Book Launch: Halqa-e-Zanjeer mei’n Zabaan

Join us for the book launching session of autobiography of M. Ramzan Memon to know about his extraordinary journey and remarkable contributions to the labor and human rights movement in Pakistan.

About the Author:

Ramzan commenced his working life as a child laborer, engaging in various odd jobs. In 1967, he secured employment in the Johnson & Johnson factory in Korangi as a factory worker, marking the beginning of his formal employment journey. This was his first organized employment. He also actively participated in the labor union at Johnson & Johnson, where he began raising his voice against the unjust policies of the factory owners. This collective struggle with fellow workers eventually led to jail terms, disguises, and encounters with severe oppression.

On May 13, 1973, he married his colleague, Shahina Azeem, who was also a unionist. The couple was unemployed immediately after their wedding and embarked on a relentless search for employment. They took on jobs at various levels to sustain their family and home.

Ramzan’s journey is a testament to his unyielding commitment to political and social activism, as he tirelessly fought for labor and human rights in Pakistan. Even in times of great hardship, he remained dedicated to his work. He endured prison sentences and brief periods of incarceration, but he never wavered in his fight against injustices. He engaged in protests and marches, most notably the Patt Feeder Kisan Tehreek (Patt Feeder Farmers’ Movement) in Balochistan.

In 1980, warrants were issued for his arrest, while his wife was diagnosed with tuberculosis. He and his family spent a significant portion of their lives in disguise in different cities of Balochistan. Afterward, he secured a job as an electrician in WAPDA.

In 1990, the Communist Party sent him for a three-month diploma program at the Institute of Social Sciences, Moscow, as a reward for his unwavering commitment.

In 1991, he was transferred to Sindh. During his stay in Hyderabad, both he and his wife actively worked for labor rights in the area and protested against the prevailing unjust system and bonded labor. He was also involved in local politics and contested an election for a ward member’s seat, displaying his determination despite his wife’s absence.

Ramzan and his wife, Shaina Azim, had a son and a daughter while toiling hard for their livelihood. This familial period coincided with their intense activism, promoting workers’ rights in various areas of Sindh. Both of them actively participated in their local communities and played an essential role in improving women’s literacy and empowerment.

In 2015, Muhammad Ramzan became the president of the National Party (Sindh), and his dedication to working towards a secular, democratic government for Pakistan remains unwavering.

He has authored three books:

• Patt Feeder Kisan Tehreek
• Maee Jori Aur Awami Siyasat
• Halka Zanjeer Mein Zabaan

Speakers:

• Ayub Malik
• Naazir Mahmood
• Nasir Zaidi
• Ramzan Memon
• Shahina Ramzan
• Senator Tahir Bizenjo