JSQM ends hunger strike, to join lawyers’ Babarlo sit-in

Outside the Karachi Press Club, the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) ended its hunger strike and announced it would join the lawyer’ sit-in at Babarlo.

JSQN leader Riaz Chandio and Karachi Bar Association President Amir Warraich, accompanied by Sufi singer Manjhi Faqeer, intellectual Inam Shaikh and others visited the hunger strike camp led by JSQM’s Dr Niaz Kalani to express their solidarity.

Speaking to the media, Dr Kalani expressed gratitude to the Karachi Press Club for its cooperation and support. He emphasized that all political parties have strongly protested against the construction of new canals on the Indus River.

He recalled that the late Bashir Khan Qureshi of the JSQM had previously blocked the Babarlo Bypass in opposition to these canals. Dr Kalani stated that Amir Warraich is far more devoted to Sindh than those who were born in Sindh and speak the Sindhi language but remain silent on the canal issue. He announced that the JSQM will stand alongside lawyers at the Babarlo Bypass on April 18 and will also join the “Save Indus River” movement in Hyderabad on April 19.

Kalani declared an end to the hunger strike, stating that the action had been conducted in line with international norms. He noted that 20 activists, including himself, had been on hunger strike for seven days. The protest was part of a broader campaign that began on November 5 and included road blockades and sit-ins, including a 24-hour blockade of Babarlo Road.

He emphasized that the movement aims to build national unity against the canal projects. Kalani added that although Amir Warraich was not wearing the traditional Sindhi cap, he is more committed to the province than those who wear it but betray Sindh’s interests.

The central body of the JSQM has decided to mobilize across Sindh without relying solely on formal travel channels. Kalani reaffirmed their presence at Babarlo on April 18 with lawyers and in Hyderabad on April 19 with fellow activists.

Karachi Bar Association President Amir Warraich stated that they had appealed to JSQM leaders to end the hunger strike and instead focus on the Babarlo sit-in until the canal decision was reversed. He stressed, “We do not seek credit—our only demand is for this canal decision to be withdrawn.” He also thanked Dr Kalani for committing to join the lawyers’ protest.

Riaz Chandio praised those who participated in the hunger strike, saying, “They sat in protest for the sake of our river.” He reaffirmed that Jeay Sindh Mahaz would join the upcoming sit-ins and that the unity formed to save the river would help protect Sindh’s resources. He also raised concerns about new threats to resource control, including the introduction of a mineral act.

General Secretary Karachi Bar Association Rehman Korai expressed confidence that the movement would return from Babarlo victorious. He said that teachers, farmers, students, and lawyers—all sections of society—would continue to resist imperialist exploitation.