Sindhudesh separatist movement in Pakistan: What led to clashes in Karachi

Karachi erupts as Sindhudesh demand sparks violent protests and mass arrests

Massive protests demanding a separate Sindhudesh in Karachi escalated into violence on Sindhi Culture Day, with demonstrators clashing with police, throwing stones, and vandalising property. The rally, led by the Sindhi nationalist outfit Jiye Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSSM), witnessed slogans of “Azadi” (freedom) and “Pakistan Murdabad” as authorities diverted the rally route, aggravating tensions.

At least 45 protesters were detained, and five police personnel were injured in the clashes. Police have been directed to take strict action against those responsible for damaging public property and police vehicles.

The Sindhudesh movement, which originated in 1967 under the leadership of GM Syed and Pir Ali Mohammed Rashdi, calls for a separate homeland for the Sindhi people, citing the province’s distinct ethnic, linguistic, and historical identity linked to the Indus Valley Civilisation.

While the movement has largely shifted towards seeking greater autonomy within Pakistan, the JSSM continues to advocate for full recognition, appealing to the United Nations and even reaching out to India for support, citing cultural and historical connections.

The unrest in Karachi comes amid renewed political discourse around Sindh, with reports claiming that MQM leader Altaf Hussain once told former Sindh home minister Zulfiqar Mirza that the “Sindhudesh card” could be used following the 18th Amendment. In India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently remarked that Sindh, historically linked to India, “may return to India again,” citing civilisational and cultural ties to the Indus River.

His comments drew sharp condemnation from Pakistan, with the Sindh Assembly and national parliament calling them “delusional, inflammatory, and a deliberate distortion of history,” reaffirming that Sindh is an “inseparable and integral part” of Pakistan.

For decades, Sindhi nationalist groups have accused Pakistan’s authorities of political repression and human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and misuse of anti-terror laws against activists.

The protests underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding Sindhi nationalist aspirations, historical grievances, and the sensitive cross-border political dynamics. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, warning that strict measures will be taken against anyone involved in violence or property destruction.

This incident highlights how a cultural celebration, Sindhi Culture Day, can turn into a flashpoint for long-standing political demands and ethnic identity movements in Pakistan, drawing attention both nationally and internationally.