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Sindhi Leader Demands UN Referendum, Accuses Pakistan of Rights Abuses

Sohail Abro, Chairman of the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement, has accused Pakistan of systematic human rights violations in Sindh during the UN Human Rights Council session. He detailed allegations of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the forced conversion of Sindhi Hindu girls, often with alleged support from extremist clerics. Abro further criticized the use of blasphemy accusations to silence advocates and implicated intelligence agencies in suppressing dissent. The leader called for a United Nations-supervised referendum to allow Sindhis to determine their own political future.

Key Points: Sindhi Leader Accuses Pakistan of Repression, Seeks UN Referendum

  • Alleged enforced disappearances of Sindhi students
  • Forced conversions of Hindu girls
  • Use of blasphemy laws to silence dissent
  • Accusations of intelligence agencies suppressing dissent
  • Demand for UN-supervised referendum on Sindh's future
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Sindhi leader accuses Pakistan of repression, demands UN-supervised referendum in Sindh

JSFM Chairman Sohail Abro alleges enforced disappearances, forced conversions, and rights violations in Sindh, calls for UN-supervised referendum.

"We are not ready to live in Pakistan. We want a referendum in Sindh, and the United Nations should hold this referendum. - Sohail Abro"

Geneva, March 18

On the sidelines of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Chairman of the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement, Sohail Abro has accused the Pakistani state of widespread human rights violations in Sindh and called on the United Nations to organise a referendum allowing Sindhis to determine their political future.

Abro alleged that Sindhi activists, students, and political workers have been subjected to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and abductions. He claimed that hundreds of Sindhi students have gone missing over the past 15 years, stating that more than 350 students have disappeared during this period, and over 100 remain missing. Abro cited the cases of minors.

The JSFM chairman also raised concerns about the forced conversion of Sindhi Hindu girls in Sindh. According to Abro, minority girls are often abducted and coerced into changing their religion, allegedly with the support of extremist clerics and local power structures. He further alleged that when these cases reach courts, the victims are frequently placed in shelter homes where, he claimed, they face pressure and abuse before declaring conversion.

Abro also criticised Pakistan's use of blasphemy accusations, claiming that such charges are used to silence voices advocating for Sindhi rights. He referred to the case of Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar, who he said was targeted after speaking about Sindhi identity and raising concerns about forced conversions, "We have raised our voice at the United Nations for the preservation of Sindh's 7,000-year-old cultural heritage", Abro stated.

The Sindhi leader further alleged that Pakistani intelligence agencies, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI), were involved in suppressing dissent in the province. He warned that religious extremism is spreading in Sindh and claimed that thousands of madrassas were contributing to what he described as the "Talibanisation" of youth. "We are not ready to live in Pakistan. We want a referendum in Sindh, and the United Nations should hold this referendum," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an outsider looking in, the scale of these allegations is shocking. Enforced disappearances of students? That's a direct attack on the future of a society. The UNHRC must investigate these claims thoroughly. No government should be allowed to suppress its people's identity and rights.
V
Vikram M
The situation in Sindh is a mirror of what happened in Bangladesh in 1971. Pakistan has never respected the cultural and political rights of its provinces. The demand for a UN referendum is legitimate. Sindh has a rich, ancient culture that deserves to flourish, not be crushed.
P
Priya S
While the allegations are serious and need investigation, I hope the solution comes through dialogue and reform within Pakistan. A referendum leading to separation could create more instability in an already volatile region. The focus should be on stopping the human rights abuses first.
R
Rohit P
"Talibanisation" of youth through madrassas is a dangerous trend right at our doorstep. This isn't just about Sindh; it's a security concern for the entire subcontinent. India must monitor this closely. The world saw what happened in Afghanistan. We cannot allow that ideology to spread.
K
Karthik V
The plight of Sindhi Hindus is particularly painful. Many migrated to India during Partition. Now, those who stayed behind face abduction and forced conversion. It's a tragic continuation of history. India should offer all possible support, including asylum, to those fleeing persecution.

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