KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of comrade Jam Saqi, who passed away in Hyderabad on Monday.
The PPP chairman in a condolence message saluted the valiant political struggle and sacrifices of Jam Saqi adding that he had been fighting for democracy and democratic rights for his whole life.
Bilawal termed the death of Jam Saqi as a big loss of the democratic forces of the country including the PPP.
He said that PPP family shares the grief of Jam Saqi family and prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the members of bereaved family and his fans to bear this irreparable loss.
Chief Minister Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also expressed grief over the passing on comrade Jam Saqi calling him a valiant fighter for the disenfranchised.
CM Sindh said that Saqi’s struggle against tyranny and his sacrifices for a democratic Pakistan remain an inspiration for generations, and his association with the PPP was a source of pride.
Jam Saqi was a veteran communist leader and rights activist and former Secretary-General of the Communist Party of Pakistan.
Saqi was born on October 31, 1944 in the village of Jhanji in taluka Chachro, Tharparkar. The left-wing politician from Sindh was a staunch communist and student leader.
He founded Sindh National Students Federation (SNSF) – a student wing of Communist Party in 1968, and joined the National Awami Party in 1972.
Saqi was arrested in 1978 during the era of military dictator General Zia-ul-Haq and was tried in a military court in 1983 on charges of plotting to overthrow the military government in order to install a socialist system.
Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was a defense witness in the case along with political political stalwarts including Mir Ghous Bux Bizenjo, Khan Abdul Wali Khan, Mairaj Mohammad Khan and others.
Benazir Bhutto, in the defense of Saqi, declared that she did not accept the military courts and testified that Jam Saqi is a patriotic citizen of the state and must be released.
Saqi joined the PPP in the 90s and remained a member until his death. He has also authored seven books and launched newspapers and magazines.
