Key Points

A Sindhi leader is calling for international intervention against Pakistan's policies. Shafi Burfat has written an open letter to world leaders at the UN General Assembly. He accuses the state of systematic oppression targeting indigenous communities like the Sindhis and Baloch. The letter urges the global community to hold Pakistan accountable for human rights violations.

Key Points: Sindhi Leader Shafi Burfat Urges UN Action Against Pakistan Oppression

  • Shafi Burfat accuses Pakistan of political oppression and economic exploitation of indigenous nations
  • He claims state power is concentrated to serve the interests of the Punjabi ethnic group
  • The letter details torture, secret detentions, and the erasure of cultural heritage
  • Burfat urges the UN to bar Pakistan from forums for supporting extremist terrorists
3 min read

Sindhi leader urges global action against Pakistan's oppression of indigenous communities

JSMM Chairman Shafi Burfat accuses Pakistan of systemic oppression against Sindhis, Baloch, and Pashtuns in an open letter to the UN General Assembly.

"“This concentration of power has turned Pakistan into a machinery of systemic oppression” - Shafi Burfat"

Berlin, Sep 23

Shafi Burfat, Chairman of Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM), wrote to the global community, accusing Pakistan of decade-long systematic subjugation, marginalisation, and political suppression of its indigenous communities, including Sindhis, Pashtuns, Baloch, Saraikis, and Brahuis, under the pretext of religious unity.

In an open letter to the global leaders attending the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Burfat said, “As Pakistan’s Prime Minister and other representatives prepare to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the world must question the reality of Pakistan, a state established by subjugating its historical nations through the deception and manipulation of religion.”

He alleged that the Pakistani authorities have subjected the "indigenous nations" to extreme political oppression, economic exploitation, cultural erasure, demographic manipulation, and, in many cases, severe human rights violations.

The JSMM leader claimed that Pakistan functions as a state primarily serving the interests of one dominant ethnic group—“the Punjabis.” He asserted that the Pakistani military, intelligence agencies, and diplomatic corps are overwhelmingly Punjabi, with over 99 per cent ensuring the political and social dominance of this single group over all others.

“This concentration of power has turned Pakistan into a machinery of systemic oppression, where historical nations are subjected to extreme forms of modern-day slavery and political subjugation. Secular political parties, national movements, and civil society activists face state-imposed restrictions,” the letter detailed.

“Political workers, social workers, and social media activists are routinely detained by the military and state agencies, tortured in secret facilities, and, in some instances, their tortured and charred bodies are disposed of in remote areas. The cultural heritage, languages, and histories of Pakistan’s indigenous nations are deliberately distorted or erased, reflecting a continuous campaign of state-sponsored authoritarianism and brutality,” it added.

Burfat urged the global community to recognise that the “so-called state of Pakistan represents an ongoing threat to the rights, culture, and existence of its historical nations.” He warned that Pakistan's participation in international forums without accountability would only serve to legitimise a system built on oppression, exploitation, and terror.

“We call upon the leaders of the UN General Assembly and member states to uphold international justice, human rights, and the principles of equality among nations by acknowledging these realities and supporting the legitimate struggle of oppressed nations for freedom and self-determination,” the letter stressed.

The JSMM leader asserted that Pakistan should be barred from speaking in any credible international forum for its crimes of supporting, training, and preparing extremist terrorists, and deploying these terrorists under state policy in the region.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Pakistan has always had this internal conflict between different ethnic groups. The Punjabi dominance in military and administration is well-known. Hope the UN takes this seriously and gives these oppressed communities a voice.
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Aditya G
While I agree Pakistan has serious internal issues, we should be careful about supporting separatist movements. India has its own challenges with unity. The focus should be on human rights protection, not necessarily breaking up countries.
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Sarah B
The cultural erasure part is particularly disturbing. Every community's language and heritage deserve protection. This reminds me of how Kashmiri Pandits were treated - cultural destruction is the worst form of oppression. 😔
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Karthik V
Pakistan's army has always been the real power behind everything. They control the narrative and suppress any dissent. The world community should indeed question why Pakistan gets away with such atrocities while pretending to be victims.
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Michael C
As someone who has worked in human rights, I can confirm these allegations aren't new. The systematic oppression in Pakistan is documented by multiple international organizations. The UN needs to move beyond diplomatic niceties and take concrete action.
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Nisha Z
The part about tortured bodies being disposed of in remote areas is chilling. This shows the complete breakdown of rule of law. Pakistan talks

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