Labor rights activist Karamat Ali died at 78 in Karachi

Labor rights activist Karamat Ali died at 78 in the early morning today in Karachi following a long-term illness. Karamat was also the executive director of Piler (Pakistan Institute of Labor Education and Research). Piler aims to promote democracy, human and labor rights, social justice, and peace.

The deceased nephew, Abbas Haider, confirmed the news of his death. According to him, Karamat Ali was receiving medical treatment at a private hospital in Karachi. Abbas is the joint director of Piler.

Abbas stated that his uncle Karamat will be buried in the Wadi-Hussan Graveyard following his funeral prayers. He announced his funeral ceremony for this evening at 7 p.m. at the Shuhada-i-Karbala Imambargah in the Ancholi area of Karachi.

*Karamat Ali passed away at Karachi Hospital* after a *long-term illness*

Several Pakistani public figures expressed sadness at his death. Former President Dr. Arif Ali conveyed condolences to the family of the deceased Karamat. He said Karamat was his best friend who passed away today. He also called him an incredible labor activist, author, and dignified and humble man.

My very dear friend Mr Karamat Ali of PILER passed away today.

An outstanding labour activist, author, ever smiling and humble man, always engaged with dignity, represented Pakistan in international conferences as a very well informed person to be proud of, was a treasure of… pic.twitter.com/nLd4Zr9cs0
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) June 20, 2024

Former health minister Zafar Mirza also condoled the demise of Karamat Ali. He called him “real comrade”. He said he learned so much from Karamat. According to Zafar, Karamat left a long-lasting impact on massive minds and lives.

<592> Lost today a very close-to-my-heart friend, Karamat Ali. A real comrade in arms. I learnt so much from him. World should be proud that Karamt passed through it. While passing he left a deep impact on so many minds and lives. I don’t know anybody else who believed as… pic.twitter.com/75X6vRccq6
— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) June 20, 2024

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Piler’s website also paid tribute to Karamat. It stated that Karamat was a founding member of several local and regional networks. It includes the South Asia Labor Forum and the Pakistan-India People’s Forum of Peace and Democracy. He created a positive impact on all these platforms.

Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) said Karamat was a key figure in the labor movement throughout the 1970s. It also stated that Karamat played a main role in peace progress between India-Pakistan and the South Asian Region.

Karamat Ali was one of the founding members of Piler and served as its executive director. However, the famous labor rights activist Karamat Ali died due to old age illness.