Sufi singer Manjhee Fakeer threatened by mob

Singer claims he is being targeted for 'spreading the message of inter-faith harmony'

KARACHI: Eminent Sufi singer Manjhee Fakeer has demanded security from law enforcement agencies and the Sindh government after he was threatened by a mob, for allegedly 'spreading the message of harmony', on Thursday night.

Around two dozen miscreants stormed Fakeer’s village of Bharoon Sharif and shouted slogans, condemning the message of inter-faith harmony that the singer promotes through his music.

The signboard guiding passersby to the Fakeer Dur Muhammad shrine was also dismantled on the main Nawabshah-Sangar Road.
Members of the civil society also called out authorities over the inaction, after a video of the incident went viral on social media.

Talking about the incident, Faqeer told The Express Tribune that he knew who had tried to hatch a conspiracy against him. “They want me to stop spreading the message of humanity,” he said. “This is not the first time. I am not against any religious group or leader. I am not against any religion,” he explained. “Through poetry and singing, we just spread the message of love, humanity, and peace.”

For his part, the Nawabshah DIG has assured that strict action would be taken against the mob. “I have been ensured that action would be taken against the culprits,” said Fakeer.

Meanwhile, Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Syed Sardar Ali Shah has also directed the Sindh Police to initiate an inquiry into the matter and assured Faqeer of immediate action against the perpetrators. In a statement, Shah said that Faqeer was an asset of Sindh and the government will provide him all possible help.

Faqeer is popular for singing poetry of Sufi giants such as Shah Latif, Sachal Sarmasat, Sufi Shah Inayat and other prominent Sufi saints of the region.

The FIR of the incident was not registered till the filing of the story, nor has anyone been arrested.


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