Lahore: Heated discussions were witnessed in the Sindh assembly in Pakistan over the usage of the word “Bihari” with MLA Syed Ejaz Ul Haq taking a strong objection against those who called him a “Bihari”. A video of the debate has surfaced and since gone viral on social media.
A video circulating online shows an MLA in the Sindh Assembly expressing strong objections to the use of the term ‘Bihari,’ claiming it is being misrepresented and used to insult an entire community that played a pivotal role in the creation of Pakistan.
Addressing the Assembly, Syed Ejaz stated, “Biharis are the people who created Pakistan. Today, you consider it an insult? They were the ones who raised the slogan that Hindustan would be divided, and Pakistan would be formed. Forgetting this is a dishonour to their sacrifices.”
Watch:
पाकिस्तान में भी बिहारी लोग हैं क्या? pic.twitter.com/gdXVvOsbsP
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He further added, “Even after 50 years, the people in Bangladesh shouting ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ are Biharis. And now you’re calling Biharis illegal Tariq-e-Vatan? Is this how we respect them?”
Syed Ejaz ul Haq criticised the derogatory use of the term and emphasised that it was being misinterpreted.
History of term Bihari in Pakistan
The term ‘Bihari’ refers to Muslims who migrated from India during and after the 1947 partition, particularly from regions like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Following the formation of Bangladesh, Bihari Muslims who returned to Pakistan from East Pakistan (later Bangladesh) were also referred to as ‘Biharis.’ In Pakistan, they are often identified as ‘Muhajirs’ (migrants).
