Social advocacy group attacked in Ghotki

Members of the Tehreek-e-Niswan, a cultural and social advocacy group, were attacked by alleged robbers near Ghotki while they were touring rural Sindh to raise awareness about mental health issues. However, no case has been registered by local police.

Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Saturday, Tehreek-e-Niswan founder Sheema Kermani said that the attack took place two days earlier during the group's campaign to destigmatise mental health in rural Sindh. "Our team was attacked by armed men. One of our colleagues was shot in the hand and another in the leg. It is a miracle that we survived," she added.

Kermani expressed outrage over the police response, saying that instead of registering an FIR, police questioned why they were traveling at night. "This response reflects the broader issue of impunity and negligence towards those working for social change," she added.

Tehreek-e-Niswan, which has performed over 100 plays highlighting the brutal tradition of Karo Kari (honour killings) in rural Sindh, had recently shifted its focus to the growing crisis of mental health, aiming to engage people through street theatre and interactive performances.

Kermani said that Tehreek-e-Niswan operates within the framework of the Constitution and advocates peace, justice, and equality through art. "We believe every citizen has the right to live without fear and to move freely within the country," she said.

She called upon the Sindh government and police to take immediate action. "We demand a transparent investigation into the attack, compensation for our losses, and protection for our team. The cycle of violence and intimidation against social workers and artists must end."

While responding to a question, Kermani suggested that the assault might not have been a random act of robbery. "There is a possibility that this was a targeted attempt to silence us for speaking out against Karo Kari and other entrenched social injustices," she said.