World Sindhi Congress Holds 37th International Conference in London: “Save River Indus – Save Indus Valley Civilisation”
London (PR) World Sindhi Congress (WSC) held its 37th International Conference on Sindh at the University of Westminster, London, under the theme “Save River Indus – Save Indus Valley Civilisation.”
The gathering brought together scholars, journalists, human rights defenders, and Sindhi diaspora leaders from across the world to deliberate on the political, social, and environmental challenges confronting Sindh, the land of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation.
Call to Protect Sindh’s Heritage, Environment, and Political Rights
Opening the conference, Dr. Lakhu Luhana, Chairperson of WSC, warned that Sindh faces an existential crisis due to state exploitation, corporate land grabs, and the systematic denial of political and cultural rights.
“This conference is not just an academic event, it is a call to conscience,” said Dr. Luhana. “Sindh’s water is being stolen, its land is being seized, and its people are being silenced. Yet our determination for justice, peace, and self-determination remains strong.”
Speakers stressed that Sindh’s ecological destruction, economic marginalisation, and denial of democratic voice cannot be separated from the broader structural dominance of Pakistan’s Punjab-based military establishment.
Regional Destabilisation
Delegates strongly condemned what they described as the Establishment’s hegemony and its war-mongering policies in the region.
They noted that the same structure responsible for the political subjugation of Sindh is also destabilising South Asia through regional conflicts and internal suppression.
Participants urged the international community to hold Pakistan’s establishment accountable for its role in perpetuating environmental damage, economic inequality, and regional instability.
Reaffirming Sindh’s National Right to Self-Determination
A key outcome of the conference was a renewed call for Sindh’s national self-determination in line with the United Nations Charter and international human rights law.
Speakers argued that genuine peace and progress in South Asia depend on recognising Sindh’s right to govern its own resources, institutions, and destiny without domination by the establishment.
“The right to self-determination is not secessionism, it is self-respect,” one speaker said. “Only through equality and autonomy can Sindh reclaim its future.”
Rejection of Attempts to Divide Sindh
The conference categorically rejected any internal or external conspiracies aimed at dividing Sindh along ethnic, administrative, or political lines.
Delegates asserted that Sindh’s unity from Karachi to Kashmor is both historical and indivisible, and any such move would be seen as a violation of Sindh’s territorial integrity and democratic will.
Youth Voices Highlight Human Rights Violations
In the Young Sindhi Voices session, Dr. Shugafta Kandhro, Gayatri Dhanwani, and Zarka Banglani addressed forced religious conversions, women’s rights, and cultural revival.
Representing the Voice of Missing Persons of Sindh, Sarang Sindhi stated: “Over 3,500 Sindhis have gone missing since 2000 — abducted, tortured or killed by the state. We appeal to South Asian and international human rights organisations to help bring justice for the disappeared.”
Regional Solidarity and Shared Struggles
Baloch and Uyghur activists, including Jasim Baloch, Dr. Naseer Dashti, and Ms. Zumretay Arkin of the World Uyghur Congress, expressed solidarity with the Sindhi people. “Our struggles are interconnected,” said Ms. Arkin. “From Sindh to Xinjiang, the voice of resistance must be united.”
Cultural and Literary Highlights
The conference also celebrated Sindh’s creative and intellectual resilience. Key moments included:
• Launch of The Sun of Sindh: GM Syed’s Life and Writings, edited by Dr. Zafar Junejo.
• A poetry session featuring Irshad Chandio and Sammi Baloch.
• A proposal by Imdad Odho, Director of Radio Voice of Sindh, for a Sindhi diaspora television channel.
• A recorded message from UK MP Bob Blackman, reaffirming solidarity with Sindhi rights.
Adoption of Resolutions and International Appeal
The conference adopted a set of strong resolutions presented by Mr. Umed Leghari, calling upon the United Nations, European Union, and international human rights institutions to:
• Hold Pakistan accountable for enforced disappearances and religious persecution.
• End corporate farming and military land seizures in Sindh.
• Protect Sindh’s natural and cultural heritage, including the Karoonjhar Hills and Indus Delta.
• Recognise Sindh’s right to national self-determination under international law.
• Condemn any attempt to divide Sindh’s territorial or cultural unity.
A Celebration of Sindh’s Enduring Spirit
The event concluded with a musical performance by Pooja Vazirani (India) and Kamran Lashari (Sindh), symbolising Sindh’s message of peace, harmony, and resistance.
A press release issued Dr Saghir A Shaikh adds that Delegates described the concert as a “reminder that Sindh’s soul, nourished by the River Indus, continues to sing even under oppression.”
