Sassui Palijo

Sassui Palijo is a Pakistani politician and columnist from Thatta, Sindh. She is currently affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party. Her political work focuses on human rights and gender equality.

Early life and education

Sassui Palijo was born on 10 January 1976 in Jungshahi, Thatta. She belongs to a Sindhi Muslim family. Palijo is a double graduate with diverse academic credentials. She earned an MA in political science from the University of Sindh in 1989. Later, she obtained an undergraduate degree in law from London.

Career

Palijo began her legislative journey in 2002. She was elected as a Member of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh from the Mirpur Sakro area of constituency PS-85 (Thatta-II). She won this seat again in 2008. At that time, she stood out as the only directly elected female assembly member among 168 members in Sindh.

During her tenure from 2008 to 2013, she served as the Minister for Culture in the Sindh cabinet led by Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. Her work during this period resulted in the shifting of the archaeology department from Islamabad to Sindh. She also oversaw the publication of approximately 300 books regarding the history, language and culture of Sindh. Palijo was removed from the Sindh Cabinet on 02 June 2012.

The 2013 Pakistani general election proved difficult for her. She lost her assembly seat by a margin of only 409 votes. However, she transitioned to the Senate on a reserved seat from Sindh. She served as a Senator from 2015 to 2021. In 2018, she was elected Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.

Palijo is also recognized for her political activism. She protested against the military regime of General Musharraf through various demonstrations. These protests led to multiple arrests in Islamabad, Thatta, Karachi, Lahore and Thar. In 2009, she campaigned against the handing over of Hindu Gymkhana to the National Academy of Performing Arts. She argued that the gymkhana should be reserved for the activities of the Hindu community.

Personal life

Palijo comes from a prominent political lineage. Her father, Ghulam Qadir Palijo, served as a Member of the Sindh Provincial Assembly from Thatta in 1993 and 1997. He is also a former chairman of the Thatta district council. Her mother, Akhtar Baloch, holds historical significance as the first Pakistani woman politician arrested during the military rule of Ayub Khan.

Her extended family includes several influential figures. Her aunt, Zarina Baloch, was a writer, actress, folk singer and political activist. Additionally, her uncle, Rasul Bux Palejo, was the founder of Awami Tahreek. These family connections have shaped her lifelong involvement in Pakistani politics.