Protesting locally, students alongside faculty—who face 15 months of unpaid salaries—are calling on authorities to resolve the financial crisis, restore academic activities, and support vital agricultural research in this agrarian region.

Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam has reportedly closed its sub-campus in Umerkot, leading to ongoing protests by enrolled students for the past several days. The closure of this campus should not be viewed merely as administrative mismanagement; it represents a major policy failure that deprives the youth of Umerkot and adjacent districts of their fundamental right to higher education.

The regions surrounding Umerkot are predominantly dependent on agriculture and livestock. Local farmers face an uncertain future driven by severe water shortages, soil infertility, low crop productivity, limited technological integration, erratic weather, and shifting rainfall patterns. It is troubling that higher education in the very field sustaining this population is being abandoned and rendered unviable locally.

Students from the Umerkot Campus have staged protests at the local press club, demanding the immediate reopening of their institution. Having already deposited their semester fees, hundreds of students are deeply concerned about their academic futures due to the university administration’s sudden decision. Umerkot suffers from a critical shortage of higher education facilities, making this campus indispensable for local youth.

Shutting down a university campus after enrolling students and collecting their fees lacks justification. The university administration must clarify its reasons and ensure that students’ academic goals are not compromised. The campus holds the potential to serve a vast rural population that cannot afford the living, food, hostel, and transportation expenses required to relocate to Hyderabad, Tandojam, Karachi, or other distant cities. For working-class families, local access to higher education is essential to prevent capable young individuals from abandoning their studies. While government officials frequently highlight youth empowerment, job creation, climate resilience, and agricultural development, grass-root public institutions continue to lack essential support.

Faculty and staff at the Umerkot Campus are also severely affected, facing 15 months of unpaid salaries alongside continuous uncertainty regarding student admissions, according to lecturer Zulfiqar Mari. He urged relevant authorities to intervene proactively by coordinating with key stakeholders to clear pending salaries, resume classes, reinstate admissions, and formulate a sustainable financial strategy for the campus.

Umerkot requires dedicated agricultural research even more than central hubs like Hyderabad or Tandojam. The campus could serve as an essential research center for drought-resistant crops, water-efficient irrigation, organic farming, bio-fertilizer production, kitchen gardening, animal husbandry, climate-smart agriculture, seed development, ecosystem restoration, and renewable energy solutions. If an agriculture campus cannot operate in a primary agricultural district, its viability anywhere else remains questionable.

The Sindh Agriculture University Umerkot Campus initially launched classes in January 2018 within the Vocational Training Centre for Boys in Umerkot. In March 2022, it relocated to the Public School building in Vehro, where academic programs continued. However, physical operations ceased on July 15, 2026, creating widespread confusion regarding the university’s future and its 1,200 enrolled students—including approximately 450 female and 750 male students. The campus allowed these young individuals to pursue higher education without leaving their home district. Concerns have intensified following the university administration’s decision to exclude the Umerkot Campus from the admission plan for the 2027 academic year, leaving students, faculty, and community members uncertain about its operational status.

When local institutions in underdeveloped districts are neglected or abandoned, youth are deprived of quality higher education. The administration of Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam must address the reported closure transparently and outline clear pathways for students and staff. If the campus suffers from underfunding or staffing shortages, these challenges should be rectified without shutting down the facility.

The campus requires an adequate, well-qualified faculty along with essential infrastructure, including laboratories, reliable water supply, internet connectivity, transportation, and an uninterrupted power supply. Students must not be left uninformed, and a long-term strategic direction for the campus must be established without compromise. Establishing research stations, demonstration farms, and collaborative faculty-student initiatives can transform the institution from a degree-granting entity into a driver of rural progress.

The announcement regarding the closure of the Umerkot Campus should serve as an urgent call for authorities to increase educational budgets, ensure institutional transparency, and restore public centers of learning. Sustainable regional development requires providing agricultural districts with the academic faculties, research facilities, and laboratories necessary to excel and contribute to the nation’s agricultural sector.

Read: Chaunra – Resilient Thar Desert Homes

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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo, based in Umerkot, Sindh is a social development professional. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com 

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By Neelima Mathur | India

Too early to tell but one never knows.

The Chief Justice of India may rue the day, May 15, 2026, when he used Cockroach as a metaphor. Albeit he said it in context of some kind of youth in India. From June 26, 2026, all kind of youth took it as an aspersion on themselves. It was bound to happen.

Cockroaches have some distinct characteristics.

They are one of the oldest insects with an intriguing resilience in the face of adversity. They are said to play the role of decomposers in ecosystems.

Youth can – or should??? – Never be a disregarded entity. They are an integral part of any society. Bypassing the tempting references to Indian philosophies appropriated into political domains, why not a Greek historical comparison? In Politics of Youth in Greek Tragedy, Matthew Shipton looks at the portrayal of youth in seven Attic Tragedies, reflecting BCE and post BCE eras. They evoke concepts about Anxiety of the potentially Destabilizing Effect of Youth on Society; the Disastrous Consequences of the Failure to properly Negotiate Inter-generational relations; and the gradual Evolution Away from Vertical Family Relationships towards Horizontal Age-Group relationships over time.

Videos and various social media content during the nearly one-month long youth protests have overt or nuanced indicators of an evolving trend in an ancient society. They reflect a frank and fearless move away from patriarchal, hierarchical, caste and class-based norms. In a civilizational context, for this nation, it borders on disrespect and shamelessness. A huge shift in acceptable public stance and display of it. The Prime Minister’s last public message (on July 31, 2026) of ‘forgiving’ these ‘children’ may not cut ice.

Cockroaches are formidable pests difficult to control

There was enough social media that voiced the presence of youth protestors, who were going against the grain of their own family vote-bank trend. However minimal, the protests that spread to at least four other cities included one of particular interest in this case. Ahmedabad, a city in the state that has been the strong foundation stone of the present Prime Minister.

How is Indian governance responding in the face of something that is still an unknown phenomenon? At one point 18 metro stations with access to the protest site were shut down. Internet access was restricted. Courier services in a fixed radius were in-operational. Food joints in similar radius were asked to shut down very early in the evening. There is enough visual history that severe police action was taken on protestors as tension escalated. In the parallel, a long hunger strike by a famous dissident was underway.

Protests can wither away or be quelled. Or escalate.

At Tiananmen Square (China) in 1989, a Beijing-centered student-led movement called out for democracy and free speech. It drew an estimated 1.2 million demonstrators. Then…there was a military crackdown.

March for Our Lives in USA, in 2018, is considered the largest student-led protest in U.S. history. Along with global sister marches, it advocated gun control. An estimated 1.2 to 2 million people had marched to Washington, D.C… Then…came the era of a brassy blonde-haired gun pusher.

Cockroaches possess survival mechanisms for persistence adapting to diverse environments even across mass extinctions and upheavals.

Without in any way romanticizing the recent youth protests in India, the responses to it are running to form – as usual. Fascinating. Typical. Expected.

The Cockroach Janta Party – CJP (official name of the party launched by the youth – Janta = People) is running a secret agenda for another political party. One that had similarly held anti-corruption (and land acquisition law) sit-ins at Jantar Mantar in 2011/12 & 2015, before forming a political party in 2012. A couple of CJP leaders have officially stated their previous association, now stating no connection.

The natural fall-out is natural . The leader of the party formed in 2012 and his close associate were publicly held up for receiving foreign funds from a famous United States ‘public interest’ organization. The allegations of dubious Deep State engagement (Indian and foreign) in civil rights movements to cause disruption rumbled for a while. Within days of the protest ending, similar rumblings are already in place for the leaders of CJP. “Bik gayaa’ (sold out) is a common refrain for the young leader at the top.

The CJP leader has quipped that if foreign funds have reached him, the Home Minister should resign. His plea: How did these funds reach him under the eye of the minister.

Meanwhile, justifications aside, like most countries in the world, India too is now a surveillance state. Facial recognition is a great tool in the hands of power. Tracking is leading to persons of interest across boundaries outside New Delhi. There are mixed signals about detainment and arrests. In the blur, no one has any concrete numbers on arrests, harassment, violation of rights.

According to the World Health Organization, cockroaches are classified as “unhygienic scavengers in human settlements,” and crushing them increases the risk of spreading the diseases they carry.

What is uncontrollable is the echo chamber on social media. The silence of mainstream was deafening during the protest. Shortly after the protest started, the CJP beat the algorithm matrix the ruling party had been reigning over. The Megaliths of social media like Meta are embroiled with the government. It is a web of data requests, shadow-banning, content removal and more. Including one major hitch when the Prime Minister’s fire-fighting late night address selfie video went down briefly.

It matters not. Nothing does in the world of social media. CJP stands around 27 million followers. Way ahead of the ruling party with about 10 million. Meanwhile, rap stars like Garam Kalakar go happily viral with ‘What Did You See in Jantar Mantar Part 1, 2.

In the real world, activists and lawyers of every hue are running hither and thither. Petitions, information demands, legal redressals for any and every one – directly or remotely connected with CJP – arrested, under detention, missing, injured. Anything that could make up a fabric of the Against. Needless to say, mostly the Gen Z. The youth protestors have set up a record of videos called the Protest Record.

Political analysts of standing do not belong to Gen Z. No wonder the mystique is baffling to decipher. Is this real? Is something happening? Is it a turning point or a passing phenomenon? The few CJP comments that can be accessed indicate it may not be time to take it easy. The chances that Jantar Mantar was boiling point but the pressure lid has not yet burst, cannot be brushed away. Yet.

Many factors are in play.

Forget the number of protestors at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in June 2026 or even the others in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad. An insignificant mob syndrome? Maybe. What counts is the diversity they represented. There are approximately 370 million in 18 – 29 years and 125 million in 30-35 year age groups in India. Nearly 500 million in a nation of over 1.5 billion. The maths of a voting age population is clear. Combine that with the algorithms in sway.

For those in power – and even those in opposition – an agenda is being forced upon them. The youth protest appropriated the country’s victory slogan (Jai Hind), protestors brandished copies of the Constitution, statements quoted the man considered the father of the Constitution – Ambedkar. Without stating it, the youth protests have infringed upon the vote banks of different political parties.

The national elections of India are due in 2029. Before which, nearly 16 states will have elections. The youth protest cannot but impact political strategies in them. Some in critical populous states with a telling effect that colours the face of representation in Parliament.

The survival of cockroaches is linked to an incredible reproductive capacity and cockroach populations can quickly rebound even after significant setbacks.

The impact is already visible. The ruling party is known for exhibiting strength and not backing down under pressure. In twelve years, only one minister had resigned on charges of sexual harassment. The youth protest forced the hand of government and got a minister to resign.

Even so, an unfortunate development. The new minister, rightly or wrongly carries the legacy of allegedly being a ‘defender of rapists’. A new breeding ground for the cockroaches is in the making. Between the quip about the Home Minister being responsible for foreign funds entering the country and this choice of minister.

In 2012, there were large protests over the gang rape of a girl in New Delhi. In 2024, once again, when it happened with a trainee doctor. In between, the capital saw a long persistent farmer protest on grain prices that almost bulged over. Historically, these are recent.

Looking back a bit, 1990 saw the Mandal Commission riots against job provisions for backward castes / classes. There were even several cases of self-immolation. The Mandal riots became a formidable movement against the backward classes. At that time, it led to the resignation of the Prime Minister. Later and more importantly, it completely formed, changed and dictated caste-based politics across India. Unchanged until now.

Going further back, Jayaprakash Narayan triggered a movement in the 1970s, in which, first students joined in two major states of India. By the time the movement swelled, it finally led to challenging one of India’s most powerful Prime Ministers. A state of Emergency emerged, then a call for re-election. One in which the reigning Prime Minister was ousted, establishing the first non-legacy party in government.

Difficult as it may seem to believe, Gen Z at the youth protests have not missed any of this. In a revelatory article, Jinoy Jose, Digital Editor, Frontline, explains this and many other salient features of Gen Z that have been missed.

He says that Gen Z had sub-consciously absorbed everything laid out by the previous generation. They were seeding and one word of the Chief Justice, Cockroach, turned the season for them to take root.

When you squish a cockroach, you’re not just killing it. You’re rupturing its body and releasing all the bacteria, viruses, and pathogens stored in its gut.

In all the machinations occurring now – within CJP, government, opposition – the symbol of youth is firmly embedded. One in every four Indians is between 18 to 29 years. India is nearly one-fifth of the world’s population. The dynamics are huge in terms of numbers. How presumptuous is it to, for some reason, recall Daniel Cohn Bendit? He was a key figure in the student protests of France in 1968-69 and later joined mainstream politics, including being member of the European Parliament.

The unrest of May 1968 in France started as a student protest about educational reforms. Later, it escalated when workers joined. The social relevance of education was a major point of reference. As it spread, the deep-seated discontent in French society brimmed over. Studies claim that it was a pivotal moment in the political landscape of Europe. Leading to new political actions and ideologies in response to post-industrial society.

Pestilence in The Bible: Often appears in scripture as a symbol of mass destruction or divine judgment alongside war and famine.

This story began with: Too early to tell but one never knows…India lives in 28 states and nine Union Territories across 3.28 million sq. km, with a diversity of 22 official scheduled languages, 122 major languages and innumerable dialects. A mini-Europe of sorts. At nearly 80 years of age, this Democracy, India, is still a developing country. A 2025 Study claims that 83% unemployed are under 35 years. If that is not seed enough to sprout, what is, is the question. So, we wait to see if the Cockroaches become a symbol of destruction or a spiralling channel for a much-needed new landscape.

Farewell Aside: The just-over 30-year old CJP leader is a Libran of the western Zodiac. He is in the company of Augustus Ceasar, Mughal Emperor Akbar, Mahatma Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, Dwight Eisenhower, Benjamin Netanyahu, Ayatollah Khomeini, Vladimir Putin, Lech Walesa, Alfred Nobel.

Watch post-article date televised interview of CJP leader:

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Read: Future Movement – Poetry from India

The post Indian Youth Defeats Stereo-Types first appeared on Sindh Courier.

By Muskan Shah | Islamabad

Protests have been a cornerstone of human expression and dissent throughout history. From civil rights movements to anti-war demonstrations, protests have shaped the course of human events and brought about significant social and political change. Protests often arise from a sense of injustice, frustration, or discontent among a group of people. They can be sparked by a wide range of issues, including economic inequality, social injustice, political repression, or environmental concerns. When people feel that their voices are not being heard, they may turn to protest as a means of expressing their grievances and demanding change. It can take many forms, from peaceful demonstrations and marches to more confrontational tactics like civil disobedience and direct action. They can be organized by individuals, groups, or organizations, and can be fueled by social media and other digital platforms.

Protests are more likely to be successful when they have a clear and focused message, as well as specific, achievable goals. Well-organized protests with effective leadership can help to mobilize supporters, manage logistics, and negotiate with authorities. Nonviolent protests are often more effective than violent ones, as they can help to build public support and avoid alienating potential allies. Protests that receive media attention can reach a wider audience and build momentum, especially if the coverage is sympathetic to the protesters’ cause.

However not all protest achieve their intended goals and some ultimately fail to make a lasting impact.

Protests that are unclear or unfocused can struggle to build momentum and achieve their objectives. Protests that turn violent or involve destructive behavior can alienate public support and provide authorities with a pretext for cracking down. Protests that are poorly organized or lack effective leadership can struggle to mobilize supporters and achieve their goals. Governments may respond to protests with repression, using tactics like force, intimidation, or arrests to quell dissent.

A recent protest  

As a law student I observed that the recent TLP (Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan) protest primarily centered around solidarity with Palestine, with demands to boycott Israeli products, send aid to Gaza and declare Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a Terrorist. We all Pakistani demands such things to show love and sympathy for Gaza and Palestine. But the protest had been marred by violence, resulting in clashes with law enforcement, injuries and fatalities so the government responded to the protest had been to impose restrictions, including suspension mobile internet services, blocking some routes in Islamabad and Rawalpindi because they wanted to continue the protest from Lahore to Islamabad. The government enforced section 144 to prohibit public gathering so the protest was failed because of some flaws like it turned violent with clashes between protesters and law enforcers resulting in injuries and fatalities. The TLP’s actions were criticized for undermining the state’s authority and disrupting law and order.

Some critics argue that the protest’s objectives are unclear or unrealistic. TLP was accused of spreading hate and radicalization through social media and public rallies. The Government’s response to the protest had been inconsistent with some critics arguing that it had been too soft on the TLP while others argue that it had been too harsh.

Citizens faced so much difficulties those days, as they could not attend offices and schools properly, faced environment of panic and the capital’s system was so much disturbed. The protest never means to spread terror and create an atmosphere of panic. It should be peaceful to exert pressure for getting the genuine demands accepted.

Read: Crises Unfold: Pakistan’s Darkest Hour

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Muskan Shah, based in Islamabad, is the law student. E-mail: syedamuskanshah2001@gmail.com

The post Understanding the Dynamics of Dissent first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• 27 Protesters received injuries. The violence began after Taliban units were dispatched to the district to destroy poppy fields

Kabul

At least eight civilians, including a young girl, have been killed and 27 others wounded in the district of Khash, Badakhshan province, following gunfire by Taliban forces during protests, local sources told Afghanistan International (Afintl.af) on Tuesday.

Medical staff at a local hospital in Badakhshan confirmed that the fatalities occurred over two days of unrest. Six people, including a woman, were reportedly killed on Monday, while two more died on Tuesday. The condition of several of the injured remains critical.

Earlier reports cited five deaths and at least 20 injuries in the clashes. Hospital sources later revised the toll upward as more casualties were confirmed.

Taliban-appointed governor of Badakhshan, Mohammad Ayoub Khalid, acknowledged the civilian deaths in an interview with the BBC. He claimed the casualties were the result of “accidental fire” by Taliban forces. He also confirmed that Special Forces were deployed to Khash to suppress the protests.

The violence began after Taliban units were dispatched to the district to destroy poppy fields. The killing of local farmers triggered widespread anger among residents, who blocked roads leading to Faizabad and Baharak and stormed the district administration building, damaging parts of the facility.

This is not the first time Taliban forces have clashed with local farmers in Badakhshan, a province known for significant opium cultivation. Similar confrontations occurred last year in Jurm district after Taliban attempts to eradicate poppy crops.

Recently, the Afghanistan Analysts Network reported that the Taliban’s efforts to enforce a nationwide drug ban have largely failed in Badakhshan. The report noted that some local Taliban officials have been unwilling to implement the ban, despite direct orders from the group’s leadership.

In response, farmers have adopted more covert methods to continue poppy cultivation such as disguising crops among other plants, farming in enclosed or remote areas, leasing land, or partnering with local residents to evade detection.

Read: Taliban detain dozens Afghan Protestors

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Courtesy: Central Asian Light (Posted on July 2, 2025)

The post Afghan Taliban kill 8 Protesters first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• According to independent sources, demonstrators chanted slogans in support of former Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum

Kabul

Dozens of protesters were detained by Taliban forces in Faryab province, northern Afghanistan, following a demonstration against the group’s local police administration in Dawlatabad district, Afghanistan International (Afintl.af) reports, citing local sources.

According to at least four independent sources, demonstrators chanted slogans in support of former Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum—“Long live Dostum!”—and entered the district police headquarters. The protest was sparked by the arrest of several young men involved in an altercation allegedly related to harassment of girls during Eid celebrations in Dawlatabad.

Crowds gathered outside the Taliban police station demanding the release of the detainees. In response, Taliban forces reportedly carried out additional arrests and tightened security in the area. Some protesters stormed the police building, prompting a harsh reaction from Taliban personnel.

Eyewitnesses said Taliban fighters, some in civilian clothing, began searching homes to locate demonstrators. The district center has since been effectively locked down, and residents now fear leaving their homes due to the risk of arrest.

Video footage from the scene shows large crowds assembled around the police compound. The exact number of those detained remains unclear, with estimates ranging from 35 to 100 people.

The Taliban has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

Read: Opposition mounts pressure on Taliban

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Courtesy: Central Asian Light (Posted on June 11, 2025)  

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Badin| Mirpurkhas

Awami Tehreek’s protest movement continues in the form of demonstrations, marches, sit-ins, and rallies against corporate farming, the occupation of Sindh’s lands and resources, and the construction of six new canals from the Indus River.

A protest march was held in Seraani town of district Badin on Sunday June 1, against corporate farming projects and new canals on the Indus, led by Awami Tehreek’s Central President Advocate Vasand Thari, Central Vice President Sattar Rind, Ali Mohammad Parvez Memon, Mehran Dars, Mukhtiar Bakari, Advocate Kamran Lakho, Advocate Fazil Zaur, Mohammad Ali Talpur, Bahadur Talpur, and others.

Speaking on the occasion, the leaders said the federal and Punjab governments must be held accountable for the usurpation of water of Sindh, which has continued since 1859. They accused PPP of orchestrating false dramas. They alleged that the peaceful movement of Sindh against corporate farming and canals is being turned violent. Under a conspiracy, lawlessness is being promoted in Sindh.

Meanwhile, in Mirpurkhas, Sindhi Hari Tehreek and Awami Tehreek organized a protest rally.

The protest rally commenced from State Life and concluded at Press Club Mirpurkhas, led by prominent leaders including Noor Ahmed Katiar (Central Senior Vice President, Awami Tehreek), Dr. Dildar Laghari (Central Leader, Sindhi Hari Tehreek), Mukhtiar Khaskheli (District President, Awami Tehreek Mirpurkhas), Ali Nawaz Dahri (Central Senior Vice President, Sindhi Hari Tehreek), Comrade Shagan Kolhi (District President, Sindhi Hari Tehreek Mirpurkhas), Ameer Bux Jarwar, Khair Muhammad Chandio, and other activists.

Addressing the rally, Noor Ahmed Katiar said, “Corporate farming projects are being used to carry out economic massacre of farmers. These are clear attempts to seize the resources of oppressed nations under the guise of development. Punjab’s rulers are launching encroachments on the Indus River, treating Sindh as a conquered territory, and betraying the very foundations laid by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.”

Dr. Dildar Laghari stated, “Through these projects, farmers are being displaced, their lands snatched, and their rights denied. Black laws like the Labor Code have been imposed to enslave farmers and strip them of basic rights.”

Ali Nawaz Dahri criticized the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) saying, “The PPP raised slogans of bread, cloth, and shelter, yet in its 17 years of rule, it hasn’t granted even a single acre of land to the farmers. It remains a party of feudal lords, landlords, and spiritual leaders, exploiting poor and working-class people.”

Mukhtiar Khaskheli and Comrade Shagan Kolhi highlighted that, “Due to an artificially created water shortage, crops like cotton could not be cultivated in Mirpurkhas. The Sindh government is equally complicit with Punjab’s rulers in looting Sindh’s water and resources, deliberately pushing Sindh towards a drought-like situation.”

The leaders collectively vowed that the joint struggle of Awami Tehreek and Sindhi Hari Tehreek against corporate farming schemes, illegal encroachments on the Indus River, and the exploitation of Sindh’s resources would continue until the defeat of oppressive forces. (PR)

Read: Sindh is under the Dictatorship

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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.

The post A Slow War on Sindh’s Protesters first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Dr. AG Arijo

These days, there has been too much talk about corporate farming. Let us provide a brief overview of the issue surrounding grant of land for corporate farming in Sindh province of Pakistan. The Sindh government has approved more than 52,000 acres of state land to attract private investment in agriculture as part of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) initiative. However, this decision has incited protests from farmers and activists, who argue that it threatens small-scale farming. Critics contend that the project favors corporate interests over local livelihoods, raising concerns about land leases benefiting private companies associated with the Pakistan military. The debate continues as stakeholders assess the economic advantages against the environmental and social repercussions.

To gain a clearer understanding, it is essential to define corporate farming and explore its proposed implementation. Corporate farming refers to large-scale agricultural operations that are managed by corporations or private investors, rather than by individual farmers. These operations typically leverage advanced technology, mechanization, and modern irrigation techniques to enhance productivity. The Sindh government claims that it has proposed corporate farming as a strategy to boost agricultural output, attract investment, and improve food security. Official advocates believe that it can modernize farming practices and elevate crop yields, potentially decreasing Pakistan’s dependence on food imports.

The grant of 52,713 acres of land in Sindh for corporate farming has generated significant controversy. These lands have traditionally been utilized by local farmers and communities for small-scale agriculture. Critics express concerns that corporate farming may displace these local farmers, disrupt established farming practices, and lead to environmental issues. Additionally, the involvement of foreign investors and the Pakistan military in the management of these lands has raised further apprehensions regarding land rights and the equitable distribution of resources. The debate persists as stakeholders consider the potential economic benefits alongside the risks posed to local livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

There are farmers’ and landowners’ concerns. To understand this point, we need to discuss the concerns and objections raised by farmers and landowners, and highlight their perspective on how corporate farming might affect them.

Farmers and landowners in Sindh have voiced strong objections to the corporate farming initiative, arguing that it threatens their livelihoods and traditional farming practices. Their concerns include:

Loss of ancestral land: Many farmers fear that corporate farming will lead to the displacement of small-scale farmers, pushing them off lands they have cultivated for generations.

Water scarcity: The construction of six new canals to support corporate farms has raised alarms about water diversion from the Indus River, potentially reducing access for local farmers.

Economic inequality: Critics argue that corporate farming benefits large investors and foreign entities, while local farmers struggle with rising costs and limited resources.

Environmental impact: Intensive farming methods used by corporations could lead to soil degradation, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity, further harming the ecosystem.

Political concerns: Some activists claim that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), once a champion of farmers’ rights, is now prioritizing corporate interests over local communities.

Farmers and landowners demand greater transparency, fair land distribution, and policies that protect their rights. Many have joined protests, calling for a halt to corporate farming projects until their concerns are addressed. The debate continues as the government weighs economic benefits against social and environmental consequences.

Possible solutions

It is essential to prioritize the needs and rights of the local community. Establish farmer advisory councils to ensure that local farmers have a voice in policy decisions. This would empower them to negotiate fair land leases and safeguard their rights.

Sustainable Farming Practices be promoted eco-friendly farming techniques that preserve soil health and protect water resources. Government-supported training programs could facilitate farmers’ transition to modern methods while minimizing environmental impact. Possible solutions involve fostering a more collaborative relationship between the government and local farmers. It is essential to prioritize the needs and rights of the local community.

Inclusive decision-making to establish farmer advisory councils to ensure that local farmers have a voice in policy decisions. This would empower them to negotiate fair land leases and safeguard their rights. Sustainable farming practices should have a chance to promote eco-friendly farming techniques that preserve soil health and protect water resources. Government-supported training programs could facilitate farmers’ transition to modern methods while minimizing environmental impact. Possible solutions involve fostering a more collaborative relationship between the government and local farmers. It is essential to prioritize the needs and rights of the local community.

Instead of allocating vast areas of land to corporations, a fair land distribution model should be considered. The government could distribute smaller plots to local farmers under cooperative models, allowing them to leverage modern technology while retaining control over their land.

Water management plans must ensure that new irrigation projects do not disrupt traditional water access. It is vital for farmers to be consulted on water-sharing agreements to prevent shortages.

Transparent policies are crucial. Strengthening legal protections can help prevent exploitation. By prioritizing the needs of local farmers, the government can foster a balanced agricultural system that promotes both economic growth and community well-being. The Sindh Agriculture Research Council (SARC) has already advocated for fair subsidies and protections of tenancy rights for farmers. Elevating such initiatives could lead to a more equitable and sustainable agricultural landscape.

By fostering collaboration and transparency, Sindh can modernize agriculture while upholding farmers’ livelihoods, creating a system that benefits local communities.

Read: Save The Dying Indus Delta

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Dr. Abdullah G. Arijo is a retired professor, ex: chairman, Department of Parasitology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, ex-advisor Academics & P&D to Vice Chancellor, SAU Tandojam. Email: Email: abdullaharijo@gmail.com 

The post Corporate Farming and the Concerns of Sindh first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Sindh Grinds to a Halt as Lawyers, Farmers Block Key Highway Over Water and Land Rights

By Ishaq Tunio | USA

Sindh has been cut off from the rest of Pakistan for the ninth consecutive day due to a massive, peaceful sit-in at the Babarloi bypass near Sukkur and Dera More in Kashmore (called off on Friday) and several other locations. This situation has caused road traffic to standstill, leaving over 12,000 commercial vehicles—including trucks, trailers, oil tankers, and passenger buses—stranded and triggering disruptions across Pakistan’s critical trade and logistics corridors.

Led by the Karachi Bar Council and supported by the Sindh Bar Council, district bar associations, doctors, teachers, people with disability and visually impaired persons association, barbers, artists and farmers’ unions, student groups, women’s organizations, and civil society activists, the protest addresses what they call “Punjab’s water theft” and “federal land grabs” under the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s (SIFC) corporate farming initiative.

At the heart of the protest are two significant grievances: the construction of six canals in Punjab, reportedly in violation of the 1991 Water Accord, and the federal government’s push, through the military-backed SIFC, to lease Sindh’s agricultural lands to foreign investors—primarily from Gulf countries—for corporate farming.

“This is not just a protest—it’s a fight for survival,” said Advocate Kazim Mahesar, Vice President of the Karachi Bar Association. “Our fields are drying up, our land is being snatched, and the federal government is acting like a silent spectator.”

Despite soaring temperatures between 40 and 45°C, thousands of protesters remain camped at the blockade, demanding an immediate suspension of Punjab’s canal projects, the cancellation of corporate land deals, and constitutional guarantees to protect Sindh’s water and land rights.

Economic Shockwaves – The blockade is sending shockwaves through Pakistan’s economy. With over 15,000 trucks stuck in transit, Karachi Port—responsible for more than 60% of Pakistan’s trade—faces significant backlogs in exports and imports. Afghanistan-bound cargo: 2,800 containers are delayed, jeopardizing $275 million in perishables and textiles. CPEC shipments: Over 800 trucks carrying Chinese machinery and raw materials are stalled on their way to Xinjiang. Oil tankers: 2,500 are stuck, prompting rationing in Punjab and KP. Customs delays: Karachi Port reports more than 3,000 uncleared containers (TEUs), with daily demurrage exceeding $2 million. Domestic supply chains: 40% of wheat and vegetable shipments from Sindh to Punjab and KP have been disrupted. Export losses: More than $150 million in missed shipments of textiles and seafood to the EU and Gulf markets.

“This is an economic emergency,” said Mohammad Khan, a logistics operator from Sukkur. “Every day of delay costs millions. If this continues, factories will shut down.”

The protest escalated after a violent incident on Friday evening when armed guards of PPP leaders in unmarked vehicles arrived at the protest site, and men in plainclothes fired upon peaceful protesters at Sukkur Tool Plaza. Protesters allege that the attackers were affiliated with the ruling Pakistan People’s Party. One lawyer and several other protesters sustained injuries. So far, no official inquiry has been announced.

On Thursday, April 24th, 2025, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif and Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a joint press conference. They assured the public that the Council of Common Interests (CCI), a federal constitutional body, had been convened to resolve the dispute regarding the construction of six canals by consensus.

On the other hand, the Lawyers’ Action Committee—comprising the Sindh Bar Council, 18 district bar councils, and civil society—has warned of a Phase 2 protest if the Prime Minister’s office does not issue the notification regarding the cancellation of 6 canals. Starting April 29, 2025, they may target Pakistan Railways’ Main Line-1 (ML-1). Halting freight and passenger trains between Karachi and Punjab would paralyze 45% of the country’s rail cargo, including coal shipments to power plants and CPEC cargo from Gwadar.

“We’ve exhausted all peaceful options,” said Advocate Aamir Nawaz Warraich, President of the Karachi Bar Association. “If Islamabad won’t listen, we’ll stop every route—road, rail, and air—until Sindh’s rights are recognized.”

The protest has scrutinized Pakistan’s federal structure. Lawyers argue that major resource decisions—such as inter-provincial water allocation and land use—must go through the Council of Common Interests (CCI), as mandated by Article 153 of the Constitution. However, the SIFC bypasses the CCI, fast-tracking land deals without provincial consent.

“Sindh is being treated as a resource colony,” said human rights activist Sachal Wadho, attending the protest with his elderly father. “If Sindh’s grievances aren’t addressed, the federation is at risk.”

Legal experts, including Advocate Mohammad Khan Shaikh and Barrister Sarfraz Metlo, indicate that the Supreme Court might intervene under Article 184(3) due to disruptions in public welfare and economic activity.

Meanwhile, the PPP-led Sindh government has passed a resolution in the provincial assembly demanding a halt to the construction of six canals related to the SIFC’s activities in the province. However, the federal cabinet remains divided, with Punjab MPs opposing negotiations, while the military establishment remains committed to the SIFC’s investment roadmap.

“This isn’t just Sindh’s problem—it’s Pakistan’s,” said Professor Aijaz Quraishi, an economist based in Karachi. “If the state fails to mediate fairly, the entire country will pay the price.” “Pakistan’s unity is at stake,” warned analyst Jami Chandio. “Either the federation addresses Sindh’s grievances, or the protests metastasize into a full-blown revolt.”

The Babarloi sit-in has evolved from a regional protest into a national crisis—a test of Pakistan’s commitment to constitutionalism, equity, and federalism. As the protest chant “Sindh’s resources for Sindh’s people” echoes across the bypass, the central question remains: Will the state listen?

There is still time to reverse course. The federal government must immediately convene the Council of Common Interests to address water-sharing disputes, launch a transparent review of SIFC’s land acquisition policies, engage directly with protest leaders to reach a mutually agreed-upon resolution, and provide a clear timeline and guarantees for protecting Sindh’s rights. Further delays risk economic losses and deeper erosion of trust in Pakistan’s federal institutions. The moment for decisive, constitutional action is now.

Read: Sindhu – Our Lifeline and Worship

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The writer is a journalist from Pakistan, currently residing in Chicago. Email: ishaqtunio@gmail.com

The post The moment for decisive action is now first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Sher Muhammad Khan

Sindh has historically been an agriculturally self-sufficient region. Its culture, economy, and society is based on agriculture. But in recent years, such a policy has been imposed in the country under which corporate farming is being supported by allocating agricultural lands to the companies, allegedly backed by military establishment.

Policy Background

In 2022, the government of Pakistan announced the handing over of land to the army for corporate farming, under which thousands of acres of land were given to military establishments, especially in the desert and less populated areas of Sindh. These policies were supported by the government, the establishment, and the business community on the pretext that it would make the country agriculturally self-sufficient.

The lands were declared “uninhabited” and handed over, reportedly, to military institutions. Agreements were signed with modern international companies. These lands were originally traditionally owned by local farmers, who had no legal protection.

Problems faced by the common farmer

In many areas of Sindh, such as Khairpur, Sanghar, Umarkot, and Badin, farmers were evicted from their cultivated land for years. Despite having no title deeds, these lands were their only source of employment.

Wage oppression and unemployment

Military farms are run with machines, which require less human labor. Local workers got temporary jobs, which had no guarantee. Wages were generally low, and social security was lacking.

In corporate agriculture, crops are grown that are available in international markets (such as canola, sorghum, and sunflower). However, the tendency of local farmers to grow important crops for food (such as wheat, vegetables, lentils) decreased, which increased the risk of food shortages.

Construction of New Canals from Indus River

The federal and Punjab governments are adamant to construct new canals to draw water from Indus River. These canals are primarily designed to supply water to the agriculture lands of military establishments.

Environmental degradation

The construction of new canals will affect the natural flow of Indus River, and its main victim will be Sindh. The Indus River already faces acute water shortage which currently has exceeded 50 percent of the due share of province. The salinity in the soil increased due to the shortage of water. Moreover, as the river water did not reach the sea, the sea water intrusion has left thousands of acres of land barren in the areas of Thatta, Badin, and Sujawal, the coastal districts of Sindh. These districts are already affected by Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) project.

People’s Struggle and Resistance

The farmers and common man of Sindh raised their voices against this injustice. In several areas of the province, protest demonstrations, rallies and long marches were held and sit-ins staged. Political workers, lawyers, students, farmers’ organizations and civil society became active but their voice was suppressed by the establishment.

Social, economic, and cultural impacts

Occupying lands for corporate farming and construction of new canals will ultimately result in massive unemployment and migration. After losing their livelihood in rural areas, the people will be compelled to migrate to urban areas to work as daily wagers. The young generation will lose interest in agriculture because they have seen how their forefathers’ labor are being taken over by someone else.

It is also an assault on cultural identity, as the civilization of Sindh, which was centered on agriculture, water, and river, is now being destroyed by corporate and political interests.

Suggestions and solutions

Local farmers should be recognized as the legal owners of the land; equitable distribution of water should be ensured; farmers should be represented in the water authority; the 1991 water accord should be strictly followed; a ban should be imposed on corporate agriculture and land grabbing in the name of corporate agriculture should be stopped. Agriculture should be run under the principles of social and natural justice.

For environmental protection, the natural flow of the river should be restored. Local opinion and environmental reports should be made compulsory before construction of new canals.

The development will be development in true sense when it includes local people, their rights, and ecological balance. Otherwise, it will be beneficial only to the powerful institutions, and will cause destruction of society.

Read: Historic Awakening against Indus Water Theft

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Sher Muhammad Khan, a Development Professional, works with National Rural Support Program -GFATM Project District Badin, Sindh

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