Grand Democratic Alliance denies ticket to Mian Mithu

Mithu shot to prominence after he converted a Hindu girl to Islam in February, 2012

HYDERABAD: For a second successive general election, the Pir of Bharchoondi Sharif, Pir Abdul Haq alias Mian Mithu, who is blamed for alleged forced conversions of Hindu girls, has been denied a party ticket.

The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) had reportedly offered tickets to Mithu to contest from NA-204 in Ghotki district.

 



However, after backlash on social media and opposition to his candidacy by GDA General Secretary Ayaz Latif Palijo, the party decided not to field him as its candidate. "The GDA has refused to give a ticket to Mian Mithu," Palijo said.

Earlier, in 2013, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) also similarly refused to give a ticket to Mithu who was elected as an MNA on its ticket in the 2008 general elections. In his place, the PPP fielded Khalid Ahmed Khan Lund, who had only a year ago left Pakistan Muslim League - Quaid to join the PPP, for the same constituency.

Two years ago, Mithu attempted to join Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) but a strong reaction to his meeting with PTI chief Imran Khan in Bani Gala resulted in a failed bid.

Speaking to the media in Ghotki district, Mithu claimed that he never applied for the candidacy of GDA. "The GDA should show us the application which I had given for the ticket," he said. He said he has filed his nomination papers and will contest as an independent candidate from NA-204.

Mithu is one of the Pirs of Dargah Bharchoondi Sharif. An influential political figure in the district, he is often criticised for his role in the conversion of Hindus and in providing the converts shelter from their families if they feel unsafe.

He shot to prominence after he converted a Hindu girl, Rinkle Kumari [Faryal], to Islam in February, 2012, before her marriage to a Muslim, Naveed Shah.



Faryal's family accused Mithu and Shah of kidnapping and forced conversion. Following the incident, the Supreme Court took suo motu notice and heard the case. However, Faryal told the court that she converted and married of her free will.