In a concerning development, the Nasirabad police fired indiscriminately into the air near the sit-in led by Sorath and Sasui Lohar, daughters of the assassinated Sindhi nationalist Hidayat Lohar. The incident unfolded as the protesters persisted their demand for justice and the registration of an FIR (First Information Report) regarding their father’s assassination.

Hidayat Lohar was assassinated by assailants backed by the Pakistan Army. Despite having substantial evidence, the daughters faced rejection when attempting to file an FIR with the Naseerabad Police. As of now, no FIR has been registered in connection to the assassination, prompting Sorath and Sasui to stage a sit-in protest.

The protesters are steadfast in their straightforward demand – the registration of the FIR – yet the police have refused to comply, instead resorting to intimidating tactics. The incident marks a disturbing turn as law enforcement employs force to suppress the peaceful protest, raising concerns about the state of justice and freedom of expression in the region.

Sorath and Sasui Lohar’s sit-in is not only a plea for justice but also a powerful stance against the tyranny and impunity of the Pakistani establishment. Nevertheless, the unfolding events spotlight a broader issue of challenges faced by those seeking justice in the face of powerful entities.

As the daughters of slain Sindhi nationalist continue their protest, the incident has gained attention, prompting questions about the role of law enforcement in safeguarding the rights of citizens and addressing grievances. The unfolding situation requires a closer examination of the circumstances surrounding Hidayat Lohar’s assassination and a transparent investigation into the matter to ensure justice prevails.

The Turkish police detained six persons in Istanbul, on Tuesday, for allegedly spying on prominent Uyghurs and are looking for more, as per the state-run Anadolu Agency. The six individuals are also charged with spying on institutions and associations connected to the Uyghur community and providing Chinese intelligence with information.

Reportedly, the Istanbul chief prosecutor’s terrorism and organised crime bureau conducted the investigation that led to the arrests. The nationalities of the suspects and the date of the arrests were not mentioned in the report.

With 50,000 or so, Turkey is thought to be home to the greatest Uyghur population outside of Central Asia. It shares ethnic, linguistic and religious ties with the Uyghur community in China. Because of this, the public and government in Turkey have a great deal of sympathy for the plight of the Uyghurs in China’s Xinjiang region.

Turkey’s foreign policy is designed to create a balance between its rising power China and its western allies. It opposes Beijing’s demands that Uyghurs be extradited from Turkey but supports China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

An extradition treaty was signed between the two countries in 2017 but has awaited ratification by the Turkish parliament since 2019. In recent years, Turkish authorities have increased their efforts to disrupt spy networks. Thirty-four persons were detained by police in January on suspicion of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency on Palestinians residing in Turkey. Authorities detained several Iranians in 2022 on suspicion of plotting to murder Israelis in Turkey.

Amnesty International South Asia has called for an independent, impartial, and prompt investigation into the killing of Sindhi political activist and teacher, Hidayatullah Lohar. The plea emphasizes the need to ensure accountability for the perpetrators without resorting to the death penalty.

Hidayatullah Lohar, a school teacher and prominent political activist, was fatally attacked by two unidentified assailants in Naseerabad while en route to his school. Despite persistent demands and an ongoing sit-in protest by his daughters, Sasui and Sorath Lohar – both prominent activists advocating against enforced disappearances – no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in connection with the incident.

Pak policy of enforced disappearance

Lohar’s tragic killing sheds light on the perilous conditions faced by activists and human rights defenders in their pursuit of justice. His history is marred by a previous incident in 2017 when he was forcibly disappeared by the Pakistan Army, only to be released two and a half years later in May 2019. During this period, the establishment allegedly pressured Lohar’s daughters to cease their struggle against enforced disappearances and terminate their protests, using the release of their father as leverage.

The incident underscores the broader issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan, where dissenting voices often face abduction and intimidation. Hidayat Lohar’s case serves as a recent and poignant example of the challenges faced by those who question the establishment.

Amnesty International’s call for an independent investigation is a significant step towards addressing the enforced disappearance policy of the Pakistan Army. The international human rights organization emphasizes the importance of unveiling the truth behind Lohar’s killing, seeking justice for the slain activist, and holding those responsible accountable.

As Pakistan grapples with concerns over the suppression of dissent, the attention drawn by Amnesty International amplifies the urgency of addressing human rights violations and ensuring a transparent and fair legal process for those advocating for justice and accountability.

After the Pak establishment-sponsored brutal assassination of their father Hidayat Lohar, Sindhi nationalist’s daughters and the prominent voice of missing persons are on a sit-in protest against the establishment and its notoriety.

A couple of days ago, Hidayat Lohar was brutally killed by the assailants affiliated with the Pakistan Army. According to his daughters, Sorath Lohar and Sasui Lohar, their father was getting death threats since past few weeks before he was killed. Hiddayat Lohar has been a prominent figure in the struggle of Sindhis. Be it the issue of enforced disappearances or the Sindhi rights, he always remained at the fore front. In 2017, he was himself abducted by the regime and was subsequently disappeared.

Daughters of Hidayat Lohar protest for FIR

Hidayat Lohar, who was a school teacher, was also the leader of Voice of Missing Persons of Sindh (VMPS), an organisation at the helm of the challenge to the establishment sponsored enforced disappearances. As he has been killed, his daughters are calling out the Pakistan Army and demanding an FIR in the assailants, whose details are with them. But, since the establishment is itself the culprit, it is trying to stave off the issue. And hence, the brave Sindhi daughters of Hidayat Lohar are sitting in protest at the Naseerabad Highway.

Meanwhile, Sorath and Sasui have also denied a visit to the police station to register the FIR, having a clear idea of the notoriety and extra-judicial acts employed by the establishment. They have demanded that their FIR must be registered at the sit-in in front of protestors. As of now, the sit-in has seen participation from various walks of life. Sorath and Sasui are getting support and consolation from across Pakistan.

Notably, by the continuous act of curbing legal framework and acting as fascist regime, Pakistan has led to the unification of oppressed community across Pakistan. Earlier, the simultaneous crackdown on Baloch in Islamabad long march and on Pashtuns in Chaman has raised hopes for a unified resistance from Baloch and Pashtuns. Now Hidayat Lohar’s killing and subsequent support from across communities marks another incident that shows the need of a combined struggle against the brutal Pakistani regime.