Now is the time for Sindh to stand even stronger. We must publicly support and protect the activists, organizations, and ordinary citizens being targeted for raising voices
Dr. Muhammad Mataro Hingorjo | Ireland
In recent weeks, Sindh has witnessed a powerful and unprecedented public uprising against the controversial six canals and so-called “Green Pakistan” initiatives. Thousands of ordinary Sindhi men and women, from cities to remote villages, rose up in peaceful protest to defend their land, their water, and their future. The Babarlo Bypass protest became a symbol of this mass awakening—uniting people across caste, religion, gender, and social status. It was a rare and historic moment of collective consciousness.
But now, a disturbing new chapter has begun.
It appears that a targeted campaign has been launched by the authorities to intimidate and punish the very people who supported and participated in these peaceful protests. Reports are emerging of state institutions identifying and harassing common citizens—those with no political backing or security. These actions are not isolated; they follow a familiar pattern of suppression used by the feudal elite and their allies in federal power structures.
This campaign is a clear attempt to break the spirit of the people, to create fear, and to prevent future resistance. But this time, the people of Sindh must not let such a conspiracy succeed.
Sindh’s recent unity shocked the ruling elite. Without any centralized leadership or political flags, people organized themselves—peacefully, powerfully, and with political maturity. Despite limited resources, they managed to draw national and international attention to their cause. The protest might not have yielded immediate political results, but it taught us something vital: Sindh is capable of standing up for its rights with dignity and strength.
The federal and provincial ruling classes seem blind to their own vulnerabilities—both internationally and domestically. Instead of listening to the voices from the ground, they continue to rely on outdated and oppressive tactics. The use of fear, harassment, and silent persecution will only deepen the distrust between the people and the state.
We must understand the stakes. This is not just about six canals or a bypass. This is about ownership of our land, our water, our natural resources—and our right to decide our future. Punjab and the Pakistani federation are heavily dependent on Sindh’s resources. We, the people of Sindh, have every right to demand justice, equity, and respect.
The movement we saw in Sindh in recent weeks was a glimpse of the Sindh dreamt of by our martyrs, poets, writers, and thinkers—a Sindh that stands tall, united, and peaceful in its struggle for justice. Naturally, such unity terrifies those in power. And that fear is driving their current crackdown.
But history is clear: every unjust regime eventually collapses under the weight of its own injustice, corruption, and arrogance. The days of ruling through fear are over.
Now is the time for Sindh to stand even stronger. We must publicly support and protect the activists, organizations, and ordinary citizens who are being targeted for raising their voices. They are not criminals—they are heroes. They carry the hopes of an entire nation.
If we allow them to be silenced today, we risk losing the momentum for justice tomorrow.
Sindh is awake. Let us not go back to silence.
Read: A People’s Cry from Sindh
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Originally hailing from Village Dhandhi Hingorja, Tharparkar Sindh Pakistan, Dr. Muhammad Mataro Hingorjo is a Family Physician at Limerick Ireland.
