Transition: Sindhi nationalist Ali Hassan Chandio dies
His funeral prayers will be held on Thursday at his native town Daur.
Ali Hassan Chandio. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
Ali Hassan Chandio, a Sindhi nationalist and Chairman Sindh National Movement (SNM), passed away after prolonged illness at the South City Hospital on Wednesday night. He was suffering from kidney problems coupled with diabetes.
According to his friend Asad Chandio, Hassan started his political life from Democratic Student Federation (DSF) and also remained active in the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) during which he was sent to prison where he was subjected to lashing.
Ali Hassan was considered the youngest prisoner of conscience in Pakistan.
“Ali Hassan turned to nationalism when communists gave up struggle in the country and joined Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party (STP) with Dr Qadir Magsi,” said Asad.
He served STP as senior vice chairman and also remained associated with Communist Party of Pakistan.
In 2011 Chandio started his own Sindh National Movement (SNM) in Karachi. He authored books in Sindhi language on the demography and ethnic politics of Karachi. He was a big fan of Nelson Mandela and recently translated a book on Mandela’s life into Sindhi.
He wrote his autobiography titled, ‘Munjo Siasi Safar’ (My Political Journey) and also authored a book analysing the ongoing nationalist movements in Sindh and Balochistan.
He is survived by two sons, a daughter and a spouse. His funeral prayers will be held on Thursday at his native town Daur where he will be laid to rest.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 25th, 2013.
Ali Hassan Chandio, a Sindhi nationalist and Chairman Sindh National Movement (SNM), passed away after prolonged illness at the South City Hospital on Wednesday night. He was suffering from kidney problems coupled with diabetes.
According to his friend Asad Chandio, Hassan started his political life from Democratic Student Federation (DSF) and also remained active in the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) during which he was sent to prison where he was subjected to lashing.
Ali Hassan was considered the youngest prisoner of conscience in Pakistan.
“Ali Hassan turned to nationalism when communists gave up struggle in the country and joined Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party (STP) with Dr Qadir Magsi,” said Asad.
He served STP as senior vice chairman and also remained associated with Communist Party of Pakistan.
In 2011 Chandio started his own Sindh National Movement (SNM) in Karachi. He authored books in Sindhi language on the demography and ethnic politics of Karachi. He was a big fan of Nelson Mandela and recently translated a book on Mandela’s life into Sindhi.
He wrote his autobiography titled, ‘Munjo Siasi Safar’ (My Political Journey) and also authored a book analysing the ongoing nationalist movements in Sindh and Balochistan.
He is survived by two sons, a daughter and a spouse. His funeral prayers will be held on Thursday at his native town Daur where he will be laid to rest.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 25th, 2013.