• Source:JND
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Karachi witnessed fresh unrest on Sunday after large-scale protests erupted over renewed demands for a separate Sindhudesh, with demonstrators clashing with police in multiple parts of the city and authorities resorting to tear gas to restore order.

The protests were led by Sindhi nationalist groups under the banner of Jiye Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSSM) during Sindhi Culture Day. Demonstrators raised slogans of “Azadi” (freedom) and “Pakistan Murdabad” as they called for the “liberation of Sindh”, reviving a long-standing separatist demand that dates back decades.

Stone-Pelting, Tear Gas And Mass Arrests

According to local media reports, the situation turned violent after authorities diverted the designated rally route, a move that angered thousands of protesters. Stone-pelting incidents were reported, along with attacks on public property and vandalism of police vehicles. Police responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.

Dawn reported that at least five police personnel were injured in the violence. Security forces arrested at least 45 people in connection with the clashes, and the government has instructed law enforcement agencies to identify and detain those involved in vandalism and attacks on police.

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What ‘Sindhudesh’ Means

Sindhudesh, a term referring to modern-day Sindh province, has long been used by Sindhi nationalist outfits to describe their vision of an independent homeland. Sindh, Pakistan’s third-largest province, lies along the Indus River and became part of Pakistan following the Partition of British India in 1947.

The name “Sindhudesh” also appears in ancient references, including the Mahabharata, strengthening the historical identity cited by separatist groups.

Allegations Of Rights Abuses

For years, Sindhi nationalist organisations have accused Pakistan’s authorities of repression and human rights abuses. Earlier this year, the Sindhudesh movement’s exiled leader Shafi Burfat appealed to the United Nations to recognise Sindhudesh as an independent country.

The group also sought support from PM Modi, pointing to shared cultural and civilisational links between Sindh and India. In its statement, JSSM alleged enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings by Pakistan’s security forces and claimed anti-terrorism laws were being misused against activists.

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