SUMMARY REPORT

International Conference and AGM ‘Sindh & Sindhis - Parliamentary Forum and Constitutional Protection'

13th - 14th September 1997
London

An International Conference and AGM ‘Sindh & Sindhis - Parliamentary Forum and Constitutional Protection', was organized by World Sindhi Congress, in London on 13th - 14th September 1997. Various International and national political and Human Rights delegations participated in the conference.

Main Speakers from International delegations included Hon. Stan Newens, MEP., Ms. Maggie Bowden, General Secretary, Liberation, Ms. Claire Galez, Deputy Secretary General, HRIA, Mr. Emanuel De Crits, Organiser/Director, HRIA & GPF, Mr. Afzal K. Tahir, President, Kashmir International Front, Prof. Riyaz Panjabi, Director, Centre for Peace Studies, Jawaharlal University Delhi. Speakers from Sindh included Syed Imdad Mohammed Shah, Former Leader of Opposition, Sindh Assembly, Mir Amanullah Talpur, Nazeer Memon, Haji Sattabo Khan Mirjat, Bakshan Mehrvani.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Munawar Halepota, Chairman World Sindhi Congress and Syed Imdad Shah was the Chief  Guest of the occasion. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Hidayat Bhutto, Cultural Secretary WSC. One Minute Silence was observed in memeory of  Mother Teresa and Princes Diana. Jiji Zarina recited some verses of Shah Latif Bhitai. Draft Manifesto was proposed by Rubina Shaikh, Information Secretary WSC, and all the delegates were invited to comment and discuss the manifesto in their speeches.

Rt. Hon. Robert Parry, Retd. MP and President of Human Rights International Alliance, who was unable to attend the Conference due to eye surgery, sent a message of greetings to all the delegates of the conference. He also remembered his meeting with Mother Teresa last year, and her dedication and concern to all the people of the world, including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus.

Mr. Bakhshan Mehranwi, WSC member central committee from Sindh, presented the report of the activities of WSC Sindh. He informed the delegates about increasing violation of the Human Rights including murders of innocent Sindhis by the security forces. He also mentioned unfair dismissal of many Sindhi government employees from various department including SAZDA. He proposed  WSC Convention/AGM of Sindh body in December 1997, and invited all the delegates to participate.

Mr. Emanuel De Crits, Organiser HRIA & Director GPF, said that on fact finding mission earlier, he was extremely disturbed by the alarming evidence of the ‘Shoot to Kill’ policy. This has now been legalised through the ‘Prevention of Terrorism Act’ by the assembly.

He further said that he was extremely disturbed by the indiscriminate destruction of the cultural heritage of Sindh, including Kahoo-jo-Darro, Brahmanabad, Makli, Thatta, etc. He said that this is a great loss to the humanity, and appealed to the Pakistan authorities and UNESCO to help save this great treasure. He informed the delegates that Global Peace Foundation plans an ‘Archaeological Survey’ of Sindh, alongwith other institutions.

Mr. Nazeer Ahmed Memon, socio-political activist from Sindh, appreciated the efforts of WSC, especially the draft manifesto. Applauding the WSC Draft Manifesto, he appreciated the Socio-economic policy, and criticised the construction of ‘Kala Bagh Dam’ on Indus River by the government. He highlighted that this has resulted in the diversion of the irrigation water of Sindh to Punjab, resulting in the collapse of the agrarian economy. Moreover, the large portion of the cultivable land as been allocated to the settlers, resulting in the increasing unemployment in the rural areas. He supported the proposals for ‘Land Reforms’ and reduction in the land holding. Commenting on the census, he feared that the Sindhis living in the rural areas, specially in Thar and Kacho areas will not be registered, falsely reducing the population ratio of Sindhis.

Hon. Stan Newens, Member of European Parliament, congratulated World Sindhi Congress, for its efforts to promote the rights of Sindhis. He emphasised that the purpose of the Independence movement was the freedom for all people. However, we witness increasing violation of human rights and immense blood loss. He said that the Sindhis, the descendants of ‘Indus Civilisation’ believe in peaceful coexistence and living in harmony with nature. There is also racial discrimination, and the traditional society is being destroyed.

Dr. Safdar Sarki, Vice Chairman of World Sindhi Congress, presented the report of WSC activities in USA. He demanded the effective steps towards forthcoming census in Sindh and he appealed all Sindhi organisations to do not support the census arrangement until government will invite the International agencies to handle the census in Sindh. He also mentioned that according to the International law we will continue our efforts to struggle for the right of self-determination peacefully. The USA report was prepared by Dr. Saghir Shaikh, Deputy Secretary General WSC.

Dr. Haleem Bhatti, Secretary General WSC, emphasised that all Sindhis should unite  on one platform so that they can form a Parliamentary Group for the historic national rights of Sindhis including right of self determination. The Parliamentary Group is necessary to protect the constitutional rights of Sindhis, which were promised to them before creation of Pakistan. He once again demanded a referendum in Sindh under the supervision of the United Nations, allowing forty million Sindhis to decide about their future. Dr. Bhatti also had a fear, that proposed census by present government will be unfair and Sindhis may be declared as minority by not registering rural Sindhi population and manipulation of figures by the establishment.

Ms. Maggie Bowden, General Secretary Liberation, highlighted the historical perspective of  Sindh in time of  British rule, she mentioned when British invaded India, Sindh was independent state. During the Partition the promised was made regarding Sindh, that Sindh will be autonomous and sovereign state. However, the present constitution does not guarantee  the rights as ensured in International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights.  She also emphasised that Liberation has always and will support  Sindhis and their right of self determination  on  International media and Platform.

Mr. Afzal K. Tahir, President, Kashmir International Front, said that the Sindhis & Kashmiris have common problems. Many political activists in Gilgit and Baltistan are in detention for demanding the constitutional rights, but even the Supreme Court of Pakistan does not recognise them. He said that we have a united struggle and Kashmiris fully support the peaceful struggle of Sindhis for their national rights.

Ms. Claire Galez congratulated WSC for its relentless efforts in restoring peace and democracy in Sindh Province of Pakistan. She highlighted the fact that none of the areas under what is now Pakistan opted for the creation of a separate state for the Muslims of the sub-Continent, previous to the transfer of power operated by the British Administration. This resulted, she said, in the profound insecurity in which all traditional societies ( forming Pakistan in its present geo-political boundaries) strive to survive. The lack in confidence in a national identity also allowed the present features of power in modern Pakistan.

The cessation of Bangladesh, rather than simply being a loss to Pakistan, was actually a challenge to the viability of the country as a tolerant Islamic, democratic, sovereign, independent federation. Unfortunately, soon after its creation, Pakistan relied on foreign powers (principally the United States) to consolidated its national integrity. As a result, important issues at home have been neglected and authoritarianism has become a prime tool of  power. Pakistan geo-strategic position on the world map of international politics, feeding the opportunism of Western States, has undermined the smooth progress of democracy for its several communities.

Sindh, she said, with its rich cultural heritage and its traditional secular society, is possibly the province that suffers the most in the present setup in Pakistan. Violence has turned this once harmonious, peaceful society into a land of blood. Violence and hatred only generate more violence and more hatred, she said. She concluded by praising WSC for its firm condemnation of violence and its commitment to the humanitarian, cultural, economic and social improvement of  the Sindhi community for and by the people of Sindh.

Mir Amannuallh Talpur, of PPP Shaheed Bhutto Group, discussed the Distribution of parliamentary structure in the Pakistan Assembly, and emphasised that even if we combine the Baluchistan, Sindh and NWFP seats for balanced decision in Parliament for any legislation for the betterment of the small Provinces, due to majority of  Punjab seats  it can not be possible to talk about equal rights. He further said that WSC is largely recognised by middle class and should make efforts to increase the literacy amongst Sindhi masses to become popular and representative of the masses. He also mentioned that WSC should address the issue of Bonded Labour from Human Rights perspective.

Prof. Riyaz Punjabi, welcomed the initiative  WSC has taken in terms of proposing land reforms and restoration of  land to cultivators and peasants. I feel, he said, that on this issue of ushering the Sindh society on the path of socio-economic revolution, WSC will receive an overwhelming support from peoples all over the world in general, and peoples of South-Asia in particular.

Arguing on the principle  of self determination, Prof. Punjabi  said ‘This right accrued to the peoples of South Asia when it freed itself from yoke of British colonialism’. It was clearly formulated by the Indian National Congress in its resolutions of 1921 in Lahore, and 1931 in Karachi, asserting that the Indian Sub-Continent would be a federation of nationalities after the goal of independence had been achieved. However, this formulation was weakened by the Two-Nation theory. Also, when at the time of partition, it seems that G. M. Syed, the great nationalist leader of Sindh, was given guarantee of autonomy  within the state of Pakistan, Mohd Ali Jinnah simultaneously refused the same to the people of Kashmir. In the turn of historical events Kashmir was granted a special status within the Union of India; and G. M. Syed spent over three decades in prison in Pakistan for demanding the implementation of the deceitful promises that have been made to him.

Syed Imdad Shah, former leader of opposition Sindh Assembly and son of the Sain G. M. Syed, late chairman of  WSC, in his address said that before partition we were all living together like brothers. The imperialist rulers followed the policy of  Divide and Rule resulting in the partition of India. Mahttma Gandhi was martyred by the conspirators. Jinnah was also shifted to Ziarat by the same conspirators because he was the against the theocratic state. Country fell into the hands of imported beaurocracy.

We are being denied equal opportunities, we want equal opportunities. The constitution has taken away our rights that were ensured under 1935 Act and 1947 Independence Act. Sindh Assembly is not legislative Assembly, it is only dignified society. We cannot even formulated our curriculum for education in Sindh.

He further emphasised that MQM are mercenaries and have created urban ruler divide. Sindh has universal message of Peace, Brotherhood and Secularism. We may call Sindh pioneer in secularism. Sindhi Sufi poets have given the message of brotherhood and peace, the universal message. Urdu has been thrust upon us so that we may not spread this message. People across the border on the both sides have started thinking of  the peaceful coexistence, and we hope that fruitful conclusion is reached.

Dr. M. A. Halepota, Chairman WSC, in his speech severely criticised the ‘Prevention of Terrorism Act’, he said that the countries can not be run at gunpoint. He said that Sindhis who have no constitutional protection. The freedom of speech and movement were already undermined by the Emergency Rule, Section 144 and military operation. He said that World Sindhi Congress is dedicated to establishing peace in Sindh, by peaceful democratic means.

Further discussing the immediate need for a Parliamentary Group focusing on constitutional protections, he emphasised that in the absence of the constitutional safeguards, Sindhis feel that their civil, political, cultural and socio-economic rights are being denied. He said that the wrong policies of the government has resulted in a civil war like situation in Sindh, and the government is unable to run the country.

People of Sindh have lost faith in the present political system in Pakistan, as evidence by lack of participation in the last elections. Hence, WSC demands that a census should be undertaken with the involvement of  international agencies. Moreover, a referendum under the supervision of the United Nations, must be held in Sindh, allowing 40 million Sindhis to decide about their future. This will prevent unnecessary loss of life, and restore peace and stability in the region.

He said that the political elite of Sindh have compromised and sacrificed the interest of Sindhis for petty benefit and short term gains. Sindh has always suffered at the hands of the traitors of the motherland. He said that at the death of Saeen G M Syed the authorities were rejoicing that the Sindhi national struggle is finished, he reiterated that ‘No it is not over’. We owe it to the future generations to continue the struggle for the Right to Self determination, so that they can live with dignity and honour.

Mr. Omar Memon, Finance Secretary WSC, presented the Interim Finance Report for the year 1997, highlighting the shortage of funds and appealed to all the members and well wishers to pay membership fees and donations, to facilitate the work of WSC.

Mr. Umed Ali Laghari, Vice Chairman WSC, proposed the following resolutions which were passed unanimously:


RESOLUTIONS
 
1. The conference upholds the inherent and inalienable right to self determination of the people as per the UN Charter and International Convents.  It was resolved that all the historic nations must be ensured the right to self determination by the United Nations and guarantied by the superpowers.
 
2. Sindh has been denied its socio-economic, cultural, historical and political rights, beside much trumpeted status of an independent, autonomous and sovereign state as envisaged in the Pakistan Resolution of 1940. Therefore, this august gathering demands that all discrimination against Sindhis must be brought to an end, and historic national rights of Sindhis including the 'Right to Self Determination', as ensured in UN Declaration of Human Rights, must be restored forthwith.
 
3. Sovereignty of Sindhis be recognised over Sindh morally, politically and constitutionally keeping in view the un-challengable dictates of history and the centuries old cultural continuity between the great Indus Civilisation of Moen-jo-Darro and present day Sindh. Thus all the minority ethnic groups living in Sindh are invited to join the majority struggle for the self determination and enjoy the full rights and benefits collectively.
 
4. Extreme concern was expressed at the widespread violation of Human Rights in Pakistan and in particular Sindh, including Rape Torture and death in Custody of innocent civilians, and detention of Sindhi political activists. The meeting condemned the recent ‘Prevention of Terrorism’ Act proposed by the government, and realised that it further undermines the basic human rights. It is resolved that basic Human Rights as per UN declaration must be guarantied and implemented. The conference further demands that all the political prisoners should be tried in proper court of law or released honourably.
 
5. The conference also condemns the death of Chanesar Palari in custody of the police and also death of Sindhi Medical student Mr. Zahid Narejo in Dow Medical College in the hands of terrorist . Conference demands that culprits should be produced before law.
 
6. The conference condemned the creation of ‘Special Courts’ and resolved that 'Special Courts' violate the international law and independent judiciary, and should be abolished. It further demands that the cases pending since long periods should be expedited or innocent Sindhis incriminated in false and fabricated cases must be released honourably.
 
7. The meeting expressed dissatisfaction at the allocation of the resources to civilian population and specially Sindh. It was observed that Sindh contributes more than 60% of the federal revenues and has been allocated only 5.85% of the total budget. Meeting also expressed concern at the lack of resources for education (0.1%), health (0.5%), environment, science & technology (0.04%), rural development, and women’s development (0.01%) at the expense of increased military expenditure (25%). Meeting observed that Sindhis are being sacrificed at the altar of hegemonies policies of the government, and demanded that the Sindh should be given its full quota from the budget, according to its contribution to the exchequer, i.e. 60%, otherwise the Sindhis have the right to self determination as per the international law.
 
8. The conference condemns the minority rule in Sindh, and the increased terrorist activities by the ruling militant groups, resulting in unnecessary loss of life of innocent civilians, specially in Karachi. This conference expressed displeasure at the failure of the Government to protect the life and the property of ordinary law abiding citizens, and demands that immediate measures must be taken to guarantee the safety and security of Sindhis.
 
9. Extreme concern was expressed at the continued settlement of illegal immigrants in Sindh estimated to be approximately 5 million, including Biharis, Bengalis, Afghans and others, which is causing unbearable burden on the already shattered economy of Sindh, and resulted in breakdown of law & order, terrorism, drug trafficking, smuggling of arms & ammunition.  It is resolved that the 'Repatriation of Biharis' to Sindh must be stopped and all the illegal immigrants returned to their countries of origin.
 
10. All the totalitarian governments have always manipulated the population census by fabricating the results. It was observed that free and impartial census can not be guaranteed during the minority rule and deteriorating law & order situation. This conference resolved that Sindhis will boycott the census until the return of illegal immigrants to the country of their origin, restoration of proper democratic rule and improvement in the law & order situation in Sindh.
 
11. Conference rejects the 'Water Apportionment Agreement' signed by an undemocratic government without proper mandate from people of Sindh, violating previous international agreements.  It is resolved that 'Kala Bagh, Ghazi Barroda & other such projects' must be abolished to prevent devastating effects on the agriculture & rural economy of Sindh. It is further resolved that LBOD project must be expedited to eradicate the increasing salinity and water logging in Sindh.
 
12. The conference expressed extreme concern at the collapse of the overburdened economy of Sindh, due to wrong policies of Sindh and widespread corruption. It was resolved that socio-economic exploitation of Sindh must be stopped and control of all the natural resources of Sindh, including Oil, Gas, Coal, Gold, Uranium and other minerals should be handed over to the Government of Sindh.
 
13. The conference condemned the imposition of the ‘Agriculture Tax’ as it overburdens the already fragile and deprived agrarian rural economy of Sindh. It was resolved that the revenues raised in Sindh from agriculture, taxation, customs duty from airport & seaports, etc., must remain under the control of government of Sindh and the funds should be utilised for the progress & development in Sindh, and the betterment of people of Sindh.
 
14. The conference condemns the forcible accession of the coastal areas of Sindh and transfer to the Federal Coastal Development Authority and denying the fishing rights to native Sindhis and depriving the popular to the means of livelihood. It is resolved that the control of the coastal land and waters should be returned to the Government of Sindh and provide free access of the local population of the fishing area.
 
15. The conference condemned the unfair and illegal dismissal of many Sindhis by the recent government on the pretext of improving the efficiency prior to privatisation of KESC, PIA, National Bank, SAZDA and other departments. It demands that Sindhis must be ensured their due share of jobs in the provincial and federal governments, semi-government & autonomous agencies including civil, military and foreign services.
 
16. The conference expressed extreme concern at the indiscriminate destruction of the cultural heritage of Sindh, and save Moen-jo-Darro, Kahoo jo Darro & other important archaeological sites including Bhambhor, Aamri, Rani kot, Kot Diji, Kalan Kot, Makli, Paqo Qilo, Grave of Hoshoo Shaheed, tomb of Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, etc. All these places must be declared as official historical sites. It was resolved that urgent efforts must be made to protect the cultural heritage of Sindh.
 
17. Conference demands that the land should be reclaimed from the absentee landlords and re-allocated to local Sindhi farmers, and government assistance including technical & financial aid must be provided to increase the agricultural output and relieve economic deprivation and poverty in the rural areas of Sindh.
 
18. Concern was expressed at the deterioration of educational standards in Sindh, and it was resolved that all kind of political interference in the educational institutions must be stopped and immediate steps taken to improve educational atmosphere and quality of education through introduction of computerised methods of examination, encouraging research work granting the scholarships, establishing libraries & providing modern technology.
 
19. Concern was also expressed at the failure of 'Sindhi Language Authority' to fulfil its duties and it was resolved that government should provide immediate resources to promote Sindhi language & culture by providing proper representation in the mass communications media specially television & radio.
 
20. WSC expresses a great concern on the discrimination of women and their deprivation of basic rights all over the Pakistan in general and in Sindh in particular. This conference demands that federal and provincial governments should take special effort to assure women's rights, specially regarding the domestic violence, equal access to jobs, education and commerce, and proper health care.
 
21. The conference unanimously approves the proposed manifesto by World Sindhi Congress and declares it as a ‘National Manifesto’ and calls upon all the Sindhis to join and support the Parliamentary efforts of WSC, in order to defend their historic national rights.
 
Following resolution proposed by the Afzal Tahir, Chairman Kashmir International Front.
 
1. Calls upon the government of Pakistan to put an end to the gross human rights violations in Gilgit-Balthistan and immediately release the political prisoners, including the chairman, Balawaristan National Front , Abdul Hamid Khan.
 
2. Calls upon the govt. of Pakistan to with draw its troops from the territory of Jamu and Kashmir to restore its independence and force India to do the same.


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