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Umme Rubab Chandio

Human Rights Activist · Author · Lawyer

سرداری نظام ایک قید کی مانند ہے جس کی سلاخیں سرداروں کی “رائے” پہ مبنی ہوتی ہیں کہ آپ نے زندگی کیسے گزارنی ہے۔

The feudal system is like a prison whose bars are built from the landlords’ opinion of how you should live your life.

Read my storyAzaan e Inqalab
Umme Rubab Chandio speaking in a media interview

My story

My name is Umme Rubab Chandio. I am a human rights activist, author and lawyer. I have done my law degree and an MA in political science.

On 17 January 2018, my entire world — my happiness, my support, and my sense of security — was taken from me. My father, Mukhtar Ahmed, was killed in cold blood along with my grandfather and my uncle, because of his relentless opposition to the feudal Sardars. I was in my first year of law studies when the triple murder occurred.

I narrated my whole story and those tragic experiences in my book,Azaan e Inqalab.

My vision

I strongly believe that abolishing the feudal system in Pakistan is necessary to promote social justice, economic development, political stability, human rights, and national unity. Achieving this requires a combination of land reforms, education, and legal reforms.

My mission is to eradicate feudalism in Sindh while promoting education and human rights for all. People in rural Sindh have long been weary of living as slaves under ruthless feudal lords, yet no one had the courage to speak out. As a young woman boldly raising the banner against them, I inspired others to join me. With the collective support of the community, we declared17 January 2023 as Anti-Feudalism Day.

  • Umme Rubab Chandio campaigning against feudalism — photograph 1
  • Umme Rubab Chandio campaigning against feudalism — photograph 2
  • Umme Rubab Chandio campaigning against feudalism — photograph 3
  • Umme Rubab Chandio campaigning against feudalism — photograph 4
  • Reading session

    Reading session

  • Shrine visit

    Shrine visit

  • Speaking event

    Speaking event

What happened — and where the case stands

  1. 17 January 2018

    Umme Rubab's father, Mukhtiar Ahmed Chandio, her grandfather, Karamullah Chandio, and her paternal uncle, Qabil Chandio, were gunned down outside their home. She was in her first year of law studies.

  2. After the killings

    She appealed to the then Chief Justice of Pakistan, Saqib Nisar, urging him to take notice of the case. Her plea elevated it to high-profile status in Sindh.

  3. The obstacle

    Both suspects — MPA Sardar Khan Chandio and his brother, MPA Burhan Khan Chandio — are members of the Pakistan People's Party and have served as aides to the Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah. It is widely believed this closeness has obstructed the pursuit of justice.

  4. Arrests

    Two of the accused, Ali Gohar Chandio and Sikandar Chandio, were arrested and jailed. Murtaza Chandio and Zulfiqar Chandio were also arrested following the intervention of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

  5. Indictment

    A model trial court in Dadu indicted the two brothers, both sitting MPAs, in the triple murder case in Mehar town. Both were summoned by the court to proceed with the case.

  6. First victory

    Dadu's Criminal Model Trial Court formally charged Sardar Khan Chandio — her first victory against the feudal lords. Trial court judge Nadeem Babar delivered the reserved verdict. Evidence is currently being recorded at the Model Criminal Trial Court, Dadu.

Umme Rubab Chandio pursuing her case

Despite serious threats to her life, Umme Rubab is fighting her case in the court of law — the only hope a layman has against the corrupt elite.

Achievements so far

As my struggle against feudals continues, I have achieved some significant milestones in my journey for justice. I will fight till my last drop of blood and breath.

  • Milestone in the campaign for justice — photograph 1
  • Milestone in the campaign for justice — photograph 2
  • Milestone in the campaign for justice — photograph 3
  • Milestone in the campaign for justice — photograph 4

The book

Azaan e Inqalab — a call to revolution

During the last six years of relentless struggle against the powerful elite, I witnessed firsthand how a ruthless system works tirelessly to protect the privileged and oppress the common people. I observed the inner workings of the police, judiciary, politicians, human rights activists, and media with a critical eye. I identified the flaws within our system and proposed solutions to address them in my book.

In it I critically analyse why feudalism is inherently evil and argue for the urgent need to put an end to it. I dedicated the book to my beloved father, my caring grandfather, my loving uncle, and all the courageous voices of resistance against feudalism.

  • Azaan e Inqalab — photograph 1
  • Azaan e Inqalab — photograph 2
  • Azaan e Inqalab — photograph 3
  • Azaan e Inqalab — photograph 4

Recognition

  • Best Social Activist
  • Lady Zainab Award — Jinnah Ka Pakistan Organisation
  • Humanitarian Shield — Al-Khidmat Foundation
  • Award and recognition — photograph 1
  • Award and recognition — photograph 2
  • Award and recognition — photograph 3
  • Award and recognition — photograph 4