The feudal or wadera system is a social and economic system that has historically been prevalent in the Sindh and Balochistan regions of Pakistan. The term "wadera" refers to a feudal, landlord or a wealthy landowner who holds a significant amount of land and wields a great deal of influence in the local community. Under the wadera system, the waderas are responsible for maintaining law and order in their respective areas and for providing protection and support to the people who live on their land. In return, the people living on the land are expected to pay rent and taxes to the wadera, and to provide labor and other services as needed. But Sadly, it’s not true what it seems in Pakistan.

The wadera system has a long history in Sindh and Balochistan, with roots dating back to the pre-colonial period. During this time, the waderas were often the de facto rulers of their local communities, with the power to make decisions and resolve disputes. In Pakistan, feudals take disadvantage of their power in every term. However, the wadera system has also been criticized for its feudal nature and the exploitation of the people living on the land. The waderas have been accused of using their power and influence to extract exorbitant rents and taxes from the people living on their land, and of using their power to oppress and discriminate against those who challenge their authority. The wadera system has also been criticized for perpetuating inequality and promoting a culture of corruption. Some argue that the influence of waderas has contributed to a lack of democratic accountability in the region, as waderas often use their power and influence to maintain their positions of authority and resist efforts to promote greater transparency and accountability.

One important aspect of the justice system in Sindh is the role of wadera, a term used to refer to influential landowners or feudal lords in the region. These individuals often wield significant political and social power and can use their influence to manipulate the justice system to their advantage. For example, a wadera may use their connections to bribe or intimidate judges or lawyers to obtain a favorable outcome in a legal case. This can lead to widespread injustice, as ordinary people may be unable to access justice due to their lack of connections or resources.

The most recent case of human rights violation and an act of brutality is highlighted in mainstream media nowadays. Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran who belongs to Balochistan Awami Party is alleged for keeping the presence of a private jail in the Barkhan district of Balochistan. Khetran is accused of capturing and killing 3 innocent villagers. Initially, it was reported that the deceased were Giran Naz, wife of Khan Muhammad Marri and her two sons Mohammad Nawaz, in his 20s, and Abdul Qadir, in his teens. However, according to a post-mortem report, the deceased woman was not Giran Naz, but rather, a teenage girl. Giran Naz and her two children (a son and a daughter) were recovered in a raid according to the Levies. They further added that the raid was conducted in the hilly area near the Dukki-Barkhan border by the Levies Force Sibi Range. This confirms a criminal mindset in our midst, where a powerful person breaks the law with impunity and the system stands by as a mere spectator.

In November 2021, another incident happened in Sindh. Nazim Jokhio murder case is a high-profile murder case in the history of Pakistan where a feudal permanently shuts down the mouth of a local news reporter. Jam Abdul Karim Bijar a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from NA-236 (Member of Pakistan’s People Part) allegedly tortured and murdered Nazim Sajwal Jokhio in Salar Kot, Sindh. This case was not only an act of brutality but also an act of Human Rights Violation.

On 17th January 2018, Karamullah Chandio along with his two sons were killed by a group of armed men in Ahmed Colony in Mehar Sindh. Two suspected feudal MPAs of the Sindh Assembly, Nawab Sardar Khan Chandio and his brother Nawabzada Burhan Chandio are alleged for killing Karamulah Chandio and his sons. The MPAs are not guilty of the charges and have already obtained bail from the court. The daughter of Karamullah Chandio, Umme Rubab Chandio, is still seeking justice for the death of his father and brothers for the last 5 years.

Another incident occurred in December 2012 when Shahrukh Jatoi, son of feudal Sikander Jatoi along with his fellows shot 20 year-old Shahzeb Khan dead, in DHA Karachi. The case was heard in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) where Shahrukh Jatoi and Siraj Talpur were sentenced to death but later on Sindh High Court (SHC) converted the death sentence to life imprisonment. Jatoi and the Talpur family were strong in power and, soon after Shahrukh was sentenced to life imprsonment, Shahzeb’s parents were pressured to approach the court to pardon the culprits. Shahrukh Jatoi and his partners in crime spent their imprisonment in elite lifestyle, just like a home. After 10 years, on 22nd November 2022, Shahrukh Jatoi was freed from Malir Jail with no regret.

In most murder cases, according to Islamic principles, the perpetrator offers blood money in exchange for freedom to the victim’s. Willingly or forcefully, the victim’s family has to accept the offer to avoid more bloodshed. The judicial system of Pakistan should be quick to make decisions, otherwise these feudals will cross the boundaries of human rights. Delays in the judicial system are not due to any external factors, these are endemic. Pointing fingers at external factors is nothing more than blame-shifting. Voices must again be raised to undo this act of injustice, maybe through an appeal to the apex court and ensure that nobody is above and beyond the grip of the law.

Annas Mangi is in the final year of undergraduate studies at the Government and Public Policy,  National Defence University, Islamabad. He is also a contributing writer and author at the Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research and The Friday Times. His areas of interest are International Politics, Sustainability, International Relations, and Policy Studies.