The recent acts of violence in the Eastern parts of Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial capital, has seen the deaths of more than 123 people.
Karachi, the bustling commercial heart of Pakistan, is grappling with an alarming surge of violence, particularly in its eastern regions.
Recent reports reveal that over 123 lives have been lost in ethnic clashes, predominantly fuelled by tensions among activists affiliated with the city’s major political parties — the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Awami National Party (ANP), and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
As the chaos escalates, the discovery of four women’s bodies in a Lea Market apartment has intensified fears surrounding the safety of residents. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain murky, and many residents are left questioning the government’s ability to maintain law and order amidst a spiralling crisis.
This wave of violence has not gone unnoticed by political leaders, particularly those from Sindhi nationalist movements.
Riyaz Ali Chandio, chairman of the Jeay Sindh Mahaz, and Sohail Abro, chairman of the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM), have publicly voiced their concerns regarding not only the violence but also the government’s ongoing crackdown on democratic rights and the suppression of peaceful protests.
In a galvanising video statement, Abro accused state institutions of resorting to coercive measures to silence the Sindhi nationalist movement’s struggle for self-determination.
“These actions are aimed at undermining democratic freedoms that are vital for a vibrant society. We will not be silenced,” he declared emphatically.
Both leaders have called on international human rights organisations to take immediate notice of what they describe as grave human rights abuses, highlighting the urgent need to protect the rights and safety of Sindhi activists and the broader nationalist movement.
As tensions loom over the city, the treatment of political dissenters raises serious concerns. Following a demonstration against the killing of blasphemy suspect Shahnawaz Kunbhar and the rise of extremism in Sindh, the Karachi Press Club has become a focal point for activists demanding accountability from government institutions.
With the human rights situation growing increasingly dire, the calls for protection and intervention echo louder than ever. As the city faces a crossroads, the resolution of its political complexities and the safeguarding of fundamental rights remain paramount for its citizens.
The Star
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za