'Sindhudesh': What Is This Separatist Demand In Pakistan Tied To Violent Clashes In Karachi?

Last Updated:December 09, 2025, 23:03 IST

Stemming from an old nationalist sentiment, the demand for 'Sindhudesh' refers to a distinct homeland for the Sindhi people

People wearing ethnic attire celebrate Sindhi Cultural Day festival in Pakistan's Karachi on December 7, 2025. (Image: Asif HASSAN/AFP)

Amid tensions surrounding the province of Sindh in Pakistan, there were clashes between police and purported supporters of a separate “Sindhudesh" at a Sindh Culture Day rally in Karachi.

According to reports, demonstrators were arrested after throwing stones while advocating for a separate ‘Sindhudesh’.

Last month, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said the Sindh region in Pakistan might eventually rejoin India one day, citing historical and civilisational ties. His comments had drawn strong condemnation from Pakistan, including from its foreign office and the Sindh assembly. 

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WHAT IS THIS DEMAND ALL ABOUT?

The separatist demand for ‘Sindhudesh’ refers to a distinct homeland for the Sindhi people.

This is reportedly a longtime nationalist demand that has once again gained attention following clashes at a recent cultural event in Karachi.

Tensions flared dramatically during the Sindh Culture Day celebrations, marked annually since 2009 on the first Sunday of December to celebrate the province’s heritage. Protesters, particularly those gathered under the banner of the Jiye Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSSM), used the occasion to demand a separate ‘Sindhudesh’ raising slogans of azadi (freedom) and ‘Pakistan murdabad‘.

The peaceful gathering quickly spiralled into violence and arrests after authorities attempted to divert the rally. Karachi police detained 45 demonstrators following stone-pelting and clashes.

Police sources said the attempt to divert the route escalated the confrontation, with an argument over road access spiralling into violence and arrests. Police responded with a baton charge and tear gas shelling to disperse the crowd, they said.

They said five police personnel were injured after stones were thrown at them. Following the incident, the Sindh home minister ordered immediate action directing the arrest of those involved in damaging property, including police vehicles and citizens’ assets.

News world 'Sindhudesh': What Is This Separatist Demand In Pakistan Tied To Violent Clashes In Karachi?

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