In Larkana, a peaceful protest organized by the family of the murdered Sindhi activist Hidayat Lohar faced a crackdown by Pakistani law enforcement on Sunday. The protest, calling for justice over Lohar’s murder, saw the detention of several activists, including both women and men.
Reports indicate that among those detained were Hidayat Lohar’s daughters, Sorath and Sasui Lohar, alongside notable figures such as Comrade Fozia Sengar from the Women Democratic Front and Amjad Sindhi from the Progressive Students Federation (PRSF).
While Sorath, Sasui, Fozia, and other female protesters were later released, male protesters remain in custody, with police lodging FIRs against the peaceful demonstrators in Larkana.
The protest marks a continuation of public outcry across Sindh following the murder of Hidayat Lohar on February 16 and the subsequent inaction from authorities to file a FIR. In response, Sorath and Sasui, along with Sindhi nationalist parties, initiated a series of protests across various cities in Sindh, following a five-day sit-in in Larkana.
The family of Hidayat Lohar, along with Sindhi nationalist parties, accuse Pakistani forces of being behind his murder. They are calling for an independent investigation into the case and are urging international organizations to intervene and ensure a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.