The feudal system in Sindh, is deeply entrenched and continues to shape the region’s socio-political landscape. Recently, the brutal murder of journalist Nasrullah Gaddani has once again highlighted the dark side of this archaic system. Despite numerous instances of feudal lords committing heinous crimes, they often escape justice due to their immense power and influence. It is important to mention that these feudal lords are supported by so-called democratic parties for establishing government.
Sindh’s feudal system dates back centuries, rooted in the agrarian economy where land ownership equates to power. Historically, landowners, or ‘waderas,’ have controlled vast tracts of land and, by extension, the lives of those who work on it. This control extends beyond the economic sphere into the political and social realms, reinforcing a rigid hierarchy that is resistant to change.
Feudal lords in Sindh possess significant socio-political clout, often holding sway over local law enforcement and political institutions. This power dynamic creates an environment where they can act with impunity. There are numerous cases where feudal lords have been involved in crimes ranging from illegal land grabs to outright murder, yet face no legal consequences. This pervasive sense of untouchability fosters a culture of fear and silence among the populace.
Prime examples for oppression by these feudal lords are below:
- Nazim Jokhio, whose justice denied when outer court settlement happened due to immense pressure by Jam Abdul Karim Bijar, who is a member of National Assembly (MNA) from Malir by Peoples Party Pakistan (PPP); he allegedly torched and murdered Nazim Jokhio in Salar Kot on 3rd November, 2021 but the alleged MNA easily got away from the case.
- Umme Rabbab Chandio, a lawyer and activist, whose grand father, father and uncle were gunned down in an attack on their house in Ahmed Colony in Mehar town on January 17 allegedly at the behest of Nawab Sardar Chandio, a chieftan of Chandio tribe and MNA contestant on behalf of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on constituency PS-16 Qambar Shahdad kot.
- On 25 December 2012, a student Shahzeb Khan was murdered in a targeted revenge killing by Shahrukh Jatio son of feudal Sikandar Jatoi and Siraj Talpur, from the Talpur clan.
The above cases are high profile hence got media attraction while several cases are even unreported when these wealthy feudal lords misuse power and oppress people.
Nasrullah Gaddani was a courageous journalist known for his fearless reporting on social injustices and feudal abuses in Sindh. On May 21, 2024 Gaddani was brutally murdered, an act widely believed to be a reprisal for his investigative work exposing the misdeeds of powerful feudal lords. His death sparked outrage among journalists and activists, but also a chilling reminder of the perils faced by those who challenge the status quo. The feudal system’s stranglehold on Sindh is perpetuated by a judicial and law enforcement framework that is often complicit or powerless. Feudal lords leverage their political connections to avoid prosecution, and when cases do reach the courts, they are frequently dismissed or dragged out indefinitely. This lack of accountability erodes public trust in the justice system and emboldens further abuses.
The unchecked power of feudal lords stymies socio-economic development in Sindh. It perpetuates poverty, as landless peasants and tenants are exploited without recourse. The psychological impact is equally damaging, fostering a culture of helplessness and fear. Social mobility is stunted, and the cycle of oppression continues unabated. Despite the grim realities, there are growing calls for reform. Activists, journalists, and progressive politicians are increasingly vocal about the need to dismantle the feudal system. Proposed solutions include land reforms, strengthening of legal frameworks to protect citizens’ rights, and ensuring the independence of the judiciary. Grassroots movements and increased public awareness are also crucial in driving change.
A committee for Justice for Nasrullah Gaddani is working on ground by presenting different protests, rallies, seminars and March to spread awareness amongst people regarding cruel feudal system. Ammar Dayo one of close friend of Nasrullah Gaddani said ‘In an area dominated by feudal and tribal power with nexus of a military-industrial complex, all of whom Gaddani had been taking on in his journalistic work fearlessly. He was never afraid of the consequences and raised voice against injustices.’
Hassan Mujtaba in his piece of highlighted well that ‘This is the Ghotki district, where the fiefdom or chiefdom of a Sardar (tribal chieftain), feudal lord, or Pir begins and ends every five or ten miles. The Mahars, the Lunds, the Pitiafis, the Chachars, the Shar tribes, and many more, along with influential Pirs like the Pirs of Bharchundi, Pir of Sui, Pir Pagaro, and the Makdooms of Hala and Multan, exert immense influence. Tribe members of many sardars and disciples of Pirs distinguish themselves through different dress styles, caps, beards, and moustaches’ Meanwhile, large industrial complexes such as Engro, Pak Saudi Fertiliser, Fauji Fertiliser, Marri Indus Gas, and the Qadirpur gas field — offering minimal employment opportunities to the local population — stand amid thousands of acres of agricultural land allocated to civilian settlers and both active and retired military personnel, including former Corps Commander Sindh, General Naseer Akhtar.
Simultaneously, the region is plagued by tribal wars and gangs of bandits and kidnappers, equipped with unconventional military weapons, who dominate the jungles of the riverine Kathca area. This area spans three districts — Ghotki, bordering Kashmore-Kandhkot, and Sukkur — where thousands of acres of government land are illegally occupied by feudal lords and tribal chieftains. According to Gaddani’s editor Dr. Jabbar Khattak, Nasrullah’s dedication to truth-telling had made him a target. The journalist was known for his bold reporting, with local journalists reporting to Dawn that the journalist had previously covered stories on local politicians, land owners, feudal lords, and government officials through his traditional and social media reporting. In 2023, Gaddani was placed under house arrest for allegedly coordinating protests, with Gaddani’s colleagues claiming the arrest was due to his coverage of public safety issues.
In a society where many media outlets and individuals are either controlled or willingly align themselves with power and prestige, Gaddani’s empathy for the suffering of the poor was likely seen as an unforgivable offense by those whose illicit interests he threatened. While many journalists amass fortunes by compromising their integrity, truth, and public interest, Gaddani’s homelessness became his cardinal sin.
In a world where truth is often abandoned and sold at exorbitant prices, upholding it can be a death sentence. To his murderers, Gaddani’s long-standing philosophy and slogan, ‘Bhotar my foot’—meaning ‘feudal lords under my foot’—was a direct challenge to their authority. The murder of Nasrullah Gaddani underscores the urgent need to address the deep-rooted feudal system in Sindh. It is imperative for the rule of law to prevail and for justice to be served not only for Gaddani but for all victims of feudal oppression. As awareness grows and calls for reform intensify, there is hope that Sindh can move towards a more just and equitable society.
The writer is a journalist based in Karachi.
Justice Denied
The feudal system in Sindh, is deeply entrenched and continues to shape the region’s socio-political landscape. Recently, the brutal murder of journalist Nasrullah Gaddani has once again highlighted the dark side of this archaic system. Despite numerous instances of feudal lords committing heinous crimes, they often escape justice due to their immense power and influence. It is important to mention that these feudal lords are supported by so-called democratic parties for establishing government.
Sindh’s feudal system dates back centuries, rooted in the agrarian economy where land ownership equates to power. Historically, landowners, or ‘waderas,’ have controlled vast tracts of land and, by extension, the lives of those who work on it. This control extends beyond the economic sphere into the political and social realms, reinforcing a rigid hierarchy that is resistant to change.
Feudal lords in Sindh possess significant socio-political clout, often holding sway over local law enforcement and political institutions. This power dynamic creates an environment where they can act with impunity. There are numerous cases where feudal lords have been involved in crimes ranging from illegal land grabs to outright murder, yet face no legal consequences. This pervasive sense of untouchability fosters a culture of fear and silence among the populace.
Prime examples for oppression by these feudal lords are below:
The above cases are high profile hence got media attraction while several cases are even unreported when these wealthy feudal lords misuse power and oppress people.
Nasrullah Gaddani was a courageous journalist known for his fearless reporting on social injustices and feudal abuses in Sindh. On May 21, 2024 Gaddani was brutally murdered, an act widely believed to be a reprisal for his investigative work exposing the misdeeds of powerful feudal lords. His death sparked outrage among journalists and activists, but also a chilling reminder of the perils faced by those who challenge the status quo. The feudal system’s stranglehold on Sindh is perpetuated by a judicial and law enforcement framework that is often complicit or powerless. Feudal lords leverage their political connections to avoid prosecution, and when cases do reach the courts, they are frequently dismissed or dragged out indefinitely. This lack of accountability erodes public trust in the justice system and emboldens further abuses.
The unchecked power of feudal lords stymies socio-economic development in Sindh. It perpetuates poverty, as landless peasants and tenants are exploited without recourse. The psychological impact is equally damaging, fostering a culture of helplessness and fear. Social mobility is stunted, and the cycle of oppression continues unabated. Despite the grim realities, there are growing calls for reform. Activists, journalists, and progressive politicians are increasingly vocal about the need to dismantle the feudal system. Proposed solutions include land reforms, strengthening of legal frameworks to protect citizens’ rights, and ensuring the independence of the judiciary. Grassroots movements and increased public awareness are also crucial in driving change.
A committee for Justice for Nasrullah Gaddani is working on ground by presenting different protests, rallies, seminars and March to spread awareness amongst people regarding cruel feudal system. Ammar Dayo one of close friend of Nasrullah Gaddani said ‘In an area dominated by feudal and tribal power with nexus of a military-industrial complex, all of whom Gaddani had been taking on in his journalistic work fearlessly. He was never afraid of the consequences and raised voice against injustices.’
Hassan Mujtaba in his piece of highlighted well that ‘This is the Ghotki district, where the fiefdom or chiefdom of a Sardar (tribal chieftain), feudal lord, or Pir begins and ends every five or ten miles. The Mahars, the Lunds, the Pitiafis, the Chachars, the Shar tribes, and many more, along with influential Pirs like the Pirs of Bharchundi, Pir of Sui, Pir Pagaro, and the Makdooms of Hala and Multan, exert immense influence. Tribe members of many sardars and disciples of Pirs distinguish themselves through different dress styles, caps, beards, and moustaches’ Meanwhile, large industrial complexes such as Engro, Pak Saudi Fertiliser, Fauji Fertiliser, Marri Indus Gas, and the Qadirpur gas field — offering minimal employment opportunities to the local population — stand amid thousands of acres of agricultural land allocated to civilian settlers and both active and retired military personnel, including former Corps Commander Sindh, General Naseer Akhtar.
Simultaneously, the region is plagued by tribal wars and gangs of bandits and kidnappers, equipped with unconventional military weapons, who dominate the jungles of the riverine Kathca area. This area spans three districts — Ghotki, bordering Kashmore-Kandhkot, and Sukkur — where thousands of acres of government land are illegally occupied by feudal lords and tribal chieftains. According to Gaddani’s editor Dr. Jabbar Khattak, Nasrullah’s dedication to truth-telling had made him a target. The journalist was known for his bold reporting, with local journalists reporting to Dawn that the journalist had previously covered stories on local politicians, land owners, feudal lords, and government officials through his traditional and social media reporting. In 2023, Gaddani was placed under house arrest for allegedly coordinating protests, with Gaddani’s colleagues claiming the arrest was due to his coverage of public safety issues.
In a society where many media outlets and individuals are either controlled or willingly align themselves with power and prestige, Gaddani’s empathy for the suffering of the poor was likely seen as an unforgivable offense by those whose illicit interests he threatened. While many journalists amass fortunes by compromising their integrity, truth, and public interest, Gaddani’s homelessness became his cardinal sin.
In a world where truth is often abandoned and sold at exorbitant prices, upholding it can be a death sentence. To his murderers, Gaddani’s long-standing philosophy and slogan, ‘Bhotar my foot’—meaning ‘feudal lords under my foot’—was a direct challenge to their authority. The murder of Nasrullah Gaddani underscores the urgent need to address the deep-rooted feudal system in Sindh. It is imperative for the rule of law to prevail and for justice to be served not only for Gaddani but for all victims of feudal oppression. As awareness grows and calls for reform intensify, there is hope that Sindh can move towards a more just and equitable society.
The writer is a journalist based in Karachi.
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