Human rights organizations have strongly condemned the increasing violence against women in Sindh, highlighting the horrific trend of honor killings and tribal terrorism under the guise of “Karo-Kari” accusations. Activists termed the brutal murder of Rubina Chandio in Tando Masti as a recent and “shameful incident for humanity,” while also condemning the harassment of young women in educational institutions, which allegedly led to suicides.
In a press conference held today, representatives of Sindhyani Tehreek and National Awami Tehreek, including Shazia Ahmedani, Nusrat Khaskheli, Faiza Mallah, Altaf Khaskheli, Abdul Karim Baloch, and Ghulam Jaffar Kathohar, claimed that the provincial government is allegedly strengthening the oppressive tribal jirga system, thereby protecting criminals instead of upholding the rule of law. They expressed regret over the lack of judicial independence, stating that justice itself is being systematically undermined. It was also noted that approximately 900 to 1,000 women are murdered nationwide every year, with most of these tragic incidents occurring in Sindh, a region where Sindhin Tehreek is actively campaigning against “Karo-Kari,” “Wani,” and the jirga system.
Activists appealed to journalists, highlighting Sindh’s rich cultural heritage, where women traditionally commanded respect and held a high status, often playing crucial roles in resolving blood feuds. However, they expressed deep sorrow that this land, steeped in ancient civilization, has unfortunately become a “slaughterhouse for women.” They mentioned a horrific incident in Pir Wasan where a young girl was allegedly murdered and dismembered, emphasizing daily occurrences of such killings in various cities amidst complete government apathy. Additionally, claims were made about the federal government’s alleged role in making Sindh a hub of corruption.
Speakers vehemently demanded the immediate arrest and harsh punishment of all individuals involved in the murder of women in Tando Masti and other places, claiming this is essential to prevent future calamities. They accused law enforcement agencies, tribal chiefs, landlords, and feudal lords of protecting criminals. Furthermore, they claimed that those who remain silent about the devastating consequences of unreal honor killings are equally culpable. Campaigners also expressed grievances about large-scale plunder at the national level, claiming that state resources, including rivers, land, and job opportunities, have been illegally sold off, staining Sindh’s historical and social fabric, which from the civilization of Mohenjo-Daro to the teachings of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, has revered women as symbols of bravery, sacrifice, and love.
Emphasizing the importance of gender equality, organizers declared that granting women equal rights is indispensable for Sindh to face global challenges. They urged women to actively participate in addressing crucial regional threats such as water scarcity, land disputes, resource exploitation, rampant corruption, and various conspiracies. They completely rejected “Karo-Kari” as an “anti-human and baseless concept,” claiming its complete incompatibility with Islamic principles and Sindhi social values, highlighting Islam’s strict prohibition against the killing of innocent lives. The arrest and harsh punishment of individuals involved in the murder, abduction, and forced religious conversions of women were also strongly demanded.
As the murders of innocent women are severely damaging the international reputation of Sindh and the nation, activists warned. They regretted that while the world is progressing through education and development, Sindh still refuses to grant women the right to choose their spouse, claiming that the ancient tribal, feudal, and jirga systems are obstructing both progress and human dignity. Leaders reiterated the demand for harsh punishment for the actual perpetrators of murders in Tando Masti, Larkana, and other areas. They also insisted that fake tribal leaders who issue “Karo-Kari” verdicts be arrested and prosecuted for conspiracy to murder, along with appealing for the complete implementation of the ban on jirgas and the arrest of those involved in the abduction and forced religious conversion of young girls. Finally, justice was also sought for suicide victims in educational institutions like Fahmida Laghari, by punishing those responsible for their deaths, ensuring that Rubina, Nimrita, and other women are provided with respect, protection, and justice.