Sindh condemns Indian minister's 'delusional' remarks

The Sindh Assembly on Thursday passed a joint resolution condemning the "provocative" statement made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who claimed that Sindh was historically a part of India. The resolution — jointly tabled by both treasury and opposition benches — was unanimously supported by all lawmakers.

The development came days after the foreign ministry had strongly condemned Singh's remarks as "delusional and dangerously revisionist," saying they reflected "an expansionist Hindutva mindset that seeks to challenge established realities and stands in clear violation of international law, the inviolability of recognised borders, and the sovereignty of states."

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in the Sindh Assembly reaffirmed their unity on national defence matters, stressing that Pakistan's security remains robust under the leadership of its armed forces. They also highlighted the professional competence demonstrated by Pakistan's military in the recent Maraka-e-Haq conflict with India. Several MPAs said that India, in a state of panic, should focus on its own security instead of making historically baseless claims.

The resolution was introduced by PPP Minister Mukesh Chawla, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Zia Lanjar informing the House that the opposition had also endorsed it, making it a joint resolution. MQM's Mahesh Kumar Haseeja read the text on the floor.

Speaking on the floor of the House, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah condemned Rajnath Singh's "highly provocative and unfounded" remarks. He reminded members that Sindh's history predates even the pre-Islamic era, with ancient Sindh encompassing regions such as Multan and Makran. He added that the Sindh chapter of the Muslim League had been among the first to support the creation of Pakistan.

Referring to Singh as a minister "born in Uttar Pradesh and unaware of the Indus heritage," the chief minister said the remarks reflected frustration. "Whoever has drunk the water of the Indus cannot betray this land," he added. CM Shah stressed that Sindh is an integral part of Pakistan and urged the federal government to circulate the resolution internationally, drawing attention to India's alleged designs on the Indus River.

Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi expressed solidarity with the resolution, saying Pakistan's armed forces had given a "befitting response" to Indian aggression. He assured the House that the opposition supported the resolution above all political differences.

Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani said Pakistan's forces and people had bravely defeated India in the recent conflict, while Education Minister Sardar Shah termed Singh's statement "ignorant," noting that Sindh is a 6,000-year-old region. He remarked that if India laid claim to Sindh, Pakistan could similarly claim Gujarat and Haryana.

MQM's Muhammad Wasim advised India to "stop dreaming" and face reality, while PPP's Giyan Chand Essrani said India's leadership was "gripped with fear." Other lawmakers, including those from the Sunni Ittehad Council, MQM, and Jamaat-e-Islami, also condemned the remarks.

The resolution urges the federal government to raise the issue at international forums and condemn India's statements globally.

In other legislative business, the House reapproved the Sindh Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Amendment) Bill 2025, previously returned by the governor with objections. Law Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar re-tabled the bill, which was passed once again by the House.

Jamaat-e-Islami MPA Farooq Ahmed objected that members had not been provided copies of the amended bill and argued it should have been presented in complete form.

The session was later adjourned until 10am on Friday.