Sindhiani Tahreek and Awami Tahreek organizes massive rally in Karachi against Federal exploitation of Sindh
- Protesters condemn Indus River Canals, IRSA Act Amendments, and Corporate Farming Projects
- Canals or Pakistan: Sindhiani Tahreek’s bold ultimatum to Federal Government in Karachi protest. Thousands march in Karachi to defend Sindh’s lifeline
Karachi, Sindh
Thousands of women activists of Sindhiyani Tahreek, intellectuals, civil society and citizens joined a massive protest organized by Sindhiani Tahreek and Awami Tahreek in Karachi on Sunday November 17, 2024 to oppose controversial federal projects threatening Sindh’s natural resources and autonomy.
Titled the “Save Earth and River March,” the protest began at Regal Chowk and culminated at the Karachi Press Club, highlighting critical issues such as construction of six new canals on the Indus River, corporate farming under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), amendments to the IRSA Act, and the rising extremism and violence against women in Sindh.
Participants, including women, children, writers, lawyers, and civil society representatives, raised slogans such as: “Sindh Will Become a Desert—How Will Pakistan Survive?”
Key Issues Highlighted
Exploitation of Indus River Resources: Protesters condemned the construction of six new canals under the Green Pakistan project, which aim to irrigate millions of acres in Cholistan at Sindh’s expense. They decried amendments to the IRSA Act, which they called unconstitutional, violating provincial rights under Articles 154 and 155 of the Constitution.
Corporate Land Grabs: Activists criticized the allocation of 52,000 acres of Sindh’s fertile land to the military-affiliated Green Corporate Initiative. They demanded that land be returned to local farmers rather than sold to corporations.
Ecological Devastation in Coastal Regions: Protesters demanded compensation for displaced communities in Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin districts, suffering from reduced water flow downstream of Kotri. Immediate measures were called for to release water into the Arabian Sea to prevent further land degradation.
Women’s Rights and Safety: Protesters condemned the rising violence against women, including harassment, forced marriages, and honor killings. They called for the activation of Women Protection Cells and strict enforcement of relevant laws.
Extremism and Lawlessness: Leaders urged action against extremist groups and bandit networks in northern Sindh, alleging government and police complicity. They also demanded an investigation into the smuggling of NATO-grade weapons to criminals.
Cultural and Historical Preservation: Activists denounced the destruction of Sindh’s historical sites and demanded urgent steps to protect its cultural heritage.
Flawed Census and Illegal Immigration: Protesters rejected the 2023 census, alleging deliberate undercounting of Sindh’s population, and demanded action against illegal immigrants and corrupt officials in NADRA.
Opposition to the 26th Constitutional Amendment: The protesters called for the repeal of this amendment, which grants SIFC authority over Sindh’s land, water, and mineral resources.
Read: Awami Tehreek Terms 26th Constitutional Amendment “Murder of Democracy”
Speeches and Resolutions
Advocate Vasand Thari, Central President of Awami Tahreek, criticized the government for exploiting Sindh’s resources and warned of a crisis reminiscent of 1971. He declared:
“The Indus River is not just a water source; it is the lifeline of Sindh’s people and heritage. Any attempt to dam or divert it will be resisted.”
Umra Samo, Central President of Sindhiani Tahreek, emphasized women’s struggles and stated:
“The land of Sindh belongs to its people. No government has the right to sell it for corporate gain. Our struggle for the Indus River and Sindh’s rights will continue peacefully and democratically.”
Read: Awami Tahreek Activists Observe Token Hunger Strike
Other prominent speakers including Noor Ahmed Katiar (Senior Vice President), Sajid Hussain Mahesar (General Secretary, Awami Tahreek) Marvi Sindhu (General Secretary, Sindhiani Tahreek ) , Ghulam Mustafa Chandio (President, Sindhi Hari Tahreek) , Naveed Abbas Kalhoro (President, Sindhi Shagird Tahreek) , Shohab Osto, Sheema Kermani (Renowned Artist), Aysha Dharejo, Aamir Nawaz Waraich (President, Karachi Bar Association) and others criticized federal decisions that they claimed undermine the rights of smaller provinces and harm the unity of the federation. They criticized and called the ruling coalition of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) as “worst martial law” imposed in the guise of democracy.
Resolutions were passed demanding:
* An immediate halt to Indus River canal projects and land grabs.
* Restoration of provincial rights and reversal of IRSA Act amendments.
* Accountability for the misappropriation of Sindh’s water and land.
* Strengthened laws to combat violence against women, extremism, and cultural destruction.
A Call for Justice
Protesters demanded independent investigations into 150 years of resource misappropriation in Sindh and pledged to continue their struggle against anti-people policies. They called on national and international human rights organizations to support their cause and protect Sindh’s autonomy, culture, and natural resources.
The march concluded with cultural performances and a renewed commitment to defend Sindh’s rights, ensuring its legacy and future remain intact.
Read: Let the Indus River Flow Free
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