Secular retreat

The recent brutal murder of Dr Shahnawaz Khumbar due to false charges in Umerkot, Sindh symbolises the growing threat posed by extremists in historically secular Sindh. Incidents like these are very uncommon in this region. Ironically, police officers were involved in this heinous act and everyone seems to be helpless before the unruly mobs that kill people over allegations without concrete proof and investigation.

Amidst this chaos, it is encouraging to see a strong response from human rights defenders, artists, and scholars who have risen in resistance. It is now or never for Sindh to stand up for its secular ethos.

Nasir Soomro

Karachi