G. M. Syed: Lifelong Sindhi nationalist confined under house arrest for 11 years
Ghulam Murtaza Shah, widely known as G. M. Syed, was a prominent Sindhi nationalist, politician, writer, and founder of the Jeay Sindh movement. He played a key role in the Sindh Assembly’s 1943 resolution in favor of Pakistan but later turned into an advocate for Sindh’s autonomy and independence. Due to his political stance, he was kept under house arrest for a record duration in Pakistan’s history.
Muslim League (before 1947), Sindh United Party, Jeay Sindh Tehreek
Notable Titles
Founder of Sindhi Nationalism, Father of Sindhudesh Movement
Languages Spoken
Sindhi, Urdu, English
Occupation
Politician, Writer, Nationalist Leader
Political Contributions & Major Events
Year
Events
1921
At age 14, met Mahatma Gandhi and Maulana Azad at Sann railway station, which influenced his early political thinking.
1934
Co-founded Sindh Peoples Party with Shahnawaz Bhutto, Allah Bux Soomro, and Meeran Mohammad Shah.
1936
Founded Sindh Ittehad Party with Haji Abdullah Haroon and Allah Bux Soomro.
1937
Elected member of Sindh Assembly.
1938
Joined All India Muslim League to support the cause of Pakistan.
1940
Supported the Lahore Resolution, which led to the creation of Pakistan.
1943
As leader of Sindh Muslim League, passed a resolution in Sindh Assembly demanding a separate homeland for Muslims.
1946
Left the Muslim League due to ideological differences.
1947
Opposed joining Pakistan’s centralized structure, fearing Sindh’s autonomy would be lost.
1954
Formed Sindh Awami Mahaz, demanding provincial rights and autonomy.
1966
Founded Jeay Sindh Mahaz (JSM), the movement for Sindhudesh (independent Sindh).
1973
Arrested for writing “Sindhudesh”, a book demanding Sindh’s independence.
1978
Placed under house arrest by General Zia-ul-Haq.
1983
Became part of Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD) against military rule.
1984–1995
Kept under house arrest until his death in 1995.
G. M. Syed’s Imprisonment and House Arrest
Total Duration in Jail & House Arrest
32 Years (Longest political imprisonment in Pakistan’s history)
First Major Arrest
1948, for opposing Pakistan’s centralized policies
Number of Times Jailed
More than 30 times
Longest House Arrest
1984 – 1995 (Over 11 years continuously)
Reason for Arrests
Advocating Sindhi nationalism, supporting Sindhudesh, opposing military dictatorship
Death in Captivity
Died under house arrest on April 25, 1995
Ideological Views
Topic
G. M. Syed’s View
Pakistan’s Creation
Initially supported Pakistan but later regretted it, believing Sindh lost its sovereignty.
Sindhi Nationalism
Advocated Sindhudesh, a separate homeland for Sindhis.
Federalism
Opposed Pakistan’s centralized structure; wanted autonomy for provinces.
Democracy
Opposed military rule and fought for Sindh’s political freedom.
Islam and Politics
Supported secularism, believed religion should not be part of the state.
Language Rights
Demanded Sindhi language be declared as a national language of Pakistan.
Major Books Written by G. M. Syed
Book Title
Subject
Sindhudesh – A Study in Its Background and Future
Advocacy for an independent Sindh
Sindh Speaks
Sindh’s political and cultural history
A Nation in Chains
Critique of Sindh’s treatment within Pakistan
Religion and Reality
Discussion on secularism and religious politics
The Case of Sindh
Political and economic issues of Sindh
Legacy & Influence
Father of Sindhi Nationalism – G. M. Syed is regarded as the pioneer of Sindhi nationalism and the Sindhudesh movement.
Jeay Sindh Movement – His ideology led to the formation of Jeay Sindh Tehreek, which continues his struggle for Sindh’s autonomy.
Martyr of Sindhi Nationalism – Even in death, he remains a symbol of resistance for Sindhi nationalists.
Annual Tributes – His birth and death anniversaries are observed with gatherings and cultural events in Sann, Sindh.
Criticism – Many view him as controversial due to his anti-Pakistan stance, while others see him as a freedom fighter.
Conclusion
G. M. Syed was a visionary leader, philosopher, and political activist who dedicated his life to the cause of Sindh’s autonomy and rights. Despite being imprisoned for over 32 years, he remained committed to his beliefs. His legacy lives on through nationalist movements advocating for Sindh’s self-determination.
G M Syed played a key role in the establishment and intellectual growth of the University of Sindh. As a champion of Sindhi identity, culture, and education, he emphasized research and literature. In gratitude for his contributions, the university observes a holiday on his birthday, January 17, each year.
