Alarm for the Survival of Sindhi Society: SANA’s Historic Conference on Religious Extremism
Alarm for the Survival of Sindhi Society: SANA’s Historic Conference on Religious Extremism
Abdul Ghafoor Sarohi
Sindh, which has been identified for thousands of years with tolerance, love, and humanity, is today facing the malignant force of religious extremism. The conference organized by the Sindhi Association of North America (SANA) in Hyderabad, titled “Religious Extremism: The Present Threats to Peace and Security,” was not just an academic and research-oriented gathering but a crucial opportunity to raise important questions about the intellectual, political, and social future of Sindh.
This conference, which was attended by renowned scholars, writers, political leaders, and human rights activists, sent a clear message that Sindh is a voice against extremism and that the progressive class of Sindh now needs to take practical steps with greater seriousness.
Extremism: A State-Organized Tool or an Accidental Event?
The conference featured a speech by renowned scholar A.H. Niair, who made it clear that religious extremism was not a result of a single day or the conspiracy of a ruler, but its roots had been sown decades ago. He connected his argument with Zia-ul-Haq’s religious policies, saying:
> “When the state itself sponsors a particular ideology, it no longer remains just a collective thought but becomes a weapon that transforms politics, education, media, and public behavior.”
Tahira Abdullah criticized the historical context of extremism, stating:
> “The start of religious extremism is not from Zia-ul-Haq’s era, but its signs can be traced back to the invasion of Muhammad bin Qasim. Ayub Khan created an environment for religious extremism, but Zia turned it into a state mission.”
Secular Sindh: A History of Resistance
Dr. Maqbool Halipoto, the president of SANA, in his speech, said that Sindh’s historical role has always been based on tolerance, love, and humanity. He clarified:
> “The people of Sindh have been peace-loving for thousands of years. We are the heirs of the Mohenjo-Daro civilization, where humanity was prioritized over religion. We have never been in favor of martial rule, but now we must stand organized against extremism because if we remain silent, our historical identity will be distorted.”
Miniza Jahangir, a prominent journalist and human rights leader, compared the situation in Sindh with the rest of Pakistan, stating:
> “In the streets of Hyderabad, women can still speak freely, protest, but in the rest of Pakistan, this freedom is diminishing. Sindh is still progressive, but if effective measures are not taken to counter extremism, this environment may not last.”
The State, Extremism, and the Global Landscape
Renowned writer Jami Chandio highlighted Sindh’s political history, saying:
> “The progressive political consciousness of Sindh has always resisted dictatorship, from the One Unit to the struggle against extremism, the people of Sindh have always fought.”
Nasir Memon, discussing the global context of extremism, said:
> “The people of Sindh are becoming victims of extremism, but we must understand that this wave is not confined to Pakistan but is spreading globally. G.M. Syed warned the Western world in 1952 that those who support religious extremism for their own interests will one day face the consequences themselves. Today, this warning is proving true.”
The Role of Women and Religious Minorities
Renowned writer Amr Sindhu, in discussing Sindh’s resistance against extremism, said:
> “Shikarpur, the shrine of Qalandar, Ghotki, and Larkana’s temples – all are signs of attacks by extremism, but Sindh has responded vigorously. The enlightened class of Sindh is still alive, and the role of Sindhi women has now become even more significant. If Sindhi women do not join this fight, the identity of Sindh will suffer a great loss.”
Aaliya Bukhshl, the president of the Women Democratic Front, while discussing the rights of religious minorities, said:
> “Those who chant ‘Jiye Sindh’ slogans on one hand but support religious extremism on the other, we should not consider them as our own. The secular identity of Sindh must be protected at every level.”
Key Outcomes of the Conference and the Roadmap for Sindh
At the end of the conference, an audio message from SANA’s General Secretary Asad Sheikh was played, in which he emphasized the continued struggle for the survival of Sindh’s tolerance.
The participants presented the following key points:
✅ An organized resistance movement against religious extremism should be created in Sindh
✅ Research efforts should be advanced to expose state policies
✅ Legal and political struggle to protect women and religious minorities should be intensified
✅ Sindh’s secular identity should be strengthened in curricula, media, and educational institutions
This conference was not just a general discussion but left an important question for the intellectual, political, and social future of Sindh: Can Sindh stop the tide of extremism?
If Sindh’s progressive class, social workers, political leaders, and the general public do not unite, it will be impossible to stop the wave of extremism. SANA’s conference holds the status of a document that will determine the future path.
The people of Sindh have resisted in the past, but now the question is: Are we ready for a new struggle?
