Why fight others’ war?

Why fight others’ war?

Hilal Pakistan

The statement of ANP leader Shahi Syed has elicited a strong response from the nationalist groups of Sindh who argue that, given the fact that only the indigenous people of the soil as opposed to outsiders and immigrants have rights to the land and resources of the province, Pathans have no right to lay claim over Sindh. The fact is that not only Pathans, but people belonging to different ethnic groups and areas have come here for labour, economic and other interests. They have settled here through legal and illegal means and are now laying claim to the land and resources of Sindh.

If this statement had been issued by ANP chief Asfandyar Wali or some other central leader it would have carried some weight.

Another interpretation of this statement is that the ANP leader was not addressing the Sindhi people but the Urdu-speaking section of the population which is supported by the MQM. The proper context seems to be that segment of the Urdu-speaking population which considers itself to be the sole owner of Karachi. The conflict of interest between the two sections is evident which has resulted in bloodshed at innumerable occasions in Karachi. The latest one was that of May 12, 2007 followed by intermittent outbreaks of violence.

It was the city nazim of Karachi who apprised the Sindhi people of the growing influence of Pathans in Karachi.

Why should the Sindhis get involved in the prevailing situation of a war between two groups fighting for greater influence? We think that Sindhi nationalists should take stock of the situation and formulate their point of view and strategy while keeping ground realities in view. — (July 6)

— Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi