The recent disappearances of young Sindhi intellectuals, like Ghani Aman Chandio and Sarmad Mirani, highlight a troubling trend where peaceful, educated voices are targeted. This systemic effort challenges the foundations of democracy and human rights in the region.
Silencing Sindh’s Young Intellectuals has become a stark reality, evident in the recent disappearances of prominent figures like Comrade Ghani Aman Chandio and Sarmad Mirani. These incidents underscore a profound concern: why does the state appear to be wary of its peaceful and educated citizens? The answer, many believe, lies in the perceived threat that confident, intellectually driven Sindhis pose to established power structures and the long-standing colonial-style dominance of the security and bureaucratic establishment.
Across Sindh today, young nationalists who advocate for peace, democracy, and human rights are increasingly becoming victims of enforced disappearances. The abduction of Comrade Ghani Aman Chandio directly from a hospital, and the disappearance of Sarmad Mirani from Sachal Goth, Karachi, are not isolated events. These individuals are not extremists; they are students, poets, writers, and social organizers deeply rooted in Sindh’s rich Sufi and literary traditions, drawing inspiration from figures like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. They are known for their knowledge, logic, and courage in exposing various injustices, often making them targets for those in power. SindhNews.com has consistently reported on these cases.
The State’s Perspective: Silencing Sindh’s Young Intellectuals
The sustained effort towards Silencing Sindh’s Young Intellectuals stems from a historical pattern. Since the creation of Pakistan, regions like Sindh, Balochistan, Seraiki Waseb, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have often been treated akin to colonies by a powerful security and bureaucratic establishment. The primary objective, it is argued, has been to control the land, rivers, minerals, ports, and economy of these resource-rich areas, while simultaneously weakening and dividing local populations. When Sindhis peacefully advocate for their fundamental rights, they frequently face severe repercussions.
The experience of Moro town offers a clear illustration. The youth of Moro, renowned for their education, cultural pride, and devotion to Shah Latif, bravely defended Sindh’s resources. Their non-violent demands for justice led to a forceful reaction from the security establishment, including raids, arrests, and alleged torture. This sends a clear message: curb the production of educated Sindhi minds capable of articulating their rights. Adding to this anguish is the perceived double standard. Groups linked to sectarian hatred or violence in cities like Karachi often appear to operate with relative freedom, finding space in politics and media platforms. In stark contrast, peaceful Sindhi nationalists face abduction from their homes, streets, and even hospitals without due process. This disparity suggests a greater apprehension of organized political thought than of violence itself.
At a time when Pakistan grapples with significant geopolitical pressures and real threats on its international borders, the ongoing strategy of Silencing Sindh’s Young Intellectuals internally appears counterproductive. Instead of fostering national unity, the establishment’s actions risk alienating segments of its population. Relying on external powers to resolve internal strife is a perilous path. A nation cannot effectively defend itself against external challenges if its own citizens feel angry, hurt, and oppressed. No state can thrive by engaging in conflict with its own people.
Despite these challenging circumstances, the people of Sindh have demonstrated remarkable resilience over the past 78 years, and their resolve remains unbroken. While an individual can be forcibly disappeared, the truth cannot be suppressed indefinitely. Similarly, efforts to silence one voice only lead to the emergence of many more. Sindh unequivocally stands with Ghani Aman Chandio, Sarmad Mirani, and all its missing sons and daughters. The peaceful struggle for justice, dignity, and equality will continue among the nations of Sindh, Balochistan, Seraiki Waseb, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. True peace can only be achieved once enforced disappearances cease and all political prisoners are released.Summary:
Reports of enforced disappearances targeting young, educated Sindhi intellectuals like Ghani Aman Chandio and Sarmad Mirani have raised alarm. Critics argue these actions stem from a perceived threat posed by confident, articulate voices challenging existing power structures