Sindhi Foundation Director pushes for Sindh independence at UN, seeks referendum
- In Reports
- 09:49 PM, Sep 21, 2024
- Myind Staff
At the 57th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Sufi Laghari, the Executive Director of the Sindhi Foundation, passionately advocated for the independence of Sindh from Pakistan. Laghari presented a detailed historical perspective, emphasising that Sindh was an independent state until 1843 when it was annexed by the British Empire. He highlighted that, following the end of British rule, Sindh became part of Pakistan in 1947 as a result of the 1940 Lahore Resolution, which called for greater autonomy for various regions within British India.
Laghari's argument underscores the historical significance of Sindh’s sovereignty and its past as an independent entity. He stressed that this historical context is crucial for understanding the current desire for self-determination among the Sindhi people. By framing the discussion within a historical narrative, Laghari aimed to shed light on the ongoing struggles faced by Sindhis and to call for international support in their pursuit of independence. His remarks at the Human Rights Council serve as a plea for recognition of Sindh's unique identity and aspirations for self-governance.
Laghari contended that the Pakistani government has consistently violated the articles of the 1940 resolution, effectively treating Sindh as an occupied territory. He brought attention to numerous human rights abuses faced by the Sindhi people since the formation of Pakistan, emphasising the alarming trend of using blasphemy laws as a pretext for violence and killings. He specifically referenced the recent murder of Shah Nawaz Kunbhar as a stark example of these injustices.
By highlighting these issues, Laghari aimed to underscore the ongoing oppression and systemic violations faced by Sindhis, positioning them within a broader narrative of human rights and self-determination. His statements serve to amplify the call for international awareness and intervention regarding the situation in Sindh, advocating for accountability and the protection of fundamental rights for its people.
Laghari also addressed the significant displacement of half of Sindh's population, alongside the disappearance of over 1,000 Sindhi activists. He raised concerns about the diversion of the province's water resources, accusing the Pakistani Army of seizing land for corporate farming, military cantonments, and mining operations. Furthermore, he criticised the systematic marginalisation of the Sindhi language in education, government and media, arguing that this undermines the cultural identity of the Sindhi people.
During the council meeting, Laghari alleged that the 2023 census had been manipulated to portray a majority of Urdu-speaking residents in Karachi, a tactic he suggested was aimed at justifying the division of the province. He advocated for an independence referendum for Sindh, stressing the importance of global Sindhis participating in the vote to assert their right to self-determination. Laghari's passionate plea aimed to rally support for Sindhi autonomy and raise awareness about the pressing issues facing the region.
Image source: News World
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