Geneva [Switzerland], October 2 (ANI): Human rights activist Divya Advani has expressed concern over the condition of Sindhis in Pakistan, stating that their population is rapidly declining, while the community has prospered in India.
“…I don’t think they (Sindhis) are equally enjoying rights, because the number of Sindhis is decreasing day by day in Pakistan. In India, they have flourished and are enjoying rights. As per media reports, the Sindhi population has become very small in Pakistan. The condition there is very difficult to describe, but what we see in the media is not in a good state,” Advani said.
She further stressed that minorities in India are safeguarded through constitutional provisions that guarantee protection across all sectors.
“In India, every minority, even the Dalits, has rights as per our Constitution. India has given each and every minority the right—politically, socially, and in every sphere,” she added.
The remarks were made during a side event organised by Sindhi Adhikar Manch, an NGO from India, on the sidelines of the 60th Session of the UNHRC in Geneva, which aimed to raise awareness about the rights of Dalits and minority communities in India.
Human rights groups have long criticised Pakistan for its record on enforced disappearances, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan, where nationalist movements have been active. Activists argue that intimidation, harassment, and abductions by state agencies have silenced political dissent and left families in deep distress.
Speaking at the event, Govind Gurbani, Founder-President and CEO of Sindhi Adhikar Manch, explained his motivation for highlighting India’s policies.
“…I was seeing that many other countries, which had no connection with India, were taking up Muslim issues and criticising the Government. So, I thought we should showcase our Government’s policies. We live in our country alongside Muslims and other minorities. There is no discrimination… Dalits have reservations in jobs and institutions. For Muslims, there is reservation in some states. But they enjoy equal rights as any other citizen,” Gurbani said.
Underscoring the inclusive nature of India’s democracy, Gurbani pointed to examples of Muslim leaders who have held high office. “There is no discrimination. We have had Muslim Presidents in the country and we have also had Muslim Chief Ministers,” he noted.
He also highlighted the plight of Sindhis in Pakistan, citing concerns raised even within their Parliament. “I have been watching various international channels, and I have heard Sindhi MPs in Pakistan pleading in Parliament—crying out to save their families and girls,” Gurbani added.
(ANI)
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Human Rights Activists Raise Alarm Over Declining Sindhi Population in Pakistan at UNHRC Event
