Shaheed Fazil Rahoo was born in Rahuki village, Badin district, Sindh in 1934. He was a Pakistani political leader and one of the most renowned peasant leaders in Sindh. His life was dedicated to the struggle for the rights of the marginalised and oppressed.
FAZIL RAHU
Born on 1934
Died on 17 JAN 1987
A renowned Pakistani peasant leader and political activist from Sindh
Fazil Rahoo was born in 1934 in Rahuki village, Badin district of Sindh. This region later became part of Pakistan. From an early age, Rahoo was deeply influenced by the hardships faced by peasants and dedicated his life to fighting for their rights.
Rahoo’s political career began with his election in the Basic Democracies (B.D.) elections in 1962 and 1965, which led him to become the chairman of Union Council Taraai. His leadership and dedication to his community were evident from the start.
In 1969, he initiated the “Publish Voter Lists in Sindhi” movement, advocating for the recognition and use of the Sindhi language in official matters. This movement laid the foundation for the Sindhi Awami Tehreek, and in 1970, he was elected President of Awami Tahreek after Hafeez Qureshi during the Sindhi Qaumi Convention in Hyderabad.
In 1971, Fazil Rahoo organized a Sindhi language convention at Jaamia Arabia High School, Hyderabad. He continued his activism for the rights of peasants and the marginalized, organizing a massive “Haari Conference” in October 1979 at his native village of Rahuki. This event gathered thousands of people, showcasing his influence and dedication.
Despite his peaceful activism, Rahoo faced significant challenges, including imprisonment. In October 1979, he and his son Muhammad Siddique Rahu were jailed for holding a political conference at Rahuki. His commitment to justice and equality remained unwavering, especially during the Sindhi-Muhajir riots in 1983. He addressed a large gathering under the platform of the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) in Badin in 1983.
Fazil Rahoo’s activism was a family affair. His entire family, including his wife, son, two daughters, and many other relatives, were actively involved in the political struggle. The women participated through the platform of “Sindhiani Tahreek,” the youth through “Sindhi Shagird Tahreek,” and even children were an active part of “Sujaag Baar Tahreek.” The Rahoo family faced numerous voluntary and forced imprisonments but their collective resolve never wavered.
Throughout his life, Rahoo was imprisoned at various periods and locations, including Naara Jail Hyderabad, Mach Jail Baluchistan, Landhi Jail Karachi, Kot Lakhpat Jail, Central Jail Karachi, Central Jail Sukkur, Central Jail Hyderabad, Khairpur, and District Jail Badin. Despite the hardships, his spirit and dedication to his cause remained strong.
Rahoo’s life was tragically cut short in a premeditated conspiracy. On 17 January 1987, he was assassinated in Golarchi (now Shaheed Fazil Rahu) by an axe attack on the back of his head. His assassination was a significant blow to the Sindhi political movement, but his legacy continues to inspire many.
Shaheed Fazil Rahoo’s life was a testament to his relentless pursuit of justice and equality for the oppressed. His contributions to the political and social fabric of Sindh are remembered and honoured by those who continue to fight for the rights of the marginalized. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who strive for a just and equitable society.