Sindh's progressive thinkers condemn alliance with religious groups

Amar Sindhu issues request on their behalf asking mainstream nationalist parties not to ally with religious parties

HYDERABABD: A group of civil society activists, teachers and writers have requested mainstream and nationalist parties in Sindh not to ally with religious, extremist or banned political groups for the sake of electoral support.
In a press statement issued on Sunday by Amar Sindhu, an associate professor at the Sindh University who also heads Khanabadosh Writers Cafe, the parties have also been urged to stay clear of religious elements.

"... any political space created or carved for religious parties will distort the secular and progressive fabric of Sindh, democratic political culture and narrative of the province, existence of pluralism and exemplary interfaith harmony of Sindh, and peaceful coexistence in the province."



The statement noted that some mainstream and national parties which are contesting the election have either received or extended support to religious extremists or banned political groups. "The progressive thinkers of Sindh strongly condemn any such alliance, covert or overt support, [or] seat adjustment."

The statement underlined the historical reference of Sindh being the land of sufism and pluralism and expressed hope that progressive, secular and democratic political forces should represent the province.

According to Sindhu, Jami Chandio, Kirshan Sharma, Muneer Bhurgari, Taimor Rehman, Nida Kirmani, Prof Khalil Khumbhati, Prof Ijaz Khan, Dr Bela Nawaz, Asif Farrukhi, Attiya Dawood and Khuda Bux Abro, among others, have supported the demand.