Rally held to pay tribute to Soreh Badshah

Pir Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi was martyred by colonial rulers on March 20, 1943

KARACHI:

A historic public meeting was held outside Karachi Press Club on Sunday on the anniversary of Imam Inqilab Shaheed Soreh Badshah under Pakistan Muslim League-Functional.

Pir Sibghatullah Shah Rashidi II the sixth Pir Pagara was the spiritual leader of the Hur Movement against British colonial rule. Soreh Badshah or the Victorious King was the title given him by his admirers.

He was hanged by the colonial government on March 20, 1943 in the Central Jail Hyderabad, Sindh. Addressing the gathering, Sardar Abdul Rahim, Functional League Sindh, General Secretary said that Shaheed Soreh Badshah is a great example for the freedom lovers who chose gallows over compromise.

The martyred king did not bow to colonial forces and died a free man. “I ask the students of history, why is the great sacrifice of Soreh Badshsh kept hidden from youth?” Raheem said.

He said, “is there no one who writes the truth in Pakistan? Why don't historians say that the martyred Surya Badshah died for a great cause?”

The Hur people though persecuted by the British, remained interned in concentration camps even after the independence of Pakistan. Though the British were colonials from foreign lands, Raheem said, what the present rulers have done to the country is in front of everyone.

Today the condition of a poor person is very bad. The followers of power want to use people to create a situation of civil war in the country. He said that when Nawaz Sharif and Zardari completed five years, Imran should be allowed to complete the term too. “I am not a supporter of Imran Khan, but this is the demand of democracy.”

He appealed to people to strengthen hands of Functional League. He said that by the grace of God we are strong in Karachi. Our workers have held a historic meeting. We need to increase our power, not for power, but to strengthen people.

We have to make full preparations for local body elections Allama Abdul Khaliq Faridi, a senior leader of Functional League, said that in the 19th century, when British imperialism started bloodshed in the subcontinent, Soreh Badshah raised his voice against oppression. Soreh Badshah died but did not retreat from the freedom movement.

SM Zameer, a senior leader of Functional League, said that Soreh Badshah fought against British imperialism. Present leadership of Functional League is fighting against the local version of the colonial rulers.

The struggle for independence endures till the real power is gained by the representatives of the people, he said. Earlier, Sardar Abdul Rahim, Maulana Intezar-ul-Haq Thanwi, Masroor Chacha, Ghulam Nabi Mangrio, Barrister Arshad Sher Baloch, Waqar Jutt, Karachi Zone Coordination Officials of committee, presidents of all the districts of Karachi, general secretary and officials of different wings were present. The meeting was attended by thousands of Functional League workers The Hur movement began with Sibghtullah Shah Badshah I (1779- 1831).

It reached its peak in the time of Sibghtullah Shah Shaheed Suraih Badshah when the Hurs became militarily opposed to colonial rule. Several were arrested and imprisoned in the Vasarpur district Ahmed Nagar. Sibghatullah Shah I provided forces to Syed Ahmed Shaheed to fight against the Sikhs.

Since that time these people have been called Hurs or the free people. The independence movement was started by Syed Sibghtullah Shah Shaheed Awal in 1831. Pagaras' and their followers fought against the colonial government for 108 years, from 1843 to 1951.