The echoes of dissent that have long resonated in Balochistan are now being heard in another corner of Pakistan—Sindh. For decades, Sindhi nationalists have voiced concerns about marginalization, cultural erasure, and state repression. But now, the calls are becoming more resolute, more public, and more aligned with the demand for complete separation from the Pakistani state.
Recently, members of the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) took to the streets in a powerful display of protest. Blocking major highways and waving banners demanding “freedom,” the protesters called attention to what they describe as a pattern of state-sponsored oppression—including enforced disappearances, illegal arrests, and a denial of basic political rights.
For the leaders of this movement—such as Sohail Abro, Zubair Sindhi, and Amar Azadi—this is no longer just about reform. It’s about the fundamental right of the Sindhi people to determine their own destiny. “We’re not asking for charity,” said one protester. “We’re asking for justice, for recognition, and for freedom from a system that’s tried to erase us.”
Sindh’s growing unrest comes just as Balochistan’s push for independence gains international attention. With Baloch leaders claiming that Pakistan’s control is now limited to major cities like Quetta, many in Sindh are taking inspiration from their neighbors to the west. The sentiment is clear: if Balochistan can assert its right to self-determination, why not Sindh?
For years, both provinces have complained of economic exploitation, lack of political representation, and the forced disappearance of activists. Now, social media and diaspora support are helping local movements gain momentum.
The rise of secessionist voices in multiple provinces signals deep cracks in Pakistan’s internal cohesion. While the central government has often labeled these movements as “foreign-funded” or “anti-state,” critics argue that this narrative ignores the legitimate concerns of marginalized communities.
Human rights groups have long urged Pakistan to investigate allegations of abductions, custodial torture, and suppression of free speech in Sindh and Balochistan. Yet, little has changed.
The current wave of protests and demands for independence shows that the people of Sindh are no longer willing to suffer in silence. They are organizing, mobilizing, and—most importantly—speaking out.
The situation is tense, but it’s also at a crossroads. Pakistan now faces a critical choice: continue its current approach of suppression and denial, or open the door to dialogue and decentralization.
One thing is clear—Sindh is not alone in its anger. And unless something changes, the calls for “freedom” may soon transform from slogans into a full-blown movement, reshaping the future of the region.
