Violence and Vigilance: The Clash of Extremism and Pluralism in Sindh

Sindh has a remarkable history of resistance that dates back to 712 AD, culminating in recent events surrounding the tragic death of Dr. Shahnawaz. He was killed at the hands of the Umerkot Police under dubious charges of blasphemy last month. Following his death, a charged mob desecrated his body, igniting a wave of reactions across society.

While some religious factions praised the police, showering them with flowers in a misguided celebration of the extrajudicial killing, civil society and Sindhi nationalists condemned the barbaric actions of the Sindh police. This backlash eventually caught the attention of the Sindh government, but not until several days had passed after the Umerkot incident. Their realization was not instinctive; it was propelled by mounting pressure from Sindhi activists—teachers, poets, and artists demanding justice.

In response, the Sindh Home Minister appeared on television to announce the suspension of the implicated officers, from the Deputy Inspector General to the Station House Officer, and ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), at least 65 individuals have been killed in Pakistan since 1990 over allegations of blasphemy. Dr. Shahnawaz’s murder marks the first such mob-lynching case in Sindh in thirty-five years. Notably, prior to the 1990s, no incidents of mob justice over blasphemy had been reported in the province.

One might wonder why other provinces experience more such distressing incidents of mob justice compared to Sindh, despite the mainstream media spotlighting every ailment in society. The answer lies in the foundational principles of Sindhi society, which is built on pluralism, peace, and patience—values championed by Sufis and reflected in Sindhi literature.

In light of these events, Sindhi nationalists and civil society called for a peaceful protest in Karachi this Sunday to raise awareness against the rising tide of extremism. However, their efforts were met with threats from religious groups intending to counter-protest at the same venue and time. Alarmingly, the Sindh government chose to ignore these tensions. How can a democratic PPP government stand idly by while two opposing factions prepare to clash? At the last moment, under pressure from religious leaders, the government recklessly assigned a new location for the planned peaceful gathering to the Sindhi nationalists.

On Sunday morning, a significant police and ranger presence was deployed at Karachi’s entry points, including the motorway toll plaza, effectively restricting movement for those from the left-wing community. In the ensuing chaos, police violently suppressed protesters—many of whom were women and the elderly—using batons and dragging them into police vehicles. Among those arrested were distinguished literary figures, PhD holders, university professors, poets, and artists—all subjected to humiliation regardless of their age, gender, or profession.

The unfolding events following the alleged blasphemy incident have revealed the intentions of the PPP government, raising critical questions that Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari must confront:

How can a democratic government treat its citizens in such a manner? Would a dictator behave this way?

What does this say about their view of individuals educated at prestigious foreign universities entrusted with significant responsibilities? Such treatment is unbecoming of a civilized society.

It is imperative that we hold our leaders accountable and demand a return to the values that have historically defined Sindhi society. The time for action is now.