

Ayaz Latif Palijo (1968-2021) was a Pakistani politician, writer, and intellectual. His support for the rights of the Sindhi people and his involvement in Sindhi nationalist politics made him widely recognised. Palijo was the founder and head of Pakistan’s Awami Workers Party (AWP).
Palijo was born in Sindh, Pakistan, and played a leading role in the Sindhi nationalist movement. He tried to spread awareness of the problems the Sindhi community faced and to work for the rights and cultural preservation of the Sindhi people. Along with being a prolific writer, he wrote a lot of books and articles about Sindh, its history, and its cultural legacy.
Ayaz Latif Palijo was born in Sindh, Pakistan in 1968. He grew up with a strong interest in Sindhi culture and political issues. His upbringing in Sindh had a profound impact on his later advocacy.
Jeejee Zarina Baloch, Palijo’s mother, was a Baloch women’s rights activist, the founder of Sindhiani Tahreek, a writer, artist, and teacher. His father, Rasool Bux Palijo, was an Awami Tahreek founder, scholar, and communist from Sindh.
Ayaz Latif Palijo was a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, noted for his work with the Sindhi nationalist movement in particular. He formed and led the Pakistani political organisation Awami Workers organisation (AWP). With a focus on workers’ and peasants’ rights, the AWP addressed social, political, and economic issues.
Palijo and his party, QAT, opposed the Kalabagh Dam’s construction due to conflicts with their goals of social justice, peace, and provincial autonomy.
In 2012, Palijo led a “Muhabbat-e-Sindh” rally and a three-day train march opposing a foreign-sponsored Mohajir province while promoting harmony in Pakistan.
A terrorist attack during the Muhabbat-e-Sindh rally resulted in 11 deaths. Palijo called for a peaceful strike and emphasised unity among all Sindh residents.
Palijo faced opposition and threats when announcing a rally in Lyari, criticising the deployment of a large police force.
Palijo lost in the 2013 election, challenging results due to alleged harassment of his polling booth agents.
Palijo disagreed with M.Q.M. ‘s call for a separate province, initially threatening strikes and protests but later calling them off after discussions, as M.Q.M. clarified their demand for local government powers in Karachi.
In addition to being a political leader, Palijo was a prolific writer and intellectual. Numerous articles and books on the history, culture, and language of Sindh as well as other subjects were written by him. He had a strong commitment to upholding the Sindhi people’s cultural legacy and promoting awareness of their distinct identity.
The passing of Ayaz Latif Palijo in 2021 left a void in both Pakistan’s political system and the Sindhi nationalist movement. Those who share his passion for the rights and cultural preservation of the Sindhi people are still motivated by his legacy.