Zain Shah

Zain Shah: The Most Popular Sindhi Rights Activist and Grandson of G.M. Syed

Zain Shah Sakrand based is the most popular Sindhi nationalist leader these days and the current president of the Sindh United Party . Born into a politically influential family, he is the son of a national activist and two-time Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) and the grandson of the legendary founder of nationalism Sindhi leader G. M. Syed.

He has also been a passionate activist for education promotion in Majeed Keerio, striving to uplift the youth. His unwavering fight for Sindh’s rights makes him the true representative of his people. Zain ul Abdin Shah, widely recognized as Zain Shah, Zain Syed, or Syed Zain Shah, is known by these names due to his prominent role and deep ties to Sindh’s heritage.

His family has played a vital role in Sindh’s politics, advocating for the rights and autonomy of the Sindhi people. Zain ul Abideen Sayed resides in village Majeed Keerio, as his ancestral lands and property are based there. However, he also maintains residences in Nawabshah, Sann, and Karachi.

Despite holding a degree in Electrical Engineering, he chose to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather by dedicating himself to politics. His passion for Sindhi nationalism and human rights has made him one of the most influential voices in contemporary Sindhi politics.

Political Career and Activism

Zain Shah politician, is the most loved leader in Majeed Keerio district Nawabshah. Despite the long control of PPP leaders from the Keerio caste, he always wins the local people’s trust. His tireless work for the people of Majeed Keerio and surrounding areas has made him highly respected. He is also an active supporter of education and has worked hard to improve learning opportunities for the youth.

In the recent elections held on 8 Feb 2024, Zain Shah contested both the National Assembly of Pakistan and the Sindh Assembly. However, he was defeated through rigging and manipulation. At the National Assembly level, PPP’s Mir Shah from village Mehrabpur taluka Sakrand, secured victory, while at the provincial level, PPP’s Ghullam Qadir Chandio belonging to village Punahal Khan Chandio won.

Both of them are strong figures of the Zardari dynasty and used unfair means to win. Sakrand, where Zain Shah contested, is part of District Shaheed Benazirabad, the hometown of Asif Ali Zardari, which gave PPP a stronghold advantage. Despite this unjust defeat, Zain Shah continues to be a fearless advocate for Sindh’s rights.

He stands firm against injustice, corruption, and the exploitation of Sindh’s resources. His fight for the people remains strong, and he refuses to give up on his mission.

Role in Sindh United Party (SUP)

The Sindh United Party (SUP) is a Sindhi nationalist political party that advocates for democratic rights and greater autonomy for the people of Sindh. The party was founded by Syed Jalal Mehmood Shah, a former Deputy Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, on December 9, 2006, during a political workers’ convention at G.M. Syed Edifice, Jamshoro.

Zain Shah currently serves as the President of SUP, leading the party’s efforts in mobilizing Sindhi masses for their rights. On November 3, 2007, when General Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency rule and suspended the 1973 Constitution, the SUP launched peaceful protests across Pakistan to restore democracy.

The party has a strong commitment to nonviolence, religious harmony, and the separation of religion from the state, aligning itself with the principles of Sindhi nationalism rooted in the Indus Valley Civilization and Sufism. In 2015, the SUP launched a mass mobilization and awareness campaign against terrorism, religious extremism, and corruption in Sindh, calling for accountability and transparent governance.

The G.M. Syed Centre

The G.M. Syed Centre Sann, Taluka Manjhand Jamshoro serves as the headquarters of SUP. Established by Syed Jalal Mehmood Shah, the center is a hub for Sindhi nationalists, researchers, and scholars. It houses a world-renowned library dedicated to the works and ideology of G.M. Syed, offering food and residence to those studying Sindhi history and political thought.

Popular Political Activities

• Opposition to Water Theft: He has actively opposed the Punjab government’s alleged theft of Sindh’s water resources. He has been vocal against the establishment of six new canals from the Indus River, arguing that this violates the 1991 Water Accord and threatens Sindh’s agricultural economy.
• Defending Sindh’s Islands: He led protests against the sale of Sindh’s islands, particularly Bundal and Buddo, which were at risk of being privatized and developed without the consent of the local population.
• Advocacy for Sindh’s Autonomy: He has consistently demanded greater provincial autonomy and the right of Sindhis to govern their own resources and affairs.

Siblings

Zain ul Abdin son of social activist Imdad Muhammad Shah(youngest son of G M Syed) is the youngest among his siblings. His elder brother, Syed Jalal Mehmood Shah, is a well-known politician and founder of the Sindh United Party. Another brother, Dr. Zia-ul-Haq, is a respected figure in his field. Zain Shah also has four sisters, making their family deeply rooted in Sindh’s social and political landscape.

Legacy and Future

Zain Shah Zain Shah is his popular slogan and continues to be a key figure in Sindhi nationalist politics. His leadership in SUP and unwavering stance on Sindh’s political and economic issues make him a formidable force in the region. As the grandson of G. M. Syed, the ideological father of Sindhi nationalism.

He remains committed to the cause of Sindh’s self determination and rights in Pakistan. His efforts have positioned him as a symbol of resistance and hope for Sindhis, making him one of the most influential political leaders in contemporary Sindh Pakistan.