The Sindh Assembly is likely to adopt a resolution today (Wednesday) condemning the Pakistan Islands Development Authority Ordinance and calling for its withdrawal.
The Ordinance, promulgated by the Centre, has met with increasing criticism from several corners since it first came into public knowledge.
The issue may cause uproar in the house as all opposition parties in the Pakistan Peoples Party-led Sindh government, with the exception of the Grand Democratic Alliance, have decided to oppose the move.
Amid the deeply charged political atmosphere that has only heightened since the 11-party alliance announced its movement against the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) the concerns of local populace, environmentalists, fishing communities, academics and civil activists are likely to be swept under the carpet as the rift between political opponents widens.
Lawmakers of the GDA, who perceive the Ordinance as an encroachment on the rights of Sindh’s people, calling for its withdrawals implies cracks in the PTI’s coalition government in the Centre. But the federal government is adamant to continue with what it calls a development project and has awarded tenders as well.
‘Sindh rejects island
ordinance’
“Our government has rejected the presidential Ordinance promulgated to illegally occupy the islands in Sindh and Balochistan,” said Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah addressing a press conference on Tuesday. “I am surprised that the federal government knowing that the Sindh government has withdrawn its permission letter has started inviting Expression of Interest for development of the island.”
The provincial assembly is meeting on Wednesday (today) to demand of the Centre to withdraw the Ordinance, announced the CM.
“Sindh cabinet has already rejected the ordinance. The assembly is the highest forum and represents the people of Sindh, so we are going to move a resolution today on this issue,” Sindh Information Minister Nasir Hussain Shah told the media.
The Ordinance has invited the ire of other political parties, nationalists, writers and civil society activists in Sindh and several protests and rallies have been held calling for its revocation.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, GDA MPA Razzaq Rahimoon said that his party may be part of the coalition government in the Centre but it won’t compromise on Sindh’s rights. “We will not go against the decision which is not in favor of Sindh.”
Rahimoon held the provincial government equally responsible for the matter. “The Sindh land allotment department gave its consent to hand over islands to federal government. Now, the PPP government has taken a U Turn following the anger of Sindh’s people against the decision,” he said.
The resolution submitted before the Sindh Assembly secretariat by Nusrat Seher Abbasi, Razzaq Rahimoon, Mohammad Rafique Banbhan and other lawmakers has also condemned the Sindh government for issuing the no-objection certificate to begin with. “It’s clear that Sindh government has given NOC for encroaching on the island. This act was equal to betrayal to the soil of Sindh. This house demands chief minister and all cabinet members to resign because they have lost the confidence of people,” stated the GDA’s resolution. Besides, it demanded of the Centre to withdraw the Ordinance and not start any development without the consensus of people of the province.
‘Bundal Island to be iconic city of country’
Meanwhile, addressing the business community while visiting a high-rise project to be launched on the sea front under the HMR Group in Defence Housing Authority Phase VIII, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail claimed that the premier wishes to build a city on Bundal Island to provide jobs and boost economy.
Prime Minister Imran Khan envisions all support to the construction industry, said Ismail. “He knows that there are more than 70 other sectors associated with this industry. People’s employment is directly linked to it. When this industry runs, the wheel of the economy turns.”
It is with this vision in mind that the premier has announced a new city on Bundal Island, according to Ismail. “With help of the Almighty and support of builders and investors, Bundal Island will become the iconic city of Pakistan. It is only a mile and a half away [from DHA Phase VIII].”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2020.
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