Protests in Sindh, Pakistan Over Shah Nawaz Kunbhar’s Death
In Sindh, Pakistan, the Sindh Youth Action Committee has announced a sit-in in Umerkot, demanding justice for Shah Nawaz Kunbhar, a blasphemy suspect killed by police. The committee, along with Kunbhar’s family, is calling for action against the police officers involved in his death and the subsequent burning of his body by extremists.
During a press conference in Hyderabad, committee members Sindhu Nawaz Ghangro, Hamz Ali Chandio, and Shahid Mirani accused senior police officials of being responsible for Kunbhar’s killing. They demanded an impartial investigation and the immediate arrest of these officers.
The committee also highlighted the growing influence of extremist elements in Sindh, which they said threatened the region’s historically peaceful nature. Civil society members have expressed their support for the sit-in, noting the government’s failure to address the custodial killing.
Kunbhar’s family has shared video evidence suggesting police coercion, alleging that authorities were forcing them to make false statements. Despite repeated appeals, an FIR against the responsible officers has yet to be registered.
The case of Kunbhar highlights the deep-seated issues of religious extremism and police impunity in Pakistan. The youth committee criticized the increasing involvement of religious extremists in police operations, stating that if the blasphemy charge against Kunbhar were valid, he should have been tried in a court of law rather than being handed over to a mob.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has also demanded protection for the bereaved family and called for a judicial inquiry led by the Sindh High Court. The case has drawn significant attention, exposing the dangerous mix of religious extremism and state oppression in Pakistan’s justice system.
Doubts Revealed
Sindh -: Sindh is a province in Pakistan, similar to how Maharashtra is a state in India.
Shah Nawaz Kunbhar -: Shah Nawaz Kunbhar was a person in Pakistan who was accused of blasphemy and died while in police custody.
blasphemy -: Blasphemy means saying or doing something that shows disrespect for religious beliefs. In some countries, it is a very serious crime.
Sindh Youth Action Committee -: The Sindh Youth Action Committee is a group of young people in Sindh who work together to address issues affecting their community.
extremists -: Extremists are people who have very strong and often dangerous beliefs, and they sometimes use violence to achieve their goals.
civil society -: Civil society includes groups and organizations that work to improve society and help people, like NGOs and community groups.
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan -: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan is an organization that works to protect and promote human rights in Pakistan.
judicial inquiry -: A judicial inquiry is an investigation conducted by a judge to find out the truth about a serious issue or event.
