Sukkur (Report by Danish Rajput): The Sindh United Party (SUP) staged a protest demonstration outside the Sukkur National Press Club on Sunday to denounce what it described as politically motivated and false First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against its chairman, Syed Zain Shah. The protest was led by senior SUP leaders including Aidan Jagirani, Majid Denoar, Shehzad Zangejo, Israr Junejo, Sarfaraz Domki, and others.
Background of the Case
According to party leaders, the FIRs were lodged after SUP organized a protest rally in Moro on August 31, where Syed Zain Shah himself led the demonstration. Following the event, separate FIRs were reportedly registered against him at police stations in Kotri and Luni Kot.
The protesters claimed that these cases are baseless, fabricated, and politically motivated, arguing that they are meant to silence the party’s struggle for Sindh’s rights. “Raising our voices for the rights and issues of Sindh is not a crime. Filing false FIRs against our chairman is nothing but political victimization,” the demonstrators said.
The Protest Demonstration
Dozens of SUP workers and supporters gathered outside the Sukkur Press Club carrying banners and placards condemning the registration of cases against their leader. They chanted slogans against the authorities and vowed to continue their peaceful struggle for the rights of Sindh.
Speakers at the demonstration strongly criticized the government for what they termed the “misuse of state machinery” to suppress political dissent. They stressed that lodging fabricated criminal cases against political opponents undermines democracy and violates fundamental rights.
Aidan Jagirani, one of the leading figures at the protest, stated:
“Syed Zain Shah has committed no crime. He is being targeted only because he dared to raise his voice for the people of Sindh. These FIRs are a clear example of political revenge.”
Allegations of Political Victimization
Party representatives insisted that the cases are linked to SUP’s consistent activism on issues such as water distribution, provincial autonomy, and protection of Sindh’s cultural and political identity. They alleged that those who highlight Sindh’s grievances are often treated as adversaries rather than stakeholders.
Majid Denoar remarked:
“It is unfortunate that instead of addressing the legitimate concerns of Sindh’s people, the authorities choose to intimidate political activists. We strongly reject these false charges and demand immediate withdrawal of the FIRs.”
Threat of Widening Protests
The demonstrators warned that if the FIRs against Syed Zain Shah are not withdrawn, the party would escalate its protest campaign across Sindh. They announced plans to mobilize supporters in different districts, organize sit-ins, and intensify their movement until justice is served.
“We will expand our protests to the entire province. If our chairman is not given justice, then those responsible will be held accountable by the people of Sindh,” said Israr Junejo while addressing the gathering.
Broader Political Context
The protest comes at a time of growing political unrest in Sindh, where regional parties often accuse the authorities of ignoring provincial rights, particularly regarding natural resources, governance, and development. SUP has long been vocal about issues such as water shortages, unemployment, and what it calls an inequitable share of Sindh in national decision-making.
Political analysts say the registration of cases against leaders like Syed Zain Shah could further deepen mistrust between the provincial population and the state. It could also fuel SUP’s narrative that Sindh’s voices are being deliberately marginalized.
Call for Democratic Space
The speakers emphasized that peaceful protest and political activism are constitutional rights of every citizen, and targeting leaders through fabricated cases amounts to an attack on democracy itself. They appealed to civil society, human rights organizations, and the media to raise awareness about the issue.
Sarfaraz Domki said during his address:
“History has shown that false cases cannot silence the truth. Instead of intimidation, the government should focus on solving the real problems of Sindh’s people.”
Conclusion
The Sukkur protest by Sindh United Party is the latest in a series of demonstrations highlighting political discontent in the province. With SUP pledging to intensify its protests, the issue of “false FIRs” against Syed Zain Shah could turn into a wider political confrontation if left unaddressed.
For now, SUP leaders and supporters remain resolute in their demand: the immediate withdrawal of the FIRs and an end to what they describe as politically motivated victimization. Until then, they vow, the protests will only grow stronger.
