Ayaz Latif Palijo

Ayaz Latif Palijo is a Pakistani politician, lawyer, activist, writer and teacher from Sindh. He currently serves as the president of Qomi Awami Tahreek. Since 2007, he has represented the left while objecting to the division of the southeastern province of Sindh.

Early life and education

Palijo was born on 15 November 1968. He is the son of Rasool Bux Palijo, who was a scholar, writer and founder of Awami Tahreek. His mother, Jiji Zarina Baloch, worked as a Sindhi folk music singer and women's rights activist. She also founded Sindhiani Tahreek and served as a teacher.

Regarding his formal training, Palijo participated in the seventh cohort of LEAD (leadership for environment and development) training.

Career

Palijo holds several prominent leadership positions within various political organizations. He is the founder and central convener of the Sindh Progressive Nationalist Alliance (SPNA). Additionally, he serves as a founder and the central Secretary General of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA).

His party manifesto focuses on social justice, peace, equality and provincial autonomy. The Qomi Awami Tahreek (QAT) opposes corruption, feudalism, terrorism and the construction of the Kalabagh Dam. He also actively resists forced conversion.

In May 2012, Palijo organized the Muhabat-e-Sindh (Love of Sindh) rally in Karachi to oppose the formation of a foreign-sponsored Mohajir province. Following this event, he led a 03 days Mohabbat-e-Sindh Train March. The march began in Karachi and concluded with a large sit-in in front of the parliament house in Islamabad.

Tragedy struck during the 2012 movement when terrorists attacked marchers near Nawa Lane, Pan Mandi and Juna Market. This attack resulted in 11 deaths and approximately 30 injuries. Palijo responded by announcing a peaceful strike across Sindh to demand the apprehension of the attackers. He stated that all permanent residents of Sindh, including Urdu-speaking Sindhis, are brothers who must unite for peace.

Tensions remained high during the summer of 2012. On 14 July 2012, Palijo announced a Shaheedan-e-Muhabbat-e-Sindh Jalsa at Gabol Park in Lyari. The Sindh government deployed 4000 policemen to prevent the rally, and the home minister ordered his arrest. Palijo faced various threats of attacks during this period.

During the 2013 Pakistan general election held on 11 May, Palijo ran as a candidate for the PS-47 Qasimabad, Hyderabad constituency. He received 14,901 votes but lost the contest. He subsequently challenged these results in the Sindh High Court and requested a re-election because he claimed his polling agents faced harassment.

Political friction occurred again on 4 January 2014, when Altaf Hussain and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (M.Q.M.) called for a separate province. Palijo threatened strikes and protests in response to this demand. On 6 January 2014, a delegation including Wasim Akhtar and Kunwar Naveed met with Palijo to clarify that they sought local government powers rather than the division of Sindh. Following this discussion, Palijo ended his protests.

Personal life

Palijo is the son of Rasool Bux Palijo and Jiji Zarina Baloch. His family has a history of activism and scholarship in Sindh.