THATTA: Faqeer Abdul Ghafoor Alasti, a known literary figure of Thatta who waged a vigorous campaign for girls’ education over five decades, died on Thursday after a long illness.

He was buried in his ancestral graveyard in Darro town. A large number of people from all walks of life attended his funeral.

Faqeer Alasti translated Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai’s poetry into English and worked as editor of a periodical. He shot to fame when he ran a campaign for the printing of voters list in the Sindhi language during General Ayub Khan’s military rule.

He established his organisation ‘Alast’ for girls’ education and dedicated his life for the cause.

Faqeer Alasti served as Thatta sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) but relinquished the job to spare time for his campaigns and literary works.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2014