Indigenous rights

Yesterday (August 9) marked the annual International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples – a day meant to honour and raise awareness about indigenous communities around the globe. In Pakistan, events like this provide an opportunity to draw attention to the issues facing indigenous peoples like the Bagri community, who are battling considerable problems including discrimination and socioeconomic deprivation. The Bagri people are an important part of the heritage of Sindh.

However, they regularly experience unfair treatment. Discrimination against them is still common, most notably in educational institutions and social settings. We need to stop discrimination and work on including the Bagri community in all areas of life. This means making sure they have equal access to education, healthcare, and other opportunities.

Muhammad Shahjahan Memon

Islamabad