11/10/2026
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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London Conference Rejects Division of Sindh, Opposes New Indus Canals and Urges Sindhi–Urdu Unity
LONDON, 11 October 2026, More than 400 delegates from the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia gathered at the University of Westminster’s Harrow Campus on Saturday for the 38th International Conference on Sindh. Organised by the World Sindhi Congress under the theme “Sindh’s Right to Self-Determination: Pathways to Peace, Democracy and a Sustainable Future”, the conference delivered an unequivocal message: the people of Sindh will never accept the partition of their historic homeland into provinces or so-called administrative units, firmly oppose any water-diversion canals on the Indus, and call for complete unity between Sindhi-speaking and Urdu-speaking peoples. Baloch and Pashtun delegates also took part, pledging their full support for the Sindhi people’s struggle and declaring that the Baloch and Pashtun nations stand in solidarity with Sindh against any design to divide it.
Speakers described proposals to divide Sindh or detach the port city of Karachi as a calculated, Punjab-led political design to weaken Sindh’s national identity and consolidate dominance over its resources. Citing the continuing appropriation of the province’s land, minerals, and river waters, participants urged Sindhi-speaking and Urdu-speaking populations to stand together in defence of their shared land and economic future. Delegates also voiced total opposition to any canals and water-diversion projects, warning that diverting Indus waters upstream deprives downstream communities of their rightful share and accelerates the environmental destruction of the Indus Delta.
A highlight of the conference was a strong show of solidarity from Baloch and Pashtun leaders, including Dr Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM); Dr Naseer Dashti of the Baloch Human Rights Centre (BHRC); and Shahid Khan Kakar of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM). Speaking from the platform, they reaffirmed their backing for Sindh against any attempt at division. Panellists emphasised that Sindhis, Baloch, and Pashtuns face the same challenges of political marginalisation, resource exploitation, and state repression, and affirmed that their three national struggles must advance together, in mutual solidarity, to resist centralised control and secure democratic self-determination.
Health and social welfare crises in Sindh were also brought to the fore. Dr Neel Kanth, Professor of Paediatric Medicine, highlighted the high prevalence of child malnutrition and stunted growth across Sindh, attributing it to systemic state neglect and calling for governance grounded in secular, welfare-oriented principles. Ms Maha Panhwar pointed to the lack of progress in post-flood rehabilitation, noting that, years after the floods, affected communities remain trapped in chronic health crises, displacement, and damaging climate feedback loops.
The conference formally adopted a 10-point resolution moved by WSC leader Umed Laghari. The resolution reaffirmed the Sindhi people’s right to self-determination, rejected corporate farming and land seizures under the Green Pakistan Initiative, and condemned enforced disappearances and state violence against women. It demanded the safe recovery of abducted children, including young Priya Kumari; called for an immediate end to the forced conversion of Hindu and Christian girls; and sought urgent international support for the conservation of heritage sites such as the Karoonjhar Hills.
British Member of Parliament Bob Blackman condemned continuing human rights abuses against religious minorities in Pakistan, speaking in particular about the persecution of Sindhi Hindus. “The injustices faced by religious minorities, including Sindhi Hindus, must be challenged,” Blackman said. “British Sindhis should contact their MPs and attend constituency surgeries to ensure these concerns are heard.”
WSC Chairperson Dr Lakhu Luhana stated that Sindh’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable. “Sindh’s unity and the Sindhi people’s right to determine their future are inseparable,” Luhana said. “We will pursue these rights through democratic participation, solidarity, and sustained international engagement.”
Professor Ryan Griffiths of Syracuse University outlined the international mechanics of self-determination, explaining how unrepresented nations can advance their political agency step by step by building community consensus and engaging persistently with multilateral bodies. Grassroots campaigner Dr Sorath Sindhu, a medical doctor and human rights defender active on social media, highlighted rural struggles and championed women’s political leadership. Abdul Khalique Junejo, Chairman of Jeay Sindh Mahaz, addressed the historical and constitutional dimensions of self-determination, while Hong Kong-based activist Baseer Naveed documented systemic violations of civil liberties and enforced disappearances.
Further remarks were delivered by Saqlain Imam, Hafeezan Wadhio, Gul Sanai, Dr Hidayat Bhutto, Saj Channa, Sarang Sindhi, Sohail Abro, Razzaque Buriro, Abbas Channa, Narayan Bablani, Syed Sohail Ahmed, Raghvir Singh Sodho, Khushal Kalani, and Dr Shagufta Kandhro. WSC Secretary General Farhan Kaghzi presented the organisation’s annual activity report.
A special book launch, moderated by Saghir Shaikh, marked the release of Quomi Haq-e-Khud Iradiyat by Abdul Khalique Junejo and Dhartee Maae Jo Sadd by Imdad Odho. The session sparked a thoughtful discussion on the role of political literature in documenting Sindh’s history and rights.
Delegates came together over lunch and dinner. The cultural programme featured Sindhi poetry recited by Irshad Chandio, followed by live musical performances from Indian vocalist Anshika Tahiliani and local artist Kamran Lashari. Inspired by the music, attendees took to the dance floor, bringing the gathering to a close in a vibrant display of cultural resilience and unity.
The End
