Tehrik-e-Niswan demands probe into attack on its performers near Ghotki

Tehrik-e-Niswan (TeN), a performing arts group, held a press conference on Saturday regarding the attack on them near Ghotki by a group of dacoits, which left their performers traumatised.

Some members were hurt, and the firing severely injured one member.

TeN is a renowned performing arts group that has worked for nearly five decades to promote. TeN’s chief and social activist, Sheema Kermani, addressed a press conference and said that there was a violent dacoity incident near Ghotki.

Known for producing Naataks—street theatre performances addressing human rights issues—TeN regularly stages plays in towns and villages across Pakistan. Their theatre serves as a form of resistance against violence, injustice, and inequality, creating awareness and providing a platform for marginalised voices.

Kirmani said that last week, the Tehrik-e-Niswanteam concluded a 25-day tour across rural Pakistan. During this tour, they performed 36 plays on youth mental health, aiming to challenge the stigma surrounding the issue. These performances were held in open spaces—maidans, schools, courtyards—often marking the first time rural audiences had experienced live theatre.

However, while returning to Karachi three days ago, the team was ambushed by armed dacoits near Ghotki. One member of the group sustained gunshot wounds to his arm and leg and is now undergoing surgery. Other team members were left injured and traumatised, while their vehicle was heavily damaged and rendered inoperable.

“It was a miracle that the team managed to escape without any loss of life,” she said.

Tehrik-e-Niswan is calling on the Sindh government and Sindh police to take immediate and transparent action. “As citizens of Pakistan, we believe in our constitutional right to live without fear and to travel safely. But the absence of law and order in rural Sindh tells a different story,” said Sheema Kermani on behalf of the group.

The group demanded answers regarding the increasing reports of dacoities, kidnappings for ransom, and violence in the region. They also called for a judicial investigation into the incident, compensation for the affected, and concrete measures to ensure the safety and protection of citizens across both rural and urban Sindh.

In addition, Tehrik-e-Niswan urged the government to address deeper systemic issues, including climate change, agricultural challenges, water scarcity, poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment in rural areas.