Protests in Pakistan against ‘anti-people’ policies and Sindh’s rights violations
Pakistan has seen a wave of protests in recent days, with citizens rallying against what they call anti-people policies and violations of Sindh’s rights. Demonstrations have primarily targeted corporate farming and the construction of six new canals in Sindh, according to local media reports.
One of the major protests, the Mehnatkash Aurat Rally, saw a large turnout of working-class women, farmers, and members of the transgender community. The rally started at the Youth Auditorium and concluded at the Arts Council of Pakistan, highlighting the widespread dissatisfaction with government policies.
Leading the rally, Zehra Khan, General Secretary of the Home-Based Women Workers Federation, voiced strong opposition to anti-Sindh water projects, land grabbing, and the ongoing food crisis, as reported by The Express Tribune. She warned that Sindh’s civilization faces severe threats due to government policies, climate change, floods, and the destruction of the Indus Delta, which have forced migration, reduced crop yields, and exacerbated food insecurity.
Khan also urged progressive groups in Punjab to challenge their leaders’ canal policies and support Sindh’s rights to prevent further harm to the province. The rally also condemned gender oppression, regressive social norms, and discrimination against women. Protesters called for unity among progressive forces across Pakistan, claiming that the ruling elite is enforcing policies harmful to Sindh.
Farmers participated in large numbers, strongly opposing Punjab-led canal projects that they believe threaten Sindh’s water rights.
Meanwhile, a separate lawyers’ protest, organized by the Karachi Bar Association (KBA) and Hyderabad Bar Council, took place in Karachi against controversial canal projects, corporate farming, the 26th Constitutional Amendment, and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Dawn reported.
Lawyers staged a demonstration near Sharea Faisal, blocking traffic near the FTC flyover and press club routes. They argued that a “One-Unit” system was effectively being imposed in Pakistan, with canal projects nearing completion without approval from the Council of Common Interest (CCI).
With around 500-600 lawyers participating, the protest included strong slogans against the policies before dispersing peacefully. Protesters vowed to continue resisting projects they believe undermine Sindh’s rights and autonomy.
