The Annual General Meeting of World Sindhi Congress and a seminar on Kalabagh Dam were held on the 12 July 1998 in Bradford. The meeting concluded the procedures of change in WSC leadership. It unanimously approved the Executive Committee's emergency decision of 28 May 1998 and agreed that the present office bearers should handle the day to day and policy work of the organisation until the next WSC elections in 1999.

Miss Rubina Shaikh, Information Secretary WSC, conducted the meeting. Major decisions regarding constitutional amendments and financial arrangements were taken. WSC decided to re-organise itself to be an even more effective organisation. WSC will extend its efforts to reach out to all Sindhis residing in different parts of world and create a working relationship with various local and global NGOs and organisations working for the cause for Sindhi Unity and Human Rights Issues in Sindh and Pakistan.

Dr. Haleem Bhatti, Secretary General, presented his report. He condemned arms race in South Asia, the imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan, the murder of Shaheed Qayoom Mangi and the announcement of the construction of the Kalabagh Dam by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Dr. Bhatti emphasised on the urgent need to restore all historical rights of Sindhis including the Right to self-determination.

Mr. Umed Ali Laghari, Acting Chairperson, said that the post he has been entrusted with bears immense responsibilities and should be carried out steadily. He encouraged WSC to look at issues that affect the Sindhi people as a nation as well as individuals with the most possible accuracy serving their interests at the best of our ability". He expressed his gratitude to the participants of the meeting. He showed his satisfaction over the large attendance of Sindhis in this meeting.

Mr. Omar Memon, Finance Secretary, concluded this session with a brief talk reviewing the financial situation of the organisation.

The AGM was followed by a seminar that focused (i) The Kalabagh Dam construction project, ii) the nuclear arms race in South Asia.

The second session consisted of a policy review of the Kalabagh Dam. The speakers were Mr Asghar Noonari (Deputy General Secretary Tahrik-e-Insaf party Sindh), Ms. Suraiya Makhdoom (Sindhi scholar), Dr Sarfaraz Khan (Pakhtoon Scholar) and Dr Haider Talpur (founder member of the WSC). Mr Umed Ali Laghari (Acting Chairperson WSC) concluded the Kalabagh Dam session by announcing the formation of the 'Kalabagh Dam Research Cell'.

The third session discussed the nuclear arms race in South Asia. This panel consisted of Ms. Claire Galez (Director of Centre for South Asian Studies - Geneva), Mr Afzal Tahir (President of Kashmir International Front) and Mr Kultar S. Dugal. The third session strongly condemned the recent nuclear tests. World Sindhi congress believes that this arms race heightens the potential for conflict and is detrimental to the interests of the local populations.

The meeting and seminar concluded with the following resolutions on the platform of World Sindhi Congress:

• The meeting condemned the unilateral decision by the Pakistan Government to allocate funds for the construction of Kalabagh Dam, inspite of strong opposition from Sindhis, Pushtoons and Baluchs. The construction of the Kalabagh Dam violates the international Indus Basin Treaty and will result in increasing salinity and water logging, severely affecting the agrarian economy of Sindh.
• The meeting condemned the manipulation and fabrication of the census results by the Pakistan government. It was observed that the census was under military supervision and excluded people from rural areas in Sindh Therefore, the meeting rejects the census results and demands a new census under the supervision of the judiciary and international organisations.
• The meeting condemned the murder of Sindhi nationalist Mr. Qayoum Mangi, Vice Chairperson of Jeay Sindh Qumi Mahaz by state-sponsored terrorists. This gathering demands that the culprits be arrested and put on trial.
• The meeting expressed grave concerns over the allocation of excessive funds for the military expenditure. It was observed that according to official budget figures, Sindh contributes more than 65% of federal revenues and has been allocated only 7% of the total budget.
• The meeting strongly condemned the recent nuclear test conducted by the Pakistan government.
• The meeting expressed its serious concern over the rise of religious fundamentalism and intolerance towards minorities. It demands the immediate abolition of the so-called ‘Blasphemy Law’.

Return to WSC-Press Release/Update Page

Return to WSC-Activities

Return to Conf Listings