KARACHI:
Working-class women held a rally to raise their voices against anti-people policies and for the protection of Sindh’s rights. The rally, which began at the Youth Auditorium and ended at the Arts Council of Pakistan, drew large numbers of women, men, farmers and members of the transgender community from various regions.
The rally was led by Zehra Khan, General Secretary of the Home-Based Women Workers Federation, who chanted slogans against anti-Sindh water projects, land grabbing, and food crises.
Speaking on the occasion, Zahra Khan said that Sindh’s civilisation is on the brink of destruction due to government policies, mentioning that issues such as climate change, floods, water resource exploitation, and the destruction of the Indus Delta threaten the lives and lands of millions of people in Sindh.
She further stated that these problems have forced millions of people in Sindh to migrate. The problem has also reduced crop yields, and triggered a food crisis. She appealed to progressive groups and forces in Punjab to raise their voices against their rulers in support of Sindh’s rights and to stand together for Sindh’s survival by resolving the issue of canals.
A large number of peasant farmers also joined the rally and expressed their support for Sindh’s rights and condemned the canal policy of Punjab rulers.
Women empowerment govt’s top priority
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has stressed that International Women’s Day symbolises the ongoing struggle for equality, rights, and justice. In his message on the occasion, he paid tribute to the women of Sindh – mothers, sisters, and daughters – while reaffirming the provincial government’s unwavering commitment to their empowerment across various sectors.
The chief minister highlighted that societal progress is unattainable without active female participation.
The CM reiterated that ensuring equal opportunities for women in education and healthcare remains a top priority for the PPP-led government. He acknowledged the pivotal role Pakistani women have played in national development and the democratic movement, recognising the historic contributions of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, Begum Nusrat Bhutto, and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as enduring symbols of resilience and leadership.
Projects especially for women
Sindh Senior Minister, Sharjeel Inam Memon, has said that women deserve all praise for playing a vital role in the development, stability, and prosperity of the country.
Under the historic policy of distributing land to landless farmers, women farmers are also being given land to become economically independent, the senior minister said.
He further mentioned that the Pink Bus Service has been launched to allow women to continue with their daily activities without any fear. Moreover, providing free EV scooters to deserving and hardworking women is also part of PPP government’s historic programme.
News published in the Express Tribune on 9th March 2025