Despite a sweeping state crackdown—including cases reportedly filed by the Sindh government against more than 500 organisers and participants—thousands of women, youth, peasants, workers, and civil society members took to the streets on Sunday (16 November) for the “Save Sindh’s Existence and Resources March.” The demonstration, led by Sindhyani Tehreek and Awami Tehreek, mounted a direct challenge to the imposition of Section 144, which participants denounced as “martial law in civilian form.”
The march, which began at City Gate and culminated in a large public gathering outside the Hyderabad Press Club, drew support from writers, bar associations, and prominent civil society leaders. Protestors voiced strong opposition to the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), and what they described as the rapid expansion of corporate farming on Sindh’s lands.
Protestors Decry “Constitutional Dictatorship”
Speakers at the march framed the 27th Constitutional Amendment as a direct threat to democracy, claiming it exceeds even previous “hybrid” governance systems in concentrating power. Participants accused the Sindh government—led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)—of enforcing what they described as “the worst fascist rule” in the province.
According to protest leaders, the amendment grants sweeping immunity to top state officials, including military leadership, insulating them from accountability and creating “monarchy-like” powers within the constitutional framework. They argued that the changes effectively suspend the principle that all citizens are equal before the law.
Protestors further alleged that the twin amendments have undermined the judiciary, curtailed fundamental rights, and opened the door for unchecked exploitation of Sindh’s mineral and natural resources.
Speakers Condemn Amendments, Attacks on Lawyers
“The 27th Amendment grants lifetime immunity to the President and Field Marshal, placing them above the law, the Constitution, and 250 million people. This is not democracy — it is monarchy enforced through the Constitution.”Advocate Vasand Thari, Central President of Awami Tehreek, issued a scathing critique
Thari added that the amendments erode judicial independence, suspend fundamental rights, and pave the way for intensified resource extraction without public oversight. He also condemned an attack on a lawyers’ convention in Sukkur, framing it as part of a broader pattern of silencing dissent.
SIFC Branded an “Unconstitutional Body” Facilitating Land Grabs
Protestors sharply condemned the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), calling it an “unconstitutional entity” that undermines the 18th Amendment and centralizes authority over land and resources. March organisers accused the Council of enabling the transfer of millions of acres of agricultural land to corporations and military-backed investors under the pretext of “national development.”
Corporate farming, speakers argued, is part of a “systematic conspiracy” to dispossess peasant communities across Sindh.
Umra Samoon, Central President of Sindhyani Tehreek, stated:
“The SIFC was formed to sell Pakistan’s and Sindh’s lands and resources. Corporate farming is a systematic conspiracy to dispossess oppressed nations. People from all walks of life must join the peaceful struggle to defend Sindh.”
Samoon described the current political climate as “fascist rule,” alleging an erosion of democratic rights and provincial autonomy.
Defense of the Indus River and Rejection of Dam Projects
The march reaffirmed the Indus River as the “civilizational lifeline” of Sindh. Participants rejected federal dam and canal projects—including the Kalabagh Dam, Bhasha Dam, and six strategic canal schemes—warning that such initiatives threaten Sindh’s ecological stability and water security.
Protestors argued that these projects aim to seize Sindh’s water resources and further weaken the province’s economic foundations.
Highlighting Violence Against Women and Feudal Practices
A major theme of the march was the condemnation of entrenched patriarchal practices. Sindhyani Tehreek leaders drew attention to ongoing violence against women, including karo-kari, forced marriages, and early-age marriages, which they said continue under the patronage of tribal chieftains, feudal authorities, and complicit officials.
Participants insisted that such customs represent a major barrier to equality, peace, and social development in Sindh, calling for comprehensive legal reforms and strict action against perpetrators.
Umra Samoon reiterated:
“Rural women are being slaughtered while the state strengthens feudal power. These customs must be abolished, and women must be guaranteed full legal and social equality.”
Condemnation of “Repressive and Colonial” Laws
Marchers also demanded the abolition of several laws they described as repressive:
- The PECA Act, labelled a “gag law” restricting freedom of expression
- The Anti-Terrorism Amendment Act, which allows six-month detention without an FIR
- The Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill 2025, criticized for undermining provincial autonomy
Speakers argued that these laws entrench centralized control and limit civil liberties across Sindh and the wider federation.
Resolutions Passed by the March
The gathering unanimously adopted a set of broad political and economic demands, including:
- Restoration of democracy on the basis of the Pakistan Resolution of 1940
- Repeal of the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments
- Dissolution of the SIFC and repeal of the Board of Investment (Amendment Act 2023)
- Cancellation of all corporate farming projects and return of land to peasants and small farmers
- Rejection of any plan to divide Sindh into new administrative units
- Halt to all dam and canal construction on the Indus River
- Abolition of all laws restricting civil liberties
- Withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals Bill 2025
- Elimination of anti-women customs and feudal practices
- Guarantees of legal, economic, and constitutional protections for women