Sindhi rights leader calls on UK activists to join London protest over enforced disappearances
Sarang Hyder, also known as Sarang Sindhi, coordinator of the Europe chapter of the Voice for Missing Persons of Sindh (VMPS), has appealed to human rights activists from Sindhi, Baloch, Pashtoon, Seraiki, Kashmiri and Gilgiti-Balti communities to take part in a protest in London on August 30, which is observed as the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
The demonstration is organized by the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) and is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 3 PM near 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister. A VMPS Europe Chapter delegation is also expected to attend and express solidarity with families of missing persons, according to Hyder.
Hyder claimed that more than 100 Sindhi political activists are currently missing or allegedly being held by Pakistani security and intelligence agencies. He alleged that agencies including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Military Intelligence (MI), Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have been linked to cases involving political activists. Families and rights groups have expressed concerns over alleged torture, intimidation, enforced disappearances and other forms of mistreatment, he said.
Hyder cited the cases of activists including Ayoub Kandhro, Sohail Raza Bhatti, Aijaz Gaho, Rashid Khoso, Akash Mallah and Anwer Burdi. He described enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and alleged suppression of political dissent as a serious human rights concern, and accused Pakistani state institutions and security agencies of using coercive measures against political activists, journalists, intellectuals, rights campaigners and others who challenge official policies.
According to Hyder, the London demonstration will seek to bring together representatives of several communities and human rights groups in a collective call against enforced disappearances, political repression and restrictions on fundamental freedoms. He said the protest would send a united message in support of human rights, justice, democracy, freedom of expression and the safe return of missing persons.
Hyder urged the international community to speak out on behalf of families seeking information about missing relatives in Pakistan. He also called on British parliamentarians, journalists, lawyers, civil society organisations and human rights defenders to participate in the demonstration and support calls for independent investigations into allegations of abductions, enforced disappearances, torture and other abuses reportedly involving Pakistani security and intelligence agencies.