Hyderabad Protest Gathers Over 27th Amendment and Resource Concerns
In Hyderabad, Pakistan, on November 18, activists from the Awami Tehreek (AT) and its women’s wing, the Sindhiyani Tehreek (ST), organized a march to voice opposition to multiple policies and plans they say threaten Sindh’s resources and local livelihoods. The demonstration brought together men and women rallying against the 27th Amendment, what they describe as corporate farming, and the construction of new canals on the Indus River. The protesters framed the action as part of a broader fight to protect regional autonomy, water rights, and social security for Sindh’s communities.
Reasons Cited for the March
Leaders and participants highlighted several core concerns. The 27th Amendment was cited as a move that could centralize control over provincial matters, reducing provincial autonomy at a time when local governance structures are already under pressure. Additionally, demonstrators criticized corporate farming practices that they claim favor large agribusiness over smallholders, potentially displacing local farmers and altering traditional land use. The Indus River plans—specifically the construction of new canals—were described as threats to water distribution, environmental balance, and the livelihoods dependent on river resources.
Rhetoric of Resource Ownership and Local Rights
Speakers at the march argued that Sindh’s natural resources and water rights should be managed with local communities in mind, not primarily for external investors. The movement framed its protest as a defense of regional sovereignty and a call for transparent governance that includes community voices in decisions about land, water, and development projects. While the protest remained peaceful, organizers emphasized the urgency of protecting agricultural livelihoods and preventing what they see as a pattern of resource extraction that bypasses local needs.
Broader Context: Punjab–Sindh Relations and National Policy Debates
The demonstration occurred amid ongoing debates about federal–provincial power in Pakistan, particularly how amendments to constitutions or ordinances affect provincial autonomy. Advocates for Sindh argue that decisions with significant regional impact, such as canal planning and land use changes, should involve robust consultation with provincial governments and affected communities. Critics contend that rapid policy shifts can undermine decentralized governance and widen economic disparities between regions.
Women’s Involvement and Community Mobilization
The Sindhiyani Tehreek, the women’s wing of AT, played a central role in organizing the march, signaling a push for greater female participation in regional political action. Activists say women’s leadership in protests helps broaden the movement’s reach and ensures that social and familial impacts—often felt most acutely by women—receive attention in public discourse and policy discussions.
What This Means for the Future of Sindh’s Development
Protests like this reflect ongoing concerns about how development projects and constitutional changes will affect Sindh’s economy, environment, and social fabric. Supporters of the 27th Amendment and related reforms may argue that such measures are necessary for modernization and investment, while opponents insist that equity, transparency, and local participation must remain at the core of any policy change. The Hyderabad march adds a vocal dimension to this debate, potentially influencing local political dynamics and rallying other regional actors to scrutinize development plans more closely.
Conclusion
As activists from the Awami Tehreek and the Sindhiyani Tehreek exit the streets, the questions they raised about governance, land and water rights, and the influence of corporate interests on Sindh’s resources will likely continue to shape public discourse. The march underscores the importance of inclusive dialogue and community-led oversight in the face of significant constitutional and infrastructural decisions that affect daily life in Sindh.
