Rasool Bux Palijo (Sindhi, Urdu: رسول بخش پليجو; 21 February 1930[1] – 7 June 2018) was a Pakistani leftist, Marxist leader, scholar and writer. He was a leading human-rights lawyer and the leader and founder of Awami Tahreek, a progressive and leftist party.
Early life
Rasool Bux Palijo was born in the village Mungar Khan Palijo, Jungshahi, Sindh on 21 February 1930, to Sindhi parents Ali Mohammad Palijo and Laadee Bai.[3][2] He received his early education at his village and the secondary education at Sindh Madressatul Islam in Karachi. Palijo did his law graduation from Sindh Law College Karachi. He was fluent in Sindhi, Urdu, and English, and later became conversant in Hindi, Arabic, Balochi, Bengali, Punjabi and Persian.[4]
Entry into politics and legal career
Rasool Bux Palijo began his political career during his student days at Sindh Madressa. At that time, a movement against British colonial rule was underway, and Jinnah frequently visited the institution. Palijo participated in the struggle against the British and took part in protests against the British Army in Karachi. His formal political journey began in 1953 with the Sindhi Hari Committee. During his days as a lawyer, he became involved in the election campaign of Comrade Hyder Bux Jatoi, the leader of the Sindhi Hari Committee. This experience significantly influenced his political path. In the electoral battle of Qambar Shahdadkot, he witnessed a stark contrast: on one side was the powerful local feudal lord Nawab Ghaibi Khan Chandio, supported by landlords and nawabs from across Sindh; on the other side was Comrade Hyder Bux Jatoi, backed by peasants and laborers who campaigned with flags in hand, singing revolutionary songs.
In 1964, Palijo joined the National Awami Party (NAP) and became the president of its Hyderabad chapter. However, when the Democratic Action Committee (DAC) alliance was formed, Jamaat-e-Islami conditioned their participation on abandoning the demand to dissolve the One Unit scheme. Disagreeing with this stance, Palijo parted ways with them. He subsequently co-founded the Bazm-e-Sufia Sindh with G.M. Syed and served as its general secretary. Alongside this, he was active in the Sindhi Adabi Sangat (Sindhi Literary Society). He also had a stint with the Sindh Mutahda Mahaz but left in 1969.
Palijo pioneered new political traditions, touring the entire Sindh region to awaken the masses. He engaged with various writers, poets, and patriotic individuals, including Ibrahim Joyo, Sheikh Ayaz, Rasheed Bhatti, Hafeez Qureshi, Tanvir Abbasi, and Taj Abro. Eventually, along with Ibrahim Joyo, Jeejee Zarina Baloch, Ibn Hayat Panhwar, and A. K. Sheikh, he founded the Music Lovers' Club, ostensibly a non-political organization. Through this platform, revolutionary poetry by various poets was composed into new tunes and broadcast on the radio, instilling a fresh zeal for revolution among the people.
A prolific writer and scholar, Palijo served as a Supreme Court lawyer.[5] He was one of the outstanding speakers of the Sub-continent, top Constitutional and Criminal Lawyers of Pakistan
Foundation of the Sindhi Awami tahrek
Rasool Bux Palijo believed that the existing parties at the time were unable to address the fundamental national, class, democratic, cultural, social, and economic issues faced by the Sindhi people. He saw the need for a new revolutionary organization in Sindh that would genuinely represent the people and be guided by the principles laid down by labor-friendly scholars, thinkers, and intellectuals from around the world. After extensive efforts, the Sindhi Awami Tehrik was founded on March 5, 1970, in Hyderabad. The initial leadership of the party included Mir Ali Bux Talpur as President, Mohammad Fazil Rahu as Vice President, and Rasool Bux Palijo as General Secretary. The history of this party is extensive and deserves a detailed account on its own.
Later, the name of the Sindhi Awami Tehrik was changed to Awami Tehrik. In 1986, Awami Tehrik merged with the National Democratic Party (NDP), the Punjab Democratic Front, and the Mazdoor Kisan Party to form a new party, the Awami National Party (ANP). The central leadership of ANP included Khan Abdul Wali Khan as the central president, Mohammad Fazil Rahu as the central vice president, and Rasool Bux Palijo as the central general secretary.
In 1990, when ANP formed an alliance with the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Palijo strongly disagreed with this decision and resigned, subsequently re-establishing the Awami Tehrik. Following the protests and unrest led by Tahir-ul-Qadri's Awami Tehrik in 2013, the name of Palijo's party was changed to the Qaumi Awami Tehrik to avoid confusion.
From the Sindhi Awami Tehrik to the Qomi Awami Tehreek, the organization has created a new chapter of struggles and achievements in its history.
Political struggle
Rasool Bux Palijo's entire life was marked by relentless struggle. He was actively involved in the movement against the One Unit scheme and played a crucial role in the March 4 student movement. In 1970, he launched the "Print Voter Lists in Sindhi" campaign and led the "Stop the Auctions" movement against the auctioning of millions of acres of land in Sindh. In 1975, he served as the lawyer for Baloch and Pashtun leaders in the Hyderabad Conspiracy Case, which led to his imprisonment by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's government. During his imprisonment, Palijo penned a pamphlet titled "Escape from Prison" criticizing Bhutto's governance style.
When General Zia-ul-Haq overthrew Bhutto's government and imposed martial law, Palijo vehemently opposed the regime, initiating a nationwide campaign. This effort resulted in the formation of two leftist alliances: the Pakistan Awami Tehrik and the Awami Democratic Alliance. Under General Zia's regime, media restrictions were imposed, and Palijo played a significant role in resisting these curbs. Many leaders and activists from Awami Tehrik were arrested during this period. He also launched the "Save Bhutto" movement. He played an active role against illegal Army Operation in Bangladesh and Balochistan and in the Movement of Journalists against General Zia-ul-Haq
On October 1979, a historic farmer's conference was held in Rahooki, which served as a referendum against martial law. Following this event, the military whipped Awami Tehrik workers in Badin and arrested Palijo. Palijo was instrumental in establishing the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD), where his parties, Awami Tehrik and Sindhiani Tehrik, played a significant role. Hundreds of activists were arrested and subjected to corporal punishment. Due to his involvement in the pro-democracy movement, Palijo spent over six and a half years in various prisons, including Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail, and was declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International. president-zia-ui-haq-finds-himself-dangerously-isolated-from-his-countrymen-771062-2013-07-18|title=Pakistan President Zia-ui-Haq finds himself dangerously isolated from his countrymen|author=Bhabani Sen Gupta|date=30 September 1983|website=India Today|access-date=30 March 2023}}</ref>[2]
In 1986, Palijo became the convener of the MRD. In 1988, he presented a robust stance at the All Parties Conference called by Prime Minister Mohammad Khan Junejo regarding the Afghan war. Palijo vocally opposed the exploitation of Sindh's water resources and led a vigorous campaign to explain the issue of the Indus River to the people of Sindh. He organized long marches and a historic sit-in at the Sindh-Punjab border at Kamo Shaheed, which saw participation from national leaders, including Benazir Bhutto.
In 2007, Palijo played a pivotal role in opposing General Musharraf's emergency rule and advocating for the restoration of the judiciary. He organized a march from Karachi to Islamabad. During the lawyers' movement for the restoration of judges, Awami Tehrik leader Nawaz Kanrani was martyred by terrorists while welcoming Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry in Karachi on May 12, 2007. Many Awami Tehrik activists were also arrested during this struggle.
In jail
Rasool Bux Palijo spent a significant portion of his life in prison due to his political activities and outspoken criticism of various regimes. His imprisonments were as follows:
1969: During the One Unit movement, Palijo was jailed for 9 months.
1973: Under Bhutto's government, he was imprisoned for 6 months under the Defense of Pakistan Rules (DPR) for writing critical articles in the monthly journal "Tehreek" and on the 1973 Constitution.
1975: Again under the DPR, he was jailed for 11 months.
1976: He spent 14 months in prison due to his role as a lawyer in the Hyderabad Conspiracy Case.
1978: Palijo was imprisoned for 6 months under Martial Law Regulation 16 for protesting against Bhutto's death sentence.
1979: He was jailed for a total of 6 months, 3 months before and 3 months after Bhutto's execution.
1980s: During the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD), he spent more than six and a half years in prison.
In total, Rasool Bux Palijo spent approximately 11 years in various prisons, including Kot Lakhpat Jail, Karachi Central Jail, Landhi Jail, Hyderabad Central Jail, and Sukkur Central Jail, under the authoritarian regimes of General Ayub Khan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, General Zia-ul-Haq, and General Pervez Musharraf. He declared as "Prisoner of Conscience" by Amnesty International in 1981.
Long marches
Rasool Bux Palijo pioneered the concept of long marches on foot in the history of Pakistan. He led several significant long marches to draw attention to various political and social issues:
1991: Sukkur to Karachi
1995: Hyderabad to Karachi
2001: Bhit Shah to Karachi
2005: Sukkur to Karachi
2009: Kandhkot to Karachi
2017: Islamkot to Karachi
These marches were instrumental in raising awareness and mobilizing public support for various causes, reflecting Palijo's commitment to non-violent, democratic struggle. His leadership during these marches inspired a new wave of activism and paved the way for peaceful protests in the region.
Alliances
Rasool Bux Palijo forged alliances and collaborations with various political and social organizations, both regionally and nationally, to further the causes he championed. Some of the notable alliances and affiliations include:
Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD): Palijo played a significant role in the MRD, a political alliance formed in Pakistan in the 1980s to oppose military rule and restore democracy.
Sindhi National Unity: He was instrumental in establishing the National Unity of Sindh's, aiming to unite the Sindhi community for their rights and interests.
Asia Pacific Peace Forum: Palijo was associated with this international organization dedicated to promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
World Social Forum: He participated in the World Social Forum, a global gathering of civil society organizations, activists, and social movements advocating for social justice and equality.
Anti-Greater Thal Canal Action Committee: Palijo was involved in this committee opposing the construction of the Greater Thal Canal, which aimed to divert water from the Indus River to irrigate lands in Punjab.
Anti-Kalabagh Dam Action Committee: He was part of the committee opposing the construction of the Kalabagh Dam, which was proposed to be built on the Indus River in Pakistan.
Behari Rukhiyo Committee: Palijo participated in this committee, which worked towards the welfare and protection of farmers' rights in Sindh.
PONM (Pakistan Oppressed Nations Movement): He was associated with PONM, a political alliance advocating for the rights of oppressed nationalities in Pakistan.
Sindh Awami National Party: Palijo collaborated with this political party, which aimed to represent the interests of the Sindhi people in Pakistan.
Through these alliances and collaborations, Palijo aimed to advance the socio-political causes he believed in and work towards the betterment of society, particularly in Sindh and Pakistan as a whole.
Literary and academic contributions
Rasool Bux Palejo has made significant contributions to various fields through his prolific writing and engaging lectures. He has authored numerous books spanning political, social, literary, and scientific topics, demonstrating his versatile intellect and deep knowledge across disciplines. He is the author of more than 40 books on numerous subjects, ranging from literature to politics, prison diaries, culture, and poetry, etc.
Palijo's scholarly expertise has been acknowledged globally, leading him to deliver lectures at esteemed institutions such as the University of Oxford in England, Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, India, the University of Chicago in the United States, the University of Cambridge in the United States, Essex University in England, Kingston University in England, the University of Malawi in the United States, and the Institute of Oriental Studies in Moscow, Russia, among others. His multilingual proficiency and diverse interests are reflected in his writings, which are available in languages including Sindhi, Urdu, Bengali, English, and Persian.
Personal life
He has six children from his first wife Shareefan Palijo: 1) Jameel Ahmed Palejo[6] 2) Saleem Akhtar, 3) Masood Anwar, 4) Shehnaz (Adi Pado), 5) Ghulam Hyder, and 6) Noor Nabi. Two children from his second wife Ruqaya: 1) Zafar Palijo, 2) Fakhra Qalbani. Later on, He was married to Sindhi singer, activist, and author Zarina Baloch until her death on 25 October 2006. The union yielded a son Ayaz Latif Palijo.[7] Lastly, He was married to an educationist and writer of the Sindhi language, Naseem Thebo. The union yielded two children: 1) Tania Palijo, 2) Anita Aijaz.[citation needed] Fifth Wife Zahida Shaikh.
Last days
Rasool Bux Palijo stepped down from the leadership of his party, Awami Tehreek, in 2008 due to deteriorating health following a severe car accident in 2007 near Ranipur, which resulted in significant injuries to Palijo and other passengers. Subsequently, Abdul Qadir Ranto was elected as the central president. However, the party continued to deliberate on a permanent leadership change. Eventually, Rasool Bakhsh Palijo's son, Ayaz Latif Palijo, a distinguished politician, lawyer, activist, writer, and teacher, emerged as the ideal successor. Initially, Ayaz was reluctant to take on the role due to his legal commitments. However, senior party leaders Saeein Alam Shah and Saeein Hakeem Halipoto persuaded him to accept the leadership on the condition that he would dedicate two days a week to party activities.
Upon becoming president in 2009, Ayaz Latif Palijo led a significant 900 km long march on foot from Kandhkot to Karachi, demonstrating his dedication to the party's cause. Following in his father's footsteps, he remained consistently active and committed to the party's mission, infusing it with new energy while upholding its established traditions.
Despite severe illness, Rasool Bakhsh Palijo remained active in party affairs and provided continuous guidance. Engaged in revolutionary ideals and energized in hospital bed in final days of life.
Death
On 7 June 2018, he died at a hospital in Karachi.[2][8][9] Prior to his death, he was hospitalised for a long time for cardiac and respiratory complications.[2] On 8 June 2018, he was laid to rest in his native village, Mungar Khan Palijo, in Thatta district.[2][6][10]
Books
Described as "the author of more than forty books on numerous subjects, ranging from literature to politics, prison dairies, philosophy, culture and poetry",[11] his bibliography includes:[12]
Chā Sindhiyuni lāʼi mulkī siyāsata ḥarāmu āhe?. Analytical study of anti-Pakistan movements by Sindhi nationalists; a plea for the Sindhis to take an active part in the affairs of Pakistan.
"Suboh theendo". written during imprisonment highlighting false and propaganda socialism in Sindh.
"Jeko Bengal sa thiyo". The incident happened with Bengali people of Pakistan during and before 1971 war were discussed in book.
