Karamat Ali, a prominent labour union leader, passed away on Thursday morning in Karachi after battling a prolonged illness, confirmed by his nephew Abbas Haider to Dawn.com. Ali, aged 78, was undergoing treatment at a private hospital.
His funeral prayers will be held at 7 PM today at the Shuhada-i-Karbala Imambargah in Karachi’s Ancholi area. He will be laid to rest in the Wadi-i-Hussain Graveyard.
Karamat Ali was a founding member of the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (Piler) and served as its executive director. He was also a key figure in various local and regional networks, such as the Pakistan Peace Coalition, Pakistan-India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy, and South Asia Labour Forum.
The Karachi Literature Festival’s (KLF) website highlights Ali’s significant role in the labour movement of the 1970s. As an author of the book “Raahguzar Tau Dekho,” Ali was recognized for his contributions to peace between India and Pakistan and across South Asia. In 2013, he received the Didi Nirmala Deshpande South Asian Award for peace and justice.
Upon news of his death, condolences flooded social media. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow and prayed for Ali’s family. Former president Arif Alvi, in a heartfelt post on X, referred to Ali as a dear friend and an irreplaceable advocate for labour rights in a world increasingly dominated by exploitative capitalism.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman remembered Ali as a relentless advocate for the underprivileged and a strong proponent of regional peace. She emphasized his unwavering commitment to labour rights and social justice, noting that his absence would be deeply felt.
Former senator Afrasiab Khattak acknowledged Ali’s extensive contributions to educating labourers about their rights, while the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) lauded his dedication to collective bargaining and social security for workers. They emphasized his belief in the importance of education and training for trade unions.
Nasir Mansoor, deputy secretary general of the National Trade Union Federation, stated that the labour movement had lost one of its most respected leaders. Author Nadeem Farooq Paracha noted Ali’s dedication to the working class and his willingness to share his vast knowledge. Journalist Ziaur Rehman also expressed deep sadness, describing Ali as a tireless advocate for labour rights.
Sindh Tourism Minister Zulfiqar Ali Shah echoed the sentiments of many, stating that Ali’s contributions would always be remembered.
