Karachi Erupts in Violence as Sindhudesh Demand Revives: Separatist Protests Challenge Pakistan

Karachi witnessed a sharp surge in unrest after rallies demanding a separate Sindhudesh turned violent on Sindhi Culture Day. What began as a cultural celebration quickly spiralled into clashes, stone pelting, and police action, highlighting the growing influence of Sindhi nationalist sentiments in Pakistan.

Led by the Jiye Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSSM), thousands of protesters marched through Karachi raising slogans of “Azadi” and “Pakistan Murdabad,” calling for Sindh’s liberation. Sindhudesh, the ancient name for the modern Sindh region, has long been at the heart of separatist demands rooted in ethnic and historical identity.

Rally Turns Violent After Route Diversion

Tensions escalated when authorities diverted the rally’s planned route, triggering anger among participants. As sections of the crowd began pelting stones and damaging property, police responded with tear gas to break up the protest.
Local reports confirm 45 arrests and at least five injured police personnel. The provincial government has directed a crackdown on those involved in vandalism.

Appeal to UN and India

The Sindhi nationalist outfit JSSM has previously accused Pakistan’s security forces of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and abuse of anti-terror laws.
Earlier this year, the group appealed to the United Nations to recognise Sindhudesh as an independent nation. It also sought support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing historic cultural ties between Sindh and India.

Why Sindhudesh Is Back in Focus

The separatist demand resurfaced after a Pakistani TV discussion where commentators claimed MQM founder Altaf Hussain had once warned Sindh’s leadership that the “Sindhudesh card” could be used after the 18th Constitutional Amendment.

In India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently remarked that Sindh is "civilisationally part of India" and expressed confidence that the region could return to India “someday,” adding fuel to the broader debate.

A Movement Rooted in History

The Sindhudesh movement dates back to 1967, led by GM Syed, gaining traction after the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. Sindhi groups argue that their cultural and historical identity, linked with the ancient Indus Valley civilisation, has not been respected under Pakistani federal structure.

However, most groups do not demand a merger with India; instead, they seek autonomy within Pakistan or a separate independent Sindhudesh.

As Karachi continues to simmer, the unrest signals deeper discontent within Sindh — a province long at odds with Pakistan’s central governance and security apparatus.