Press release

HRCP demands judicial inquiry into Moro protest incident

Lahore, 6 June 2025. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for an immediate and independent judicial inquiry into the events surrounding the 20 May protest in Moro, district Naushahro Feroze, Sindh, where a police-protester confrontation reportedly resulted in multiple injuries on both sides and fatalities among protesters; several vehicles were also reportedly set ablaze.

An HRCP fact-finding team visited Moro to investigate the events that unfolded after demonstrations erupted along the National Highway against the proposed construction of canals from the Indus River and the allocation of land for corporate farming. According to community testimonies, the protest—led by local residents, including members of the Hari Mazdoor Ittehad group—was peaceful until the police resorted to violent means. One protester, Irfan Laghari, was critically injured and later died in a Hyderabad hospital. His family maintains he had no affiliation with nationalist groups and had been demonstrating peacefully.

Shortly after the confrontation, Lanjar House—the residence of the provincial home minister—was set on fire. According to Zahid Laghari’s family, private individuals armed with heavy weapons, reportedly deployed to protect the house, opened fire. Zahid, who was not participating in the protest but happened to be nearby on personal business, was allegedly shot in the head and later succumbed to his injuries. He was 27 years old and his wife is currently expecting their first child.

The HRCP team visited Goth Bajrani Laghari, the victim’s village, where they collected testimonies from the families of the deceased, local journalists and teachers. The team attempted to meet police officials at the Moro police station, but the station house officer declined to comment, stating that only the senior superintendent of police (SSP) could speak on the matter. The SSP could not be contacted on account of suspended cellular services. The team also visited Lanjar House, but no one agreed to meet them.

The mission was informed that over 400 individuals have allegedly been falsely implicated in criminal and terrorism cases and that dozens—including political workers—have either been arrested or are missing. In several cases, first information reports (FIRs) have been registered in districts far from Moro, including Shikarpur and Mirpurkhas. The FIR for the arson at Lanjar House names senior opposition figures. Since 20 May, mobile services in the area have remained suspended and a visible police presence continues to create an atmosphere of fear among residents.

Given that the incident occurred in the constituency of the provincial home minister and that political rivals have been named in the FIRs, HRCP questions the impartiality of the police-led investigation announced by the Sindh inspector general of police. We therefore urge the Sindh government to announce an independent judicial inquiry without delay to establish the facts, ensure accountability and uphold the rights of all citizens involved.

Asad Iqbal Butt
Chairperson