Rain brings smiles to Thar Desert people after three years of successive drought.
By: Gulab Rai,Islamkot, Thar, Sindh
From the first week of July 09 heavy rains have been falling on the whole of Thar Desert in Sindh province of Pakistan. Soon after the rainfall people have started ploughing their land and sowing seeds of traditional crops of bajra (millet) and guwar (cluster beans) in all the four talukas of Thar.
PML N President Shahbaz Sharif, CM Punjab, had invited writers, journalists and intellectuals from Sindh to hold dialogue on issues.
One of the leading Sindhi writer and young intellectual Barrister Zamir Ghumro while thanking Mr. Sharif had declined to attend the meeting. Mr. Ghumro, a young lawyer, who resigned from his commissioned passed bureaucratic job to seek career in law, belongs to a working class family from Khairpur, now practicing and law and working in Karachi, had written an article in daily Kawish (Monday January 12, 2009) articulating reasons for not attending that meeting, he had outlined some conditions that he believes PML N needs to fulfill if it wants any meaningful dialogue with Sindhis.
Barrister Ghumro had also suggested 8-point Constitutional Amendments in order to make current federation as true representatives of four provinces. He is very assertive in his views, Could he be assertive presenting same suggestions to PPP led government also, who too complain of distorted and unfair federation, but have so far failed to take any initiative to address the question of provincial autonomy, NFC and Balochistan issues, lip service is available in plenty. Mr. barrister Ghumro had expressed distaste and rejected MPL N ‘conservative social agenda’ which seems to impose on Pakistan.
Here are some excerpts from his article, while the attached document is in Sindhi, his complete article, those of you who can read it. “Punjab has benefited from federation of Pakistan in last 60 years, today Punjab has over 80% representation in the federal government. It controls economy and natural resources of the country. Democratic governments in Pakistan do not survive in country because ‘the forces’ who dominate governance of the country do not want to give up their domination. Thus Punjab, before initiating dialogue with Sindh, needs to in account this and decide what it has to offer now the provinces, If PML N is ready for these changes, then it should implement such objectives via parliamentary legislation, this act will create trust among political forces in other provinces including Sindh. Sindh will be willing to share power with PML N on the basis of principles not merely power.”
“Present attempts of PML-N are seen as attempts to undermine ‘democrat mandate of Sindh and Sindhi people, Sindh wants its ‘Right to Self-Governance’ be respected, if any political force of Punjab, in collaboration with ‘Establishment’ conspire to deprive Sindh and subvert political process, Sindhi writers will not be part of these efforts.
At present Sindh has two critical questions: First, National Rights on basis of Justice, Secondly, Better governance in province. The first question is concerned with federal government while second is Sindh’s internal problem, where of course people are not happy with PPP led government in province, there are differences in province among Sindhis on this but it should not used as reason to dismiss current democratic dispensation, it amounts depriving Sindhis of their democratic mandate.
Punjab must understand that “Sindhis consider respect to their democratic mandate which is self-governance above and over everything else, whatever comes to them bypass this right is lollypop for them. Because there cannot be ‘National Rights’ without ‘Right to Self Governance”.
Before holding dialogue with Sindh, PML N must not forget historically where are we standing: (the struggle for independent homelands by) Muslim majority provinces in British India showed that they refused to live under Hindu-domination, that was fundamental reason of separation/partition, we understand Bengal went separate from Pakistan because Punjab refused to accept Bengal’s dominance, in this background, then is it essential for Sindh to accept Punjab’s majoritarian dominance. In order to accept this majoritarian rule there has to be constitution, democracy and national rights, guaranteed in the constitution. Strengthening such a constitution would make federation strong.
For making such a compatible constitution in new century, make following amendments in constitution, and for this before PML N brings in 17th amendment, it should bring provincial autonomy bill first, only then we would believe that “it (PML N) is not bringing Punjab’s majoritarian rule”, provincial autonomy bill will establish trust among that provinces that PML N believes in federation based on principles.
PML N needs to bring at least following 8 amendments in constitution; only then one can trust their intentions:
1. PML N should work with PPP to abolish ‘concurrent list from constitution
2. Regarding Fiscal matters, General Sales Tax (GST) should be handed over to provinces, NFC should base on multiple criterion (instead of sole population base)
3. PML N should do away 1991 Water Accord and should work out a new agreement on the basis of 1945 water agreement between Sindh and Punjab.
4. All federal appointments, Supreme Court Judges to ambassadors should be done with Senate approval so that Punjab’s majoritarian dominance remained checked.
5. Natural resources including gal and oil should be given back to provinces, ensuring such transfer amendments should be introduced in the constitution
6. A Superior Federal Commission needs to be established which guarantee equal representation and share in jobs to all provinces
7. In case martial law is imposed Provinces should have “Right to Self-Determination’, which is given to nations by UN charter also
8. In order to strengthen Senate of Pakistan, on lines of American Senate, Senate should be strengthened
Pakistan’s experience shows that there is in-sufficient legislation to thwart and stop military take-overs and imposition of martial, in this regard PPP and PML N need to work together, federation should be volunteer not forceful.
Till this happens, we believe PML-N attempt to do away 17th amendment is guided by power consideration, not democratic principles, they have always attempted to impose Punjab’s conservative social order as they did in the past in 1990-91 Nawaz League introduced Shariyat Act, Qisas and Diyat and during his last government, Mian Nawaz Sharif even tried tobecome Amirul Moomneen.
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Courtesy: Sindhi Daily Kawish.
London,: World Sindhi Congress ( WSC ) is organising their 20th International Conference titled ‘Sovereignty of Sindh for World Peace ’on Saturday, 3rd October 2009, in London, UK. The conference will be held at Kingsley Hall, Powis Road , London E3 3HJ UK.
In light of the growing radicalization and overt violation of human rights by both the Pakistani military and Taliban, the 21st International Conference on Sindh will explore how a sovereign, democratic and secular Sindh could counteract the spread of Talibanization and military dictatorship in Pakistan and surrounding region. The conference aims to address the following issues:
Continue reading 21st International Sindhi Conference on Sindh, 3rd October 2009, London , UK
Translation of the song:
“Reborn again and again, I shall return. We shall meet on the banks of Sindhu..”
by: Dial and Lachmi Gidwani, USA
Please allow me to briefly accompany you back to the most memorable events over the weekend of July 04, 2009. For me, personally, it was a heart felt pleasure and a great honor to be a guest at the SANA retreat. I have rarely felt myself so welcome. It is sometimes harder than one can imagine, to simply finding the right words in a state of emotional ecstasy. For the first time, my wife and I met Sindhis from Sindh, we could listen and converse in our mother tongue Sindhi and relive our roots – and indeed my very self – after 61 years. I feel that I am backing home after 61 years.
I was rightly asked by some Sindhis present the best question: “Why did you leave us? We are lonely without you.” My honest response: Circumstances changed and conditions prevailed that forced us to leave and no one could stop the exodus. With silent tears we departed peacefully from our motherland in the firm belief that we would return.
by: Khalid Hashmani, Mclean, Virginia, USA
Naseer Memon has written a timely article on the critical need for starting a unified struggle by all Sindhi political parties for the Sindhi Rights. The current situation is quite alarming as neither the Poples’ Party of Pakistan (PPP) nor the Sindhi Nationalist parties are truly and effectively representing Sindhi interests. This need is also being felt by overseas Sindhis. Last week, one of the largest organization of overseas Sindhis, Sindhi Association of North America (SANA) passed a resolution appealing to both PPP and Sindhi nationalist parties to join hands and secure Sindhi rights and protect Sindhi interests. The article says that the following issues are causing a great deal of disappointment and feeling of helplessness among Sindhis:
1. Sindhis in general feel that nothing has changed in the last one and half year. It seems like their treatment by the provincial and central governments is the same as in the days of dictator Musharraf’s regime.
Continue reading Launch a Sindhi Rights movement or Alliance of Action
Sindhi was Official Language in last century but now …?
On 29th August 1857, Sindhi language was declared as National & official Language by the then British Government
Let us reclaim the right of Sindhi language as the National & official language & pledge to make the government obligatory to promulgate Sindhi Language compulsory in dealing state affairs.
A Historic Document Declaring Sindhi as the Official Language of Sindh (29 August 1857)
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Scanned copy of notification by British Government that Sindhi will be the state language in Sindh. It reads:’If some body thinks necessary to write any petition to the government in Persian than Sindhi Translation of the same content will be necessary along with original petition in persian. The notification was issued on August 2957 by the then Commissioner of Sindh Sir Boll Frere in Thatta.’ ,29th August, 18 57.
In continuation with our sole aim and focus on promoting our beloved mother tongue, we are proposing to upload Sindhi telefilms, comedy Sindhi tele episodes and Sindh music videos produced by Sindhisangat on internet. As a test run, we have uploaded our first telefilm, titled Zahar Pyar Jo. Click on http://videos.sindhisangat.tv/ This has been released on DVD and telecast on Sindhi Surhaan, our weekly TV programme on DD Gujarati and DD India.
By: Khalid Hashmani, USA
St. Louis – July 6, 2009 – The 25th convention of Sindhi Association of North America (SANA) was successfully ended in St. Louis , Missouri today. It was a historic event with more than 500 registered attendees. The programs included Adabi (Literary) session, SANA Vision Brainstorming session, several medical seminars, women programs, speaker’s forums, and General Body meeting of SANA members. One of the most important aspect of the convention was extra-ordinary musical, fashion, and plays organized and acted by Sindhi youth depicting conflicts and convergence of the cultures of their new country and their parents’ Sindhi heritage. Indeed it was like witnessing passing of baton from the grey hair generation to the young adult generation of North American Sindhis.
By Munawar Laghari, Washington, DC, USA
…As I suggested at the SANA ‘Vision’ Session, in St. Louis, USA, I will be happy to assist in many areas. I will do what ever I can do for the ‘Sindh Cause’ from any platform. I have a firm belief that there are all means and tools available to work for the future generation of Sindhis, provided we lay a solid ground of cooperation and create a conducive environment for them. For a long time, we are passing through very difficult times. Presently, when the most alarming challenge is the false impression that “Sindhis are now ruling Sindh”. We need to create a new momentum for Sindh. I understand and cannot underemphasize the fact that any major change will have to come from within Sindh itself. However, we the Diaspora can contribute very effectively to gear up the efforts of our sisters and brothers in Sindh, by offering our best from outside of Sindh all over the world. In June 2009, I attended the United Nations Human Rights Council Conference, held in Geneva, Switzerland. This was a great opportunity for me to meet our very dear and respectable friend and representative of World Sindhi Congress, Madam Suriya Makhdoom. Through our extremely useful exchange of ideas, we came to a clear understanding of some strategies for future plans and projects. Hence, I am willing to coordinate with all other Sindhi Forums and organizations, in order to build a better concerted and result oriented initiatives of all Sindhi overseas Organizations in whichever capacity I may be able to contribute in.
Dear friends, the challenge we all are confronted with is exponential. We need to be ready to face it by getting serious, sincere, honest and positive.
Early Years of SANA – A Tale of Achievements and some Disappointments
This article was written on the occasion of 25th anniversary of Sindhi Association of North America (SANA)
By: Khalid Hashmani, USA
About the author: Khalid Hashmani is a Washington DC-based veteran human rights activist. He is the founding President of Sindhi Association of North America (SANA) and Chief coordinator of Sindhi Excellence Team (SET) that participates in advocacy activities on behalf of rural Sindhis.
Desperation and Urge to Organize
It was early 1984, when the clouds of cruelty and discrimination in the form of General Zia’s regime overpowered Sindh and its people. The news of killing of scores innocent villagers demanding restoration of democracy and political rights had become unbearable for few Sindhis, who then lived in the vast continent of North America. Often they shared their pain and sorrows and mourned the inability of Sindhis back home to secure their rights.
Celebrating 25 Years of SANA: Extraordinary Success Story of Overseas Sindhis
by: Aziz Narejo, TX, USA
The members of the Sindhi Association of North America (SANA), feel extremely proud today as they gather in St. Louis, MO to participate in the Silver Jubilee Convention marking an important milestone in the distinguished history of the organization. It is an occasion to celebrate 25 years of the organization’s continued service to the community and also an opportune moment to take stock of things, learn from experience and continue march into the future.
Continue reading Extraordinary Success Story of Overseas Sindhis
A person said proudly to his friend ,’ My wife is an angel.’
His friend replied ,’You are lucky . Mine is still alive .’
Religion of the Sindhis (as recorded a century ago..)
– Gul Agha’s Notes
From Hastings (ed.), Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (vol. 11, ca 1912). The section is written by a Prof. W. Crooke and is annotated by a number of citations and quotes. So what does an external, turn of the century, observer have to say: The province is distinguished from the other parts of India by the great predominance of Muhammadans, who, at the time of the census of 1911 amounted to 75.14%.. Hindus being 23.83% and the balance made up of animists, Christians, Parsis, Jews, and the so-called Hindu-Mohammadans, who follow both creeds.”
World Sindhi Congress Raises the IDPs and Killing of Sindhi Activists at the 11TH Session of the Human Rights Council
London: Press release- World Sindhi Congress, a leading Sindhi organisation working for the cause of human rights Of Sindh and Sindhis, has raised the issue of IDPs and killings of Sindh political workers at 11th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva , scheduled from 2-18 June 2009.
Continue reading WSC Raises the issue of Killing of Sindhi Activists at the UN Human Rights Council
By Manzoor Chandio, Sindh
Why should we take sides and condemn atrocities wherever they are being committed, with a conviction that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”?
Decades ago, during civil rights movement, Dr Martin Luther King took this stand against racial discrimination in the United States. It would be no exaggeration to say that the same is also the collective wisdom of people of Sindh in southern Pakistan.
Sindh – The new epicenter of global instability
By Dilshad Bhutto (Senior)
Sindh has always been a fertile and rich country. For thousands of years, it had maintained trade links with other countries, some of them in far-flung regions of the world. Historians have found evidence that ships carrying merchandise from Sindh regularly called at the ports of Egypt, Java, China and Sri Lanka. From these countries, goods such as gold and silver ornaments and precious stones found their way to the royal Sindhi courts and temples. Sindh’s government treasuries had always been replete with gems and all types of treasure. In spite of their affluence, Sindhis always avoided to maintain large armies and to conquer the neighboring lands. On the contrary, invaders from outside gravitated to the riches of Sindh attacked the country a number of times and acquired so much wealth by loot and plunder that they dreamed of using that wealth to conquer other countries and extend their sway over the world. This is why all the intruders that have ruled India at times attempted to extend their jurisdiction over Sindh too.
The book titled, Delhi Darshan, written by Zulfiqar Halepoto, has been published. This book is a travelogue of India. The book is published by Pakistan’s leading publishing center, FICTION HOUSE. Forward of the book is written by, renowned historian and intellectual, Ahmed Saleem. This is more about political discourse and it discussed Sindh’s decade’s old role in promoting peace, tolerance and secular values to make this region a diverse and peaceful region. It discussed the pains of partition of sub-continent, soreness of migration, crisis of ethnic identity and language, introduction of politics of violence and racism in Sindh, influx towards Sindh and disturbances in Sindh’s socio-economic and cultural landscapes,
Continue reading A Sindhi travelogue of India – Delhi Darshan
National Consultative Conference of Sindhi People – Hosted by Awami Tahreek, in Hyderabad
Joint Declaration
We the political activists, intellectuals, writers, women activists, civil society members, farmers, teachers, media, representatives of the different professional organizations and the people of Sindh unanimously declare that Sindh has been thrown at the mercy of urban terrorists, cruel feudal and myopic establishment of Pakistan. Cities of Sindh are being treated as conquered territory, rural areas have been converted into feudal fiefdoms and natural resources of Sindh are being exploited as colonial subject. Sindhis have been deprived of their right to rule and reduced into no entity while taking decision on matters pertaining to the province. Though state institutions do exist but they serve the interests of establishment, feudal, terrorists, anti Sindh forces and the Punjab dominated federation of Pakistan.
A Seminar on ‘People of Sindh’ in Manchester, UK
London World Sindhi Congress is arranging a seminar hosting eminent writer, journalist, historian and scholar Ms Alice Albania, on Saturday 20th June 2009 from 13.00 – 16.00 pm at Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, City Centre, Manchester, M2 5NS, UK.
Protest against Killing of Political Workers
Courtesy: The News, Karachi
HYDERABAD : The Joint Action Committee for Peoples Rights staged a demonstration against the killing of political activists in Karachi and Jamshoro. Representatives of civil society organisations, besides political and nationalist parties, joined the protest outside the Hyderabad Press Club.
11 June 2009, Press Release- London:
World Sindhi Congress strongly condemns the killing of three workers of Sindh Tarqi Pasand Party in police firing and injuring scores. Just three days ago Akhtar Hussain Shah of Sindh United Party was killed by police and dozens more were injured… WSC offers its sincere condolences to the family and friends of those murdered in police firing. WSC reiterated that issue of murder of Sindhi political activists is being raised at the current UN Human Rights Commission session in Geneva .
By Khalid Hashmani, USA
The first steps that Quebecers took to preserve their language and culture. Before the famous Signs language law was proposed by Parti Québécois and enacted by the Quebec National Assembly in 1977, Quebecers urged/pressured business and non-governmental organizations to increase the use of French in their signs and organizational literature.
After achieving a measurable success with their own organizations, Quebecers eventually succeeded in electing a government that gave legal protection to their language. In spite of great pressures of over whelming domination of English-speaking North Americans (Quebecers are only 6.3 millions in a population of about 350 millions) , they have succeeded in preserving their language and culture.
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