In a world increasingly fractured by misinformation and yellow journalism one name resonates as a beacon of truth in the rugged landscape of Pakistani journalism: Sohail Sangi. Known as the "voice of resistance," Sangi has spent decades not just reporting stories but challenging power structures and uplifting the oppressed voices of Sindh. His path—marked by hardship, resilience, and unapologetic defiance—paints the story of a man who has chosen, time and again, to stand at the frontier of Pakistan’s struggle for justice.
A Humble Beginning in the Heart of Tharparkar
Sohail Sangi was born in 1953 in Janjhi, a small village nestled within the austere beauty of Tharparkar. His journey from the desolate landscapes of Sindh to becoming a towering figure in Pakistani media is as much about fate as it is about sheer resolve. Even as a young man studying at the University of Sindh, Sangi was drawn to activism, aligning himself with the Sindh National Students Federation—a leftist student organization that advocated for socialist principles and resistance to oppressive regimes. This early allegiance was no passing phase; it was a promise he made to himself and his homeland.
Rising in the World of Journalism: A Warrior for the Written Word
In the mid-1970s, at a time when Pakistan was grappling with political instability, Sangi took his first steps into the treacherous world of journalism. He joined Daily Sindh News and later worked with Daily Ibrat, Daily Safeer, Daily Awami Awaz, and Daily Kawish. With every article, every editorial, Sangi sharpened his pen like a sword, challenging narratives that were spoon-fed by authoritarian regimes and corrupt politicians. His voice became synonymous with resistance—a voice that carried the weight of Sindhi history, culture, and struggle.
Sangi didn’t just witness history; he helped shape it. His involvement with publications like Weekly Bedari and Weekly Sachai allowed him to nurture a new breed of progressive activists within the Sindhi media. For Sangi, journalism was not merely a career—it was a mission, a battle against the unjust and oppressive forces that plagued Pakistan.
The Dark Years: Persecution and Prison
In July 1980, Sangi’s defiance of authority came at a high price. Arrested under the military regime of General Zia-ul-Haq, he faced charges of sedition along with prominent figures like Jam Saqi and Nazeer Abbasi. These were dark times. In the confines of a military court, facing trumped-up charges for attempting to spark a socialist revolution, Sangi stood his ground. His resilience in the face of persecution earned him the title of "Prisoner of Conscience" by Amnesty International in 1984.
This was not just a trial; it was a test of his soul, a crucible that transformed him into a symbol of hope and resilience for his people. And though he spent years behind bars, his spirit remained unbroken. He was finally released in 1985, emerging not as a defeated man, but as a figure more defiant, more unyielding, more committed to his cause than ever before.
A Legacy of Defiance: The Pioneer of Resistance Journalism
Sohail Sangi’s name has become emblematic of "resistance journalism" in Sindh. This is no small feat in a region where speaking out against injustice often invites swift and brutal retribution. In a country where journalists disappear overnight or face violence for reporting inconvenient truths, Sangi stands as an example of bravery and sacrifice.
But his contribution goes beyond his own work. Sangi has actively mentored countless young journalists, instilling in them the same unshakable belief in justice and freedom of speech. He pioneered Sindhi-language media, introducing computerized news publishing through Daily Awami Awaz, empowering local communities to have their stories told in their own language.
Beyond Borders: A Voice for Sindh on the Global Stage
As a freelance contributor to BBC Urdu, Sangi has taken Sindh's struggles to an international audience. Through his articles, he bridges the local and the global, shedding light on issues that the mainstream Pakistani media often overlooks or ignores. His work has transformed perceptions, providing a voice to Sindh's marginalized communities and advocating for their rights on an international platform.
Why We Must Remember and Learn from Sohail Sangi’s Fight
Sohail Sangi’s story is not merely one of individual perseverance; it’s a testament to the power of journalism as a tool for social change. His life compels us to question: What does it mean to be a journalist in a country where truth itself is often under siege? What sacrifices are we willing to make for the principles we hold dear?
Sohail Sangi’s journey, marked by trials and triumphs, demands not just respect but a commitment to carry forward his legacy. In a time when the world teeters on the brink of disinformation and fear, Sangi’s life is a clarion call for all who believe in the power of the press. His courage serves as a guide, his words as a weapon, and his legacy as a reminder that, no matter the cost, the truth must always prevail.
As we reflect on Sohail Sangi's life, let us not merely admire his bravery from afar. Let us, too, pick up the mantle he has carried with such strength and remember that every voice raised against injustice, every word written in defiance of tyranny, carries the potential to change the world.
