Abdul Raheem Shaikh
Although the 21st century is an era of development and moderation, where the rule of law and democracy are respected and upheld in many parts of the world, the situation in Pakistan, especially in Sindh, is deplorable. In Sindh’s Ghotki District, which is well-known for its robbers or, in simple terms, the abduction or ransom bandits, they use technology to prey on people. They spread a trap of love using the voice of women to hijack them, and the threats of feudalism, tribalism, and illiteracy create a particularly difficult situation. In fact, one of the most pressing problems in the district is the conflict between different tribes and their petty tribal feuds, which claim the lives of many people, especially women and children, every year. Recently, a father and son from Ghota were killed in the mid-city of Ghotki near Gala Mandi or Sindh bank at their shop. Prior to that, people from Sundrani killed three people in Ghotki city, including two young individuals and an 11-year-old child. Numerous accidents have occurred in the main city. Causes of intertribal conflict: The causes of intertribal conflict in Ghotki are various, but five main reasons can be identified. First, there is the scourge of feudalism. This should have been eradicated at the time of Pakistan’s creation, but it persists due to the apathy of those in power. Feudal lords involve civilians in false and fabricated conflicts to increase their power over the masses, especially for voting purposes. Secondly, illiteracy is widespread in Ghotki district, especially in Ghotki itself, which lacks proper general and medicle universities. As a result, people are treated as slaves to the landowners. Third, the government’s lack of will to enforce a strict rule of law is a major factor in fueling tribal conflicts. Instead of playing an active, impartial, and legitimate role in ensuring the enforcement of law and order, the public administration, especially the police, is not safe. Many police officers have been abducted recently, creating a fearful environment in Ghotki. The police have become an instrument in the hands of the landed aristocrats to oppress the peasantry. Currently, influential people often go unpunished for crimes, even those listed in First Investigation Reports (FIRs). Feudal lords use their political and tribal power to achieve impunity and use bribes to deal with the police. Other factors include unprecedented unemployment rates, which are fueling youth crime, despite the presence of many multinational companies such as Fuji Fertilizer Company (FFC), Engro Fertilizer, and Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd (OGDCL), who recruit individuals from outside the local population. Incidents of “karo-kari” or honor killings (despite being untrue) are frequently a source of fuel for conflict. There is no vibrant civil society whose members can raise awareness, educate, and work to resolve violent conflicts. Lawyers, experts, and academics are therefore unable to constructively address these social issues. Due to the combination of the above factors, the Ghotki district has fallen into a maze of tribal conflicts. Impact: Tribal conflict has increased the impact of poverty, increased unemployment, and the ignorance of the educated segment of society. These tribal conflicts give government authorities and officials additional impetus to ignore their obligations to their citizens regarding safety and security. Economic activity will cease, the agricultural sector will suffer, and businesses will close. The use of schoolyards and buildings by tribal leaders makes schools in this district particularly dangerous. This causes teachers to leave the teaching profession and instead take up other professions, jeopardizing the future of the next generation. Even the police have been known to avoid certain areas for fear of getting involved in tribal conflicts. The following tribes are constantly involved in violent conflict: Ghota Behrii, Chachar Sabzoee, Sundrani, Sawand, and Shar Panhwar, among others. This human tragedy has claimed the lives of more than 100 women, including renowned professor Sir Ajmal Sawand, in the past eight months. This massacre of people under the guise of feudal and tribal conflict must be stopped immediately. In conclusion, the Sindh Government should take strict measures to stop tribal conflicts in Ghotki and should launch a collective operation involving the army and police from both Punjab and Sindh. It is a humble request to the noble men of Ghotki, particularly the Sardars of Ghotki, to come forward and stop them. They can come for votes, so they can come for the welfare of their people.