By Hassan khan
Rahim Yar Khan: As part of the ongoing Economic Justice campaign, a unique and impactful protest event was held at the historic Patan Munara, an ancient lighthouse dating back approximately 3,000 years, located along the banks of the Hakra River (formerly the tributary of Saraswati River in India). Patan Munara is situated 8 kilometers southeast of the Rahim Yar Khan Railway Station.
The purpose of this distinctive protest was to highlight the importance of preserving this historical site and draw the government’s attention to the economic injustice faced by the large population residing in the surrounding areas.
Abdul Rub Farooqi, representing Jaag Welfare Movement, Awaz Foundation, Pakistan Development Alliance, and Global Call to Action Against Poverty, addressed the participants and emphasized the need for special measures, including the introduction of Universal Health Coverage, Universal Pension, and Social Protection schemes, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities (PWDs), and the transgender community.
Guru Sukh Dev Ji, a religious leader of the Hindu community, spoke about the long-standing issue of land ownership in the area. Despite having lived here for thousands of years, the community still lacks land for cultivation. He urged the government to provide land for agricultural purposes and also called for the preservation of Patan Munara as a tourist attraction, with necessary facilities to be provided.
Ashok Kumar, a social activist, highlighted the plight of many skilled youth who are unable to start their own businesses due to a lack of funding and access to loans. He called upon the government to support these young individuals financially so they can contribute to the economy.
Dharmindar Kumar, a youth leader, also advocated for the inclusion of young people in mainstream economic activities, urging the government to provide opportunities and resources for their economic empowerment.
The event was a significant success, with a large turnout of participants. It was organized with the collaboration of Jaag Welfare Movement, Awaz Foundation, Pakistan Development Alliance, Global Call to Action Against Poverty, and a new partner, The Summit of the Future.
Participants stressed the need for the preservation of Patan Munara as a valuable historical site and called for concrete steps to be taken by the government to address economic injustice, ensuring equal opportunities for all, particularly the marginalized and disadvantaged communities.
Key Demands Raised at the Event:
Implementation of Universal Health Coverage.
Introduction of Universal Pension and Social Protection programs for the elderly, people with disabilities (PWDs), and the transgender community.
Preservation and development of Patan Munara as a tourism site with necessary facilities.
Financial support programs, such as loans, for skilled youth to start their own businesses.
Provision of agricultural land to the landless communities that have lived in the region for centuries.
