Karachi: The ideas of Syed Sibte Hasan continue to serve as an intellectual guide in the struggle against religious extremism, reactionary politics, and authoritarianism, according to speakers at a seminar commemorating the 114th birth anniversary of the renowned Marxist intellectual, historian, journalist, and literary critic. The event, organized by the National Trade Union Federation Pakistan in collaboration with the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, attracted intellectuals, writers, trade union leaders, students, activists, and political workers.
According to the Home-Based Women Workers Federation, the seminar featured addresses from Dr. Jaffar Ahmed, Ahmed Shah, Nasir Mansoor, Dr. Riaz Sheikh, Zehra Khan, Dr. Asghar Dashti, and Riaz Shahid Dayo, with veteran labour leader Comrade Manzoor Razi presiding and Comrade Sajjad Zaheer moderating the proceedings. Speakers described Hasan as a leading exponent of Marxist thought in South Asia, emphasizing his materialist interpretation of history as shaped by material conditions and class struggle rather than supernatural forces.
Throughout his life, Hasan advocated for rationalism, scientific inquiry, secularism, and human freedom, opposing obscurantism and reactionary ideology. His pioneering research on the Indus Valley Civilization and the societies within Pakistan was highlighted as a significant contribution to historical understanding.
The seminar also addressed Hasan's early criticism of the Iranian Revolution, where he warned against the rise of reactionary religious forces under Ayatollah Khomeini, advocating for democracy and equality instead. Participants emphasized that his warnings about the dangers of religious extremism have been validated by ongoing challenges in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, where sectarianism and intolerance persist.
The speakers urged educational institutions and progressive organizations to promote Hasan's works, enabling younger generations to counter historical distortion and sectarian hatred. They reaffirmed that the fight against religious extremism is linked to the broader struggle for democracy, workers' rights, gender equality, and social justice.
The seminar concluded with a commitment to advance the values of reason, secularism, democracy, and socialism, which defined Hasan's lifelong struggle for a society free from exploitation and dictatorship.