Karachi: In response to escalating environmental and social crises, a coalition of working-class women, along with political and human rights organizations, announced their participation in the upcoming Mehnatkash Aurat Rally.

According to a statement by Home-Based Women Workers Federation, the rally will be held on March 8, coinciding with International Working Women’s Day, to protest against the systematic exploitation of the Indus River and the ensuing environmental degradation in Sindh.

Representatives at a press conference emphasized the dire impact of climate change and exploitative water and agricultural projects on Sindh’s ancient civilization. They highlighted the severe consequences of policies that have led to the destruction of the Indus Delta and the disappearance of mangrove forests, with coastal villages facing submersion and millions displaced. The continuous plundering of natural resources, they noted, poses a significant threat to the region’s existence.

The activists pointed to the historical resistance of Sindh against water aggression, citing the defeat of the controversial Kalabagh Dam project as a pivotal victory. However, they warned of ongoing threats from new canal constructions aimed at redirecting Indus River water under initiatives like the Green Pakistan Initiative, which they argued prioritize military and corporate interests over the local populace.

The rally, set to begin from the Youth Auditorium and conclude at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi, aims to unite thousands of women workers, farmers, and environmental victims. Rally organizers have urged all citizens and organizations supportive of Sindh’s environmental and social well-being to join their cause.

Key speakers at the press conference included leaders from various labor, human rights, and community organizations, all calling for a collective effort to combat the environmental and social challenges facing Sindh.