Centre comes under fire in assembly

In a tumultuous session on Wednesday, the federal government and its policies came under fire as the Sindh Assembly adopted a resolution demanding it immediately withdraw the controversial Pakistan Islands Development Authority (PIDA) Ordinance, promulgated by President Arif Alvi last month.

During the one-day session, summoned only to discuss matters related to Bundal and Buddo islands, the house also passed another resolution expressing concern over the alleged abduction of the provincial police chief leading up to the arrest of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Maryam Nawaz's husband Capt (retd) Safdar.

Paying glowing tribute to Sindh's policemen for their sacrifices, the resolution demanded that the investigation announced by the provincial government and the chief of army staff be brought to its logical end with action against those responsible.

Disputed territory

As legislators from Sindh's ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stood to move the resolution against the PIDA Ordinance, the house echoed with slogans from the opposing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, met with resounding shouts from the treasury benches.

Interestingly, MPAs from the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) - part of the ruling coalition in PTI's federal government - voted in favour of the resolution, along with PTI lawmaker Shaharyar Shar.

After a brief protest, opposition members walked out of the assembly.

The PIDA Ordinance, promulgated for the development and management of Sindh and Balochistan's islands, has met much outcry since it was revealed.

Moved by PPP's Mahmood Alam Jamot, the resolution termed the ordinance unlawful and a violation of Article 97 of the Constitution, by giving unauthorised, unlawful control and ownership of Sindh's islands to the Centre.

The islands along a province's coast are the respective provincial government's exclusive property in view of the Constitution, read the two-page resolution, adding that the ordinance in question was tantamount to altering Sindh's limits.

It further said neither the federal government nor any other authority had rights over islands that belong to the provincial governments.

In an emotional speech, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said, "This is our land. All of Sindh, irrespective of party affiliations, is up in arms against the federal government's decision."

Calling it an attack on Sindh's integrity, he insisted he was ready for any sacrifice but would not compromise on this issue, adding that he would not negotiate with the federal government until the ordinance was withdrawn.

As GDA lawmakers criticised the Sindh government for initially supporting the Centre and issuing a NOC for the islands' development, Shah claimed the province had not done so.

Meanwhile, GDA's Nusrat Seher Abbasi insisted the house take up the resolution she had submitted in this regard to the assembly secretariat. Condemning the Centre's move, her resolution also called on the CM and his cabinet to resign for allegedly giving the federal government its consent.

"Let's discuss the current [PPP] resolution and then we can look at yours," responded speak Agha Siraj Durrani, saying he would give the floor to another legislator if she was unwilling to speak about the first resolution.

Accusing the Sindh government of trying to fool the people, Abbasi in her speech said, "Everyone in Sindh knows the provincial government has given its consent for building a city on the islands. The decision was only taken back after strong resistance from the people, but it's not the first time you [Sindh government] has made a U-turn."

Durrani later gave the floor to PTI's Shar, whose speech met thumps of appreciation from the rest of the legislators. "Among 30 MPAs, I alone cannot compromise on the rights of my motherland, Sindh. I know the repercussion and the party leadership can question me about it. But I will continue my support when it comes to Sindh's solidarity and integrity."

IG's 'abduction'

The house roundly condemned the alleged abduction of Sindh IGP Mushtaq Mahar as well.

In a resolution moved by PPP's Dr Sohrab Sarki, the assembly voiced its concern over the incident and demanded that action be taken against those found responsible in the ongoing inquiry.

"In the wake of the unfortunate incident that took place on the night of October 18, dozens of senior police officers including the IGP have been demoralised," said the resolution. "They opted to go on leave, but due to the timely efforts of the PPP leadership and CM, the province was saved from the crisis."

The assembly further assured police personnel of all ranks of its full support.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2020.