who addressed the participants from London on telephone, said that late Qasim Pathar was a dedicated progressive nationalist and a pioneer of political awareness in the district.

Born in 1940 in the small village of Kathore near Tando Mohammad Khan, Qasim boldly faced problems and gained reputation for showing courage in the face of dangers. He died on December 18, 2007, as a result of cardiac arrest.

Later he embraced socialist ideology after coming under the influence of Communist Party of Pakistan leader, Salam Bukhari and joined National Awami Party.

Qasim Pathar’s political journey took him to Sindh Muttahida Mahaz and then to Awami Tehrik. He founded his own party, the Sindh National Congress but merged it into Jeay Sindh Mahaz.