Laghari Caste of Sindh: A Historic Sindhi Lineage and the Recent Tragedy in Moro

The Laghari, often pronounced locally as Leghari لغاري, is one of the oldest Sindhi castes with historical roots that span centuries across the Sindh and Balochistan regions. Traditionally known for their tribal identity, agricultural background, and political participation, the Lagharis have long held a significant place in Sindhi cultural and socio-political life.

But in recent times, the community has found itself at the center of unrest, particularly after a tragic event in Moro that left two Laghari youth dead and raised serious concerns about human rights violations in Sindh.

Historical Roots of the Laghari Caste

The Lighari tribe is believed to descend from the Rind Baloch tribes, having migrated to Sindh generations ago and establishing themselves across Upper Sindh, particularly in the districts of Naushahro Feroze, Dadu, Sukkur, and parts of Larkana.

Known for their strong tribal bonds and cultural pride, the Laghari have contributed to Sindhi literature, agriculture, and even nationalist movements. Many prominent leaders, poets, and freedom-loving individuals have emerged from this caste.Their name is often associated with resistance, land rights, and a strong connection to Sindh’s soil and cultural identity.

The Moro Incident: A Tragic Blow to Peaceful Protest

In a deeply disturbing incident that unfolded recently in Moro, two young Lighari activists—known among their circles for their peaceful demands for Sindhi rights—were gunned down during a small road protest. Eyewitnesses report that the protest, which included a small group of Sindhi nationalist youth including Shaheed Irfan Laghari and Shaheed Zahid laghari, was being conducted without violence or threat.

However, things turned grim when local police, reportedly accompanied by private gunmen, arrived at the scene and targeted the two youth at close range. According to reports from human rights circles and witnesses:

  • The activists were shot in the mouth and feet—a brutal act seen by many as an attempt to silence and punish.
  • The shooters left the scene immediately, leaving the victims severely injured.
  • Despite being rushed to local hospitals, both succumbed to their injuries, sparking outrage across Sindh.

No official FIR (First Information Report) has been transparently made public so far, and activists allege a deliberate cover-up of the state-sanctioned violence.

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Popular Persons from the Leghari Tribe

The Laghari (Balochi: لغاری) is a prominent Baloch tribe mainly residing in Pakistan, especially across Sindh and Punjab. Over time, many notable individuals from the tribe have made significant contributions in politics, literature, and education. Among them:

  • Jamal Leghari – The current Sardar of the Leghari tribe, he is the son of the former Sardar, Farooq Leghari, who served as the President of Pakistan from 1993 to 1997. The family’s influence remains strong in southern Punjab and parts of Sindh.
  • Nabi Bakhsh Khan Baloch – A highly respected research scholar, historian, educationist, linguist, and writer, he authored over 150 books. His work spans a wide range of subjects including Sindhi folklore, history, Islamic culture, archaeology, anthropology, and musicology, making him one of the most profound intellectuals of Sindh.
  • Faqeer Shafi Muhammad Laghari – A prominent political figure in Sindh, known for his contributions to Sindhi nationalist politics and grassroots activism. He has long been associated with pro-democracy and cultural preservation movements in Sindh.

These individuals highlight the tribe’s enduring legacy in leadership, education, culture, and politics, reflecting the Leghari community’s deep-rooted impact on Sindh and Pakistan as a whole.

Community in Mourning, Questions in the Air

The Lighari community, along with several Sindhi nationalist organizations, held protests and mourning rallies in various towns and villages, including Sakrand, Kandiaro, and Nawabshah. Social media was flooded with hashtags demanding justice, and many blamed the Sindh Police and intelligence-backed private shooters for the cold-blooded killings.

Human rights advocates have condemned the incident as a violation of the right to peaceful protest, urging both the Sindh Government and national human rights bodies to take immediate action.

What It Means for Sindh’s Future

This incident adds to a growing list of enforced disappearances, targeted killings, and suppression of political dissent in Sindh. For the Laghari caste, it is more than just a tragedy—it is an attack on their youth, their voice, and their identity.

In remembering the two slain activists, Sindhis are reminded that the path to justice and dignity is still fraught with danger. The state must ensure that freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to life are protected—irrespective of political beliefs or caste identity.

Conclusion

The Laghari tribe remains a pillar of Sindh’s diverse social fabric, with deep roots in culture, resistance, and identity. As the community mourns its fallen sons, the demand for truth, accountability, and justice echoes across the province. It is time for those in power to listen—and for civil society to stand with the voiceless.