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Sindhi Leader Demands UN Referendum at UNHRC, Accuses Pakistan of Rights Abuses

Sohail Abro, chairman of the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement, addressed the UN Human Rights Council, strongly criticizing Pakistan's human rights record in Sindh. He alleged systematic suppression through enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and political intimidation, citing specific activist deaths. Abro linked the Sindhi struggle to grievances of other ethnic groups like the Baloch and Pashtun, also raising economic and environmental concerns. He concluded by appealing for a UN-supervised referendum for Sindh's political future based on pre-1954 residency.

Key Points: Sindhi Leader at UNHRC Demands UN-Supervised Referendum for Sindh

  • UN-supervised referendum demanded
  • Alleged enforced disappearances & killings
  • Cites deaths of Sindhi activists
  • Links grievances to other ethnic groups
  • Warns of economic & environmental threats
2 min read

Sindhi leader slams Pakistan at UNHRC, demands UN-supervised referendum for Sindh

Sohail Abro criticizes Pakistan's human rights record at UNHRC, calls for a UN referendum in Sindh, citing disappearances and killings.

"facilitate a peaceful and democratic referendum in Sindh - Sohail Abro"

Geneva, March 17

At the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Sohail Abro, chairman of the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement, in his oral statement, strongly criticised Pakistan's human rights record and called for a United Nations-supervised referendum on Sindh's political future

He urged the international community to recognise what he described as the Sindhi nation's right to self-determination. Abro alleged that Pakistan has systematically suppressed Sindhi political activism through enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and political intimidation.

Abro claimed that several Sindhi political figures have been victims of extrajudicial killings over the years. He cited the deaths of prominent activists, including Bashir Khan Qureshi, Shafi Muhammad Karnani, and Muzaffar Bhutto, stating that their cases symbolise what he described as a wider pattern of repression against nationalist voices in Sindh.

The activist further alleged that more than one hundred Sindhi political workers remain missing. Among those he named were Talib Laghari, Ayub Kandhro, and Ejaz Gaho. According to Abro, enforced disappearances have persisted for decades in the province, with more than 3,500 individuals reportedly disappearing at different times during the past twenty-five years.

During his remarks, Abro also linked the Sindhi issue to grievances voiced by other ethnic groups within Pakistan. He said that communities, including the Baloch, Pashtun, Seraiki, Gilgiti, and Kashmiri peoples, are facing similar challenges. He referenced the case of the father of BNM Chairman Dr Naseem Baloch, who he said remains missing. He also mentioned that Baloch activist Dr Mahrang Baloch is currently imprisoned, while Pashtun leader Ali Wazir is under detention, and PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen has faced legal pressure.

In addition to political concerns, Abro raised issues related to economic and environmental grievances in Sindh. He alleged that water diversion projects affecting the Indus River threaten the region's resources and warned about what he called demographic engineering through mass settlement and land occupation.

Concluding his address, Abro appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Council to facilitate a peaceful and democratic referendum in Sindh. He proposed that the vote be conducted among residents whose families moved to Sindh before 1954 so that the Sindhi people could determine their political future in accordance with international law.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heart goes out to the Sindhi people. The water diversion issue is particularly concerning. The Indus is a lifeline, and any manipulation affects millions. Pakistan's internal policies are creating multiple crises. Hope the UNHRC listens. 🙏
V
Vikram M
While the grievances seem genuine, calling for a UN referendum might be a bit far-fetched in the current geopolitical climate. The focus should first be on stopping the human rights abuses and finding the missing persons. That's the immediate need.
R
Rohit P
Pakistan is a failed state for its own people. First they oppressed Bengalis, now Sindhis, Baloch, Pashtuns... the list goes on. The world sees their double standards on human rights. Karma is real.
S
Sarah B
The demographic engineering point is crucial. Changing the population structure to suppress native voices is a classic oppressive tactic. The 1954 cutoff for the referendum proposal is an interesting and specific demand.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while the situation sounds dire, we must be cautious. This is one side of the story presented at the UN. Pakistan will have its own narrative. The truth often lies somewhere in between. Hope there is a peaceful resolution.
A
Ananya R
It's sad to see such struggles continue for

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