Pir Abdul Haq Samejo aka Mian Mitho is the Pir of Dargah Bharchundi Sharif which is located in Ghotki District of province Sindh, Pakistan. This profile is about details about Pir and stories linked to the dargah.
Who is Pir Abdul Haq?
He is the son of Mian Abdul Haleem and is currently the Pir and caretaker of dargah Bharchundi Sharif which is a famous spiritual center in Sindh.
He has thousands of followers not only in Daharki where Dargah-e-Aliya Bharchundi Sharif is located but across Sindh. Because of his influence he is a major political and religious figure in the constituency.
Education:
He is a well educated scholar who not only student Islamic sciences in Pakistan but also graduated from University of Damascus (Syria) in Islamic studies.
Details about his personal life such as wife, sons & daughters are not known.
Conversions:
Pir Abdul Haq is discussed in Pakistani media due to conversions as each year dozens of members from Hindu community accepts Islam at Bharchundi Sharif.
The dargah is known for conversions of local Hindus to Islam, this tradition dates back to even British era when the ruling class in subcontinent was in favour of Hindu community. Despite this historical fact many allege that these conversions are not independent.
On many occasions the conversions were challenged and the case was referred to the local courts where the converted persons again recited Islamic Shahada and reflected their support for Islam.
Opponents claim that Pir Abdul Haq uses power for protecting forced conversions while his supporters claim that he only protects those converts who fear from their family members after conversions.
Political Support:
As Pir Abdul Haq Samejo (Mian Mithu) has thousands of supporters in the constituency he is considered a major political force in the area. Pictures of him with Prime Minister Imran Khan are also circulating on social media which reflects his influence.
Previously he was alleged to have been linked with provincial ruling party Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) which later distanced itself from the Sufi leader.
Dargah Bharchundi Sharif is historically known for its political influence. It was established Hazrat Hafiz Muhammad Siddiq, who was a famous Sufi and scholar buried in the dargah.
His students include Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi who was a famous Muslim convert, scholar and a political leader who influenced millions across the subcontinent.
Scandals:
In 2019 riots erupted in Ghotki after allege blasphemy by a school principal, it is alleged that he was one of the main leaders who started the protest against the authorities to take action.
In riots a Hindu temple was vandalized along with shops and houses belonging to the minority Hindus. Pir Abdul Haq have always distanced himself from violence, he also appeared on many leading news channels especially to discuss the forced conversions in the district.