Why is the state so afraid of peaceful and educated Sindhis?
- The answer is simple. A confident and educated Sindhi challenges the old system of control, challenges the colonial-style dominance of the security and bureaucratic establishment
Dr. Muhammad Mataro Hingorjo | Ireland
Across Sindh today, young Sindhi nationalists who believe in peace, democracy, and human rights are being forcibly disappeared. The recent abduction of Comrade Ghani Aman Chandio from a hospital, and the disappearance of Sarmad Mirani from Sachal Goth, show a painful truth: the state wants to silence the most educated and thoughtful voices of Sindh.
These young activists are not extremists. They are students, poets, writers, social organizers, and followers of Sindh’s Sufi and literary traditions. They love Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and feel proud of Sindh’s peaceful heritage. They speak with knowledge, logic, and courage. They expose injustice boldly. And because they are well-educated and confident, they are seen as a danger by those in power.
Since the first day of Pakistan, Sindh, Balochistan, Seraiki Waseb, and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region have been treated like colonies by a powerful security establishment together with a strong bureaucratic establishment. The main aim has always been to take control of the land, rivers, minerals, ports, and the economy of these regions, while trying to keep local nations weak, divided, and voiceless. When Sindhis demand their basic rights in a peaceful way, they are targeted.
The experience of Moro town is a very clear example. The young people of Moro are known for loving Shah Latif, for being well-educated, and for standing bravely in defense of Sindh’s resources and culture. They are not violent. They only want justice. Perhaps because they combine knowledge, identity, and courage, they were seen as a serious threat. When the youth of Moro raised their voice against the unfair control of water and land, the security establishment reacted with force. Moro was attacked. Homes were raided. Children and youngsters were arrested, tortured, or killed. The message was simple: stop producing educated Sindhi minds who can speak for their rights.
What makes the situation even more painful is the double standard. Groups who spread fear, sectarian hatred, or violence in Karachi and other cities seem to enjoy freedom and support. They are given space in politics. They are given media time. They are treated softly. At the same time, peaceful Sindhi nationalists are picked up from their homes, streets, and hospitals without any legal case. This clearly shows that the state fears knowledge more than violence. It fears educated political thought more than guns.
Today, Pakistan is facing serious geopolitical stress and real dangers on its international borders. But instead of strengthening unity with its own people, the security and bureaucratic establishment are turning against them. They seem to believe that powerful countries in the world will always protect them and solve their problems. This is a big mistake. No state can survive external threats if its own people are angry, hurt, and oppressed. A country cannot defend itself by fighting its own citizens.
The real question is: why is the state so afraid of peaceful and educated Sindhis? The answer is simple. A confident and educated Sindhi challenges the old system of control, challenges the colonial-style dominance of the security and bureaucratic establishment. Sindh’s educated youth can speak in international forums about the exploitation of their land and rights. And this is what the powerful do not want.
But let it be very clear. The people of Sindh have not given up in the past 78 years. They will not give up now. You can abduct a person, but you cannot abduct the truth. You can try to silence a voice, but you cannot silence an entire nation forever. When one Sindhi activist is disappeared, many new voices rise to continue the struggle.
Sindh stands with Ghani Aman Chandio, with Sarmad Mirani, and with every missing son and daughter of its soil. The peaceful struggle for justice will go on. The nations of Sindh, Balochistan, Seraiki Waseb, and KPK will continue to demand dignity and equality. There can be no real peace until enforced disappearances end and all political prisoners are released.
Read: Might and Myths Should Not Rule
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Dr. Muhammad Mataro Hingorjo is a Family Physician originally from village Dhandhi Hingorja, Tharpakar, Sindh, currently residing in Limerick Ireland.
