KARACHI: As ‘Sindhi Culture Day’ was celebrated across the country on Sunday, several political leaders and diplomats, in their messages, felicitated the people of Sindh and hailed the traditions, values and heritage of the province.

President Arif Alvi extended greetings on the occasion and called Sindh “a symbol of peace and love.”

In a message posted on his official Twitter account, President Alvi said that “humility and affection for others” enshrined in Sindhi culture are a source of inspiration for people.

In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the day represented the unity of the country, according to APP.

“For thousands of years, Sindh’s heritage has been beautifying not only the region’s heritage but that of the entire humanity,” he said in a tweet posted on his official account.

He felicitated the people of Sindh on the occasion.

In his message, Foreign Minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari felicitated people all over the world who were celebrating the day.

“The culture of Sindh is a beautiful amalgamation of Indus civilisation and Islamic heritage,” he added.

He said Sindh’s ajrak, cap, literature, music and food hold distinct value all over the world.

Promoting Pakistan’s art, culture and literature all over the world was part of PPP’s manifesto, the party’s chairman said in the message.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, said nations never forget their culture, heritage and language. “Sindh has always kept its history and culture in high esteem.”

He said the residents of Sindh have not forgotten those who laid down their lives while protecting their land.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan, in a tweet, called Sindh the “land of Sufis and freedom” and added the province was “suffering under the tyranny of Zardari mafia”.

“Today we celebrate the rich culture & traditions of Sindh going back to the great Indus Valley Civilization,” he wrote.

“Sindh will rise again against the tyrant to reclaim its greatness & freedom.”

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah congratulated Sindhis living all over the world and said their culture “promotes love and respect for other cultures”.

Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani also extended his greetings to the people of Sindh in a message issued by his office.

“Today is the day to celebrate the love of the Sindhi language and to highlight the importance and traditions of Sindhi culture,” he added.

Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi called the day “Aekta Jo Dihaaro” (The Day of Unity).

In his message, he said the Sindhi culture was rich with spirits of hospitality, tolerance and love.

“The Sindhi culture is a pleasant and alluring blend like the various colours of ajrak,” he added.

“The beauty of Sindhi culture, based on brotherhood and tolerance, is distinct from all other cultures.”

Other political leaders, including PPP MNA Faryal Talpur, Federal Minister Sherry Rehman, PML-N’s Hina Pervaiz Butt and Balochistan’s Minister for Home & Tribal Affairs Mir Ziaullah Langove also extended their felicitations.

Greetings from diplomats

Foreign diplomats and missions in Pakistan also hailed the culture and history of Sindh in their messages.

US Consul General in Karachi Nicole Theriot, while felicitating on the occasion, said Sindh was a land of rich culture and history.

“The people of Sindh have created an inclusive and tolerant society. On this Sindh Cultural day being celebrated on December 04, the United States wishes the people of Sindh and Pakistan peace and prosperity,” she said in a video message posted on the official Twitter account of the US Consulate Karachi Wearing an ajrak on her shoulders, she added: “Today, we join Pakistanis to celebrate Sindh Cultural Day. We do it with the understanding that many are still recovering from the plight of the devastating floods this year.”

“I thank the people of Sindh for your warmth and hospitality as I continue to learn more about Sindhi history, poetry, and culture.”

She added that the government of the US stands with the flood-affected people of Sindh and Balochistan.

German Consul General in Karachi Dr Rdiger Lotz wished “a very happy Sindhi Culture Day” to the people of Sindh.

Clad in a Sindhi topi, Dr Lotz added Sindh was the land of Sufis and they played an important role in promoting peace in the province.

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2022