Ali, 78, died on Thursday after prolonged illness. Founding member of Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (Piler), Ali struggled throughout his life for rights of labourers. He was also a peace activist and an advocate of Pak-India friendship. He authored book and established different organisations for the rights of working community.
Ali was permanent guest speaker at annual Karachi Literary Festival (KLF)
His son Abbas Haider said Ali was getting treatment at a private hospital in Karachi where he breathed his last on Thursday morning. He was buried at Wadi-i-Hussain Graveyard after the funeral prayers at Shudada-i-Karbala Imambargah in Ancholi. Large number of people from different walks of life attended the funeral prayer.
Ali who served as executive director of Piler spent a life full of struggle. He played a key role in labour movement of 70s in Pakistan.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, former president Dr Arif Alvi, PPP senator Sherry Rehman, former senator Afrasiab Khattak expressed grief over the death of Ali, terming it a huge loss. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and KLF also issued condolence statements and described his demise as painful moments for the rights movements and activists in Pakistan.
