The birth of Sindhiyani Tehreek coincided with the peak of martial law under Zia-ul-Haq’s dictatorship, making its establishment a powerful slap on the face of tyranny
By Saima Manganhaar
Sindhiyani Tehreek was not formed suddenly; its creation is deeply connected to the vision and efforts of the great revolutionary leader, Rasool Bux Palijo. His encouragement and motivation gave birth to a movement that produced determined, brave, and well-trained women leaders who represented the true spirit of Sindh. Unlike elite women’s organizations where privileged women in expensive clothes and adorned with costly accessories raised slogans for rights, Sindhiyani Tehreek emerged from the grassroots. It was formed by women from peasant and labor classes who provided leadership with profound respect and devotion, representing the marginalized sections of society.
The necessity for such an organization arose from the dire need to unite Sindhi women for their fundamental rights. On November 26, 1982, aware and organized women from across Sindh gathered in Rahooki and laid the foundation of Sindhiyani Tehreek. Before its formation, some organizations led by educated women existed, but they often expanded the concept of anti-man struggles, which failed to address the real issues of Sindhi women. In Sindh, both men and women have long been victims of oppression; therefore, without joining hands and fighting together, neither could achieve freedom from slavery. Sindhiyani Tehreek organized programs with men to stand against all forms of social injustice, including national, class-based, and democratic inequalities.
The birth of Sindhiyani Tehreek coincided with the peak of martial law under Zia-ul-Haq’s dictatorship, making its establishment a powerful slap on the face of tyranny. When the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) began on August 14, 1983, Sindh became its focal point. During this struggle, when Awami Tehreek workers were arrested and subjected to brutal punishments, Sindhiyani Tehreek did not remain silent spectators; they rose in protest, helping secure the release of political prisoners. Their activism continued with cultural and political engagements, such as celebrating Jashan-e-Latif in Karachi on June 19, 1986, where urban audiences were astonished to see rural women speaking with courage and grace. They actively participated in sessions organized by Hari Tehreek and Sindhi Shagird Tehreek, strengthening their alliance with other progressive fronts.
Sindhiyani Tehreek’s resilience was evident when they protested the assassination of Fazul Rahoo on January 17, 1987, leaving imperial agents confounded. Their annual convention on July 10, 1987, in Shahpur Chaakar witnessed participation from over ten thousand women. Najma ur Rehman, visiting from London, remarked that Sindhiyani Tehreek had convinced her that true leadership for women’s rights comes from grassroots movements. The organization also established international connections, visiting Moscow, the Philippines, and India, and participating in socio-economic research programs in Islamabad. In December 1988, they hosted an Asian Students Association exposure program, earning admiration for their tireless efforts to raise awareness among working-class women.
Sindhiyani Tehreek has consistently protested against projects threatening Sindh’s resources and identity, such as the Kalabagh Dam, military cantonments, and schemes aimed at turning Sindhis into a minority. Thousands of women have led these protests, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to Sindh’s rights. Even today, Sindhiyani Tehreek remains at the forefront of peaceful struggles against injustices—from Zia’s martial law and Musharraf’s dark era to the failures of so-called democratic regimes. Their fight continues against illegal occupation of Indus waters, construction of controversial dams and canals, and corporate land grabs threatening millions of acres of Sindhi villages.
Sindhis have never backed down from obstacles, and neither will Sindhiyani Tehreek.
On November 16 thousands of women marched with their children, travelled all the way from long distance to reach Citygate Hotel to join rally. Brave Sindhi women marched and moved forward with strong support and determination given by their great leader Rasool Bux Palijo to defy the imposition of martial law in form of section 144.
They chanted powerful sky splitting slogans with great zeal and spirit against 27th amendment, corporate farming, canal projects, plundering of mineral resources, conspiracies to divide Sindh, tribal terrorism and Karokari honor killing.
No person and property was harmed, no passerby was threatened not even a shutter of single shop was touched. A peaceful rally of Sindhiyani Tehreek, some with their 3 months old babies in their arms were moving and making their way forward towards their destination.
The march was led by advocate Vasand Thari president of Awami Tehreek, Umraa Samoon president of Sindhiyani Tehreek, Sajid Mahesar, Marvi Sindhoo, Rasool Bux Khaskheli and others.
With spirited slogans and calm determination, a peaceful march reached at press club. All leaders of Awami Tehreek and Sindhiyani Tehreek addressed.
They vowed and promised that if demands of Sindhis remained unmet they will persist the struggle with steadfastness and commitment.
The following day workers of Sindhiyani Tehreek and Awami Tehreek faced punitive action for holding the rally in support of their rights.
The cantonment police station lodged a case for violation of section 144 of criminal procedure court against them. The law enforcers lodged FIR vide crime number 175/25 against Umrah Samoo, Sindhoo Malaah, Ghulam Mustafa Chandio, Marvi Sindhoo, Laal Jarwar, Pirbhat Halepoto and 500 other workers.
It swept everyone into its grip without having committed any crime.
Reacting to this several Sindhi and Pakistani nationalist political parties involved in their real struggles expressed both outrage and condemnation.
A development professional and consultant on climate change Naseer Memon made a statement that “Pakistan people’s Party failed to remember that Zia could not control over Sindh either”.
It was condemned by Awami worker party as an absurd act. Representative of Pakistan Raabita Committee Farooq Tariq stated that “If demands are not accepted, a sequence of solidarity protests alongside the Awami Tehreek will commence in Punjab.”
Representative of Sindh United Party also condemned it. Balochistan bar council strongly condemned and demanded withdrawal of FIR. Karachi bar association, High court bar association Hyderabad, Tharparkar bar association, District bar association Jamshoro Kotri, District bar association Kambar Shehdadkot, Malir bar association stood with Sindhiyani Tehreek and Awami Tehreek to denounce this irrational and completely pointless act. The journalistic fraternity has supported this and provided coverage extensively.
Following this rally a storm has erupted across the Sindh. By defying section 144 Sindhyani Tehreek marched through the streets of Hyderabad with great courage and bravery and conveyed the message to entire world. Wherever a drought of voices arises, we are the ones who speak, because we possess a true skill of courage, a legacy that has long been a Hallmark of Sindhiyani Tehreek.
Read: Rasool Bux Palijo: Sindh’s Soulful Voice
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Writer is a member of the Central committee of Sindhyani Tahreek.
