Karachi: The Meghwar community of Sukkur Division celebrated Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day with a large gathering in Mirpur Mathelo, district Ghotki, reaffirming its enduring loyalty to Pakistan and expressing a collective resolve to contribute to the country’s progress while addressing social challenges confronting the community.
The gathering was attended by Panchayat leaders, Sadhus and Sants, community elders, representatives and a large number of young people. The event combined the spirit of Independence Day with a serious discussion on community development, social responsibility and the need to review certain traditional practices in the light of changing social and economic realities.
The first session was dedicated to Jashan-e-Azadi, during which a cake cutting was performed to mark the 79th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence. Prayers were also offered for the peace, stability, prosperity and progress of the country.
Participants paid tribute to members of the Meghwar community serving in
the Pakistan Army, Police and Education Department, acknowledging their sacrifices, professional services and contributions to Pakistan. Speakers said the Meghwar community had remained an integral part of the country’s social fabric and had consistently contributed to national institutions and public service.
The gathering was addressed and attended by prominent community representatives, including Mukhi Santosh Kumar, Bhagwan Das Mangi, Manik Ram, Wishin Das, Ameet Kumar, District Councillor Ameet Kumar, Mukhi Babu Hardas, Mukhi Daulat Ram, Mukhi Daryano Mal, Mukhi Dadan Arshi, Mukhi Nand Lal, Mukhi Sho Lal, Mukhi Vapari Lal, Vijesh Kumar and Comrade Kishin Lal, among others.
Sadhus and Sants participating in the gathering included Sant Mohan Lal Kabir Panthi, Sant Ajmal Sadh, Sant Nand Lal, Sant Vijay Kumar Sadh and Sant Panhu Sadh.
The presence of community elders, spiritual figures, Panchayat representatives and young people provided an opportunity for dialogue between generations and different sectio
ns of Meghwar society. Participants described the gathering as an important platform for combining national celebration with constructive community reflection.
During the second session, participants held an open and detailed discussion on a range of social issues, including marriage practices, substance use among young people, education, girls’ access to higher education, exchange marriages and responsible family planning.
Speakers expressed concern over engagements and marriages being arranged in haste, sometimes resulting in relationships breaking down prematurely. They stressed that marriage should be approached with maturity, mutual understanding and compatibility rather than being treated merely as a social obligation.
The growing use of intoxicants by young people at weddings and other social gatherings was also strongly criticised. Participants called for greater parental responsibility, community awareness and collective efforts to protect the younger generation from harmful habits and their socia
l consequences.
Education was identified as a key instrument for community development. Participants emphasised that children should be encouraged towards education through counselling, motivation and understanding, rather than unnecessary pressure. Particular emphasis was placed on girls’ education and access to higher education so that young women could become confident, skilled and economically independent members of society.
The participants also discussed the social implications of exchange or give-and-take marriages and stressed the importance of responsible family planning. They observed that smaller and better-supported families were more capable of providing children with quality education, healthcare and improved opportunities for the future.
A significant outcome of the gathering was the decision to establish impartial committees comprising responsible, serious and socially conscious members of the community. The committees would examine the issues discussed and propose practical measures for ad
dressing them.
Participants also emphasised that traditional Panchayat institutions should not necessarily be discarded but strengthened and modernised to respond effectively to contemporary educational, social and economic challenges.
The role of young people was highlighted as essential to the community’s future.
The Mirpur Mathelo gathering was therefore seen not merely as an Independence Day celebration, but as an expression of national pride coupled with a commitment to community reform.
