The people of Sindh, like others across the country, want peace, dignity, and fairness
If this call for justice is responded with sincerity, Pakistan can still move toward a more united and stable future
Dr. Muhammad Mataro Hingorjo | Ireland
The recent crisis that brought Pakistan to the edge of conflict has revealed more than just military vulnerabilities. It exposed the deep internal divisions that have existed in the country for decades. While external threats remain a serious concern, the greater challenge may lie within—an uneven federation where many of its people feel ignored, excluded, and deprived of their rightful place in the nation.
For far too long, the political and economic system of Pakistan has disproportionately favored one province—Punjab—especially its central region. This imbalance is reflected in the structure of the armed forces, the bureaucracy, and national policymaking. As a result, provinces like Sindh, Balochistan, and the Siraiki region have remained underrepresented, underdeveloped, and unheard.
Sindh plays a vital role in Pakistan’s economy. The province contributes through its ports, natural resources, agriculture, and tax revenue. Yet, the people of Sindh continue to face injustice in many forms. They have seen their water resources diverted, their lands neglected, and their cities burdened with unmanaged demographic changes. Meanwhile, their language, culture, and identity have been sidelined in the name of national uniformity. Despite numerous peaceful movements and calls for justice, the response from the federal authorities has often been indifference—or worse, suppression.
One of the most serious threats to Sindh today comes from federal initiatives such as the so-called Green Pakistan, the Six Canal Project, and corporate farming schemes. These projects, presented under the banner of development and environmental reform, have in reality led to large-scale land grabbing and further appropriation of Sindh’s remaining water resources. These actions threaten the livelihoods of millions of farmers, destroy indigenous agriculture, and deepen ecological imbalances already caused by decades of upstream water diversion.
One of the most serious threats to Sindh today comes from federal initiatives such as the so-called Green Pakistan, the Six Canal Project, and corporate farming schemes.
The crisis in Sindh’s urban areas has been no less severe. Deliberate demographic engineering—through the planned settlement of large non-local populations—has altered the ethnic and linguistic fabric of cities like Karachi and Hyderabad. This strategy, rather than promoting harmony, has introduced tensions, fueled conflict, and enabled the rise of armed linguistic and sectarian gangs. These groups, often operating with impunity, contributed to Karachi’s economic collapse, driving away investment and stability. Meanwhile, cities in central Punjab have flourished, benefiting from national resources and policies that prioritize them over others. While Lahore and other urban centers grew into economic hubs, Sindh’s cities were pushed into chaos and stagnation.
This cannot continue. A country cannot be truly strong if large parts of its population feel alienated or oppressed. Military power alone does not protect a nation—national unity built on justice and equality does. The armed forces of Pakistan, as one of the most influential institutions in the country, must now recognize that real security also comes from within. The support of the people is not guaranteed by force, but by fairness.
What Pakistan needs today is a new vision for the federation. One that ensures equal rights and opportunities for all provinces. One that protects local cultures, allows people to govern their own resources, and builds trust through meaningful representation and autonomy. It is time to end all forms of political manipulation and social injustice. Projects like Green Pakistan and corporate farming must be dismissed, and the rights of local communities to their land and water must be restored. The ongoing demographic manipulation in Sindh must also end, and cities must be reclaimed as inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous spaces for all residents.
The recent external attack was a reminder that no state can stand strong if it is weak from within. This moment offers a chance for reflection—not only for the government but for all powerful institutions. Pakistan’s strength lies in its diversity. Its future depends on listening to and uplifting every voice across its land.
The people of Sindh, like others across the country, want peace, dignity, and fairness. They do not seek conflict—they seek inclusion. If we can respond to this call for justice with sincerity and reform, Pakistan can still move toward a more united and stable future.
Read: A Slow War on Sindh’s Protesters
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Dr. Muhammad Mataro Hingorjo is a Family Physician originally from village Dhandhi Hingorja, Tharpakar, Sindh, currently residing in Limerick Ireland.
