Bashir Qureshi

Bashir Ahmed Qureshi is the leader of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM), a fraction of nationalist movement in Sindh founded by G. M. Syed, "Jeay Sindh" movement.

Early life

Mr Bashir Khan Qureshi (Sindhi: بشير خان قريشي), the son of Ghulam Murtaza Qureshi, was born on 10 August, 1959 at Motan Pur Mohalla in Ratodero, Larkano District in Sindh. He completed his primary education up to 5th level at Rato Dero and passed his Matriculation examination from Government High School, Rato Dero in the year 1974. He passed his Intermediate (Science) examination from Shikarpur and got admission in Agricultural University, TandoJam in the year 1976. However, in the year 1981, he was rusticated from the University for one year.

Political Activism

He took part into students' politics. He joined in Jeay Sindh Students Federation in the year 1976. He was impressed upon the thinking of the Great Leader Saeen G. M. Syed and worked hard to spread his message through out the Sindh. He was elected as President of the Federation; Tando Jam Unit in the year 1980 but after two years (1982) was elected as Central Vice President of the Federation. He was also elected as Central President of the Federation in the year 1986. In 1990, he was re-elected for the same post. Nevertheless, in the year 1995, Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz was formed when he was behind the bar but was elected as Deputy Convener. He was also elected as Secretary General of the Mahaz in 1996 and finally elected as Chairman in the year 1998. Mr Bashir Khan Qureshi has played a very active role in politics of Sindh. First of all, he was put behind the bar in 1978 by Tando Jam police. The Thori Phattak incident (Aug 17, 1984) was turning point in his life when un-armed Sindhi students were fired upon and killed during the regime of militarily dictator General Zia-ul-Haq at Thori Phatak whereas large number of students was arrested. Mr Bashir played a vital role in mobilizing the members of the Federation and worked hard to strengthen the Federation. Mr Bashir also took active part in the movement against Martial Law. Later, he was arrested on Jan 15, 1985 at Rato Dero. Torture at various Police Stations, prisons and denial of basic facilities as mentioned in the Jail Manual, was not new things for him. He was kept in "Closed Ward" (generally known as 'Band Ward') in Hyderabad Prison for long time. The Military Court awarded him one year imprisonment in each two cases along with 10 lashes which were implemented. Finally, he was set free in August, 1986.Mr Bashir was again arrested on August 11, 1988 after Sindhi-Mohajar riots. This time, he was jailed for 18 months. Again, he was arrested on Jan 02, 1994 (PPP regime) for two years. Later he was arrested on Jan 17, 1999 on his way to attend the birth celebration of Saeen G. M. Syed and was set free in November 1999 after a struggle of 11 months. Mr Bashir has remained in prison for the total period of 6 years and 10 months. He has spent best days of his life in prison. He is author of his book entitled "Jaagya Junge Jawaan" in Sindhi language, published in 1989 which is collection of various speeches delivered by him. Mr Bashir was awarded "G. M. Syed National Award" in the year 1997.

See also

* Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz
*Sindhudesh
*Sindh
*Sindhi
*Indus Valley

External links

* [http://www.geocities.com/jeaysindh_org/interview.html Interview of Bashir Qureshi - by SindhToday.Net]
* [http://geocities.com/zfr_l Sain G M Syed]
* [http://geocities.com/jeaysindh_org Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM)]
* [http://www.sindhudesh.com Information about Sindhudesh]