THE death of popular nationalist leader and Chairman of the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz Basheer Khan Qureshi may mark the end of an epoch in the political history of Sindh.

Born on August 10, 1959, in Motanpur Mohalla in Ratodero, Larkana district, Basheer Qureshi launched his political career as a student when he joined the Jeay Sindh Students Federation in 1976.

He was elected President of the JSSF’s Tandojam chapter in 1980, Central Vice-President in 1982, Federation’s Central President in 1986 and re-elected for the same post in 1990.

Even though Basheer Qureshi was behind the bars at the inception of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz in 1995, but assumed the position of Secretary General in 1996 and finally its chairman in 1998.

He was inspired by the philosophy of G.M. Syed and strived hard to spread his message of freedom, non-violence and Sufism till his death, and being a firebrand leader, late Qureshi played an active role in Sindh’s politics and earned a lot of respect. His first incarceration took place in 1978 at the hands of Tandojam police.

The August 17, 1984 incident of Thori Phatak proved a turning point for Basheer Qureshi when security forces gunned down five JSSF activists near Manjhand in Jamshoro district. The activists were confronted by the security forces while on way to Larkana to attend a meeting.

The late leader played an active role in mobilising the JSSF membership and never felt tired in working for strengthening the federation.

He actively participated in the movement against Martial Law and was arrested on January 15, 1985 from Ratodero. The Military Court awarded him one-year imprisonment and lashes. He was released in August 1986 after undergoing the sentence.

Baheer Qureshi was once more arrested on August 11, 1998 for 18 months and then in January 1994 for two years and finally on January 17, 1999 while on way to attend G.M. Syed’s birthday celebrations. He was freed in November, the same year.

The JSSF leader spent the prime of his youth — six years and 10 months — in different prisons.

Baheer Qureshi authored ‘Jaagya Jung Jawaan’ in 1989, a collection of his speeches.

THE death of popular nationalist leader and Chairman of the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz Basheer Khan Qureshi may mark the end of an epoch in the political history of Sindh.Born on August 10, 1959, in Motanpur Mohalla in Ratodero, Larkana district, Basheer Qureshi launched his political career as a student when he joined the Jeay Sindh Students Federation in 1976.He was elected President of the JSSF’s Tandojam chapter in 1980, Central Vice-President in 1982, Federation’s Central President in 1986 and re-elected for the same post in 1990.Even though Basheer Qureshi was behind the bars at the inception of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz in 1995, but assumed the position of Secretary General in 1996 and finally its chairman in 1998.He was inspired by the philosophy of G.M. Syed and strived hard to spread his message of freedom, non-violence and Sufism till his death, and being a firebrand leader, late Qureshi played an active role in Sindh’s politics and earned a lot of respect. His first incarceration took place in 1978 at the hands of Tandojam police.The August 17, 1984 incident of Thori Phatak proved a turning point for Basheer Qureshi when security forces gunned down five JSSF activists near Manjhand in Jamshoro district. The activists were confronted by the security forces while on way to Larkana to attend a meeting.The late leader played an active role in mobilising the JSSF membership and never felt tired in working for strengthening the federation.He actively participated in the movement against Martial Law and was arrested on January 15, 1985 from Ratodero. The Military Court awarded him one-year imprisonment and lashes. He was released in August 1986 after undergoing the sentence.Baheer Qureshi was once more arrested on August 11, 1998 for 18 months and then in January 1994 for two years and finally on January 17, 1999 while on way to attend G.M. Syed’s birthday celebrations. He was freed in November, the same year.The JSSF leader spent the prime of his youth — six years and 10 months — in different prisons.Baheer Qureshi authored ‘Jaagya Jung Jawaan’ in 1989, a collection of his speeches.