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Samir Mir Shaikh is a prominent political and business personality who is currently part of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Apart from his political and business activities, he is actively involved in social works and serving the people. MM News TV spoke to him about his political and social activities and future aspirations.
MM News: How and when did you start your political career?
Samir Mir Shaikh: We were affiliated with the PPP. My father was Benazir Bhutto’s lawyer and was with Begum Nusrat Bhutto during the MRD’s struggle. We belonged to a middle-class family and joined politics to serve the people. I stepped into politics eight years ago when I finished my education and started a business. Since Bilawal was young, I thought he would bring a change in the country but it was rather the opposite. I tried to be part of the system but I was disappointed and left the PPP in 2019 and joined PTI. I regret wasting precious years of my life in the PPP.
MM News: What opportunities did you get in PTI?
Samir Mir Shaikh: After joining PTI, I realised I should have joined the party earlier. Better late than never. We toured across Sindh and raised people’s problems and also unveiled corruption by PPP. We went to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s constituency and highlighted the problems and exposed the real face of the PPP.
MM News: What services did you give during Sindh floods and coronavirus pandemic?
Samir Mir Shaikh: During the coronavirus pandemic, I did social work in Sindh and started relief activities during the recent floods. We gave food rations, tents, mosquito nets and other relief items promptly which help save lives. Today, people in rural areas of Sindh are praising the PTI’s efforts.
MM News: How did you spend time with your family amid the pandemic?
Samir Mir Shaikh: We travelled across Sindh during the coronavirus pandemic. As a political worker, I interacted with people throughout the day and tried to solve their problems. I also my own family responsibilities so I would spend time with them whenever I returned from a tour. This was a tough time but we made sacrifices and prioritised serving the people.
MM News: Was giving Saifullah Abro the Senate seat a correct decision?
Samir Mir Shaikh: PTI has changed the face of politics. It has brought people from backward and small localities to the corridors of power. Saifullah Abro is an example of this strategy. Time will show that making Saifullah Abro was a wise decision.
MM News: Why has PTI been unable to challenge PPP in Sindh?
Samir Mir Shaikh: The PPP has given so much misery that people have forgotten their rights. The mains reason for PPP’s victory is the money gained from corruption. PTI has the determination and willingness but not the money to match the PPP. This is why the people of Sindh are threatened, coerced and forced to vote for the PPP. The PTI cannot do this like the PPP.
MM News: What will PTI have to do for success in Sindh?
Samir Mir Shaikh: PTI will have to adopt an aggressive strategy and bring prominent personalities in its fold. It needs to reach out to people at the grassroot level to free them from the clutches of the PPP.
MM News: Why and how were you arrested?
Samir Mir Shaikh: There is no law and order in Sindh. I was also trapped in a false case. Interestingly, I was not even present at the location when the incident happened. If a fake case can be lodged against me, then imagine what can happen to common man. I was charged with murder, attempt to murder, arms and terrorism which was a blotch on my life. I was arrested from the gates of the Sindh High Court and my arrest was reported from Malir
MM News: What is your message to Sindh Police?
Samir Mir Shaikh: I would advice Sindh Police to respect the sanctity of the uniform. Many people have sacrificed their lives and I have known them. We have raised our voice for Sindh police and there are ‘black sheep’ in the police force. Those working for the PPP and involved in corruption should be removed from the police and action should be taken against them.
MM News: Where would you contest the next elections?
Samir Mir Shaikh: I will contest from where the party’s leadership wants me to contest. I am interested in contesting from Larkana or against Bilawal.
MM News: Why did PTI bring a Larkana resident for Malir by-election?
Samir Mir Shaikh: Jansher Junejo lives in Malir Cantt. When I joined PTI, I faced some trouble and criticism but realised this was the beauty of democracy. It is the right of activists to criticise party policy. PPP and PML-N do not tolerate dissent or criticism. PTI is the only democratic party which is like a family and everyone has right to an opinion. Jansher Junejo was criticised and times past and now we need to look ahead.
MM News: How will PM’s vote of confidence impact PTI?
Samir Mir Shaikh: This is a huge victory for Pakistan. Imran Khan got more votes than first time and became the prime minister again. The next stop for the looters will be Adiala Jail, whom the prime minister vowed not to give any deals. The Sindh government should gear up and get new mobile vans as many leaders will be in jail soon.
MM News: Describe Imran Khan in three words?
Samir Mir Shaikh: Imran Khan is an honest, truthful and fearless leader. This is how I would like to describe him.
MM News: Three words for Bilawal and Maryam Nawaz?
Samir Mir Shaikh: Bilawal is an ignorant, nepotistic and dishonest politician. For Maryam Nawaz, the only three words I have a fake, fake, and fake.
MM News: Where do you see Karachi in the next election?
Samir Mir Shaikh: The people of Karachi will have to decide if they see real change. The change we saw in the rest of the country was unfortunately not seen in Sindh. PTI has lower seats in Sindh Assembly and cannot serve the people. There will be real change if we win across Sindh. The sword of 18th Amendment is dangling above us and we have fewer funds as well.
MM News: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Samir Mir Shaikh: Imran Khan will remain prime minister. I will strive to reach the post of Chief Minister Sindh during my political struggle. The prime minister and party’s leadership can use my services in politics for the post.
