PA urged to legislate for 'rights of Sindh'

In a letter to Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani on Sunday, Jeay Sindh Mahaz Chairperson Riaz Ali Chandio condemned the federation and urged legislators to safeguard the rights of the people and land of the province.

Mahaz put forth the demand for legislation to protect the coastal areas and islands of Sindh. Ownership rights should be given to native sailors of Sindh who live along the coastal belt from Karachi to Badin, he wrote, adding that their livelihoods must also be protected. Mahaz called for the suspension of residential projects in these areas and the creation of an environment that is conducive for fishing and marine life.

Similarly, he urged the provincial assembly to rid Sindh's forests of all governmental and non-governmental occupation and build new forests to improve the ecosystem.

Among other demands, the nationalist leader sought an end to construction of housing schemes on agricultural lands of Karachi, Jamshoro, Thatta and Tharparkar. No outsider company, whether national or international, should have the right to buy land in Sindh, he wrote.

Moreover, he called for legislation to restrict domicile for outsiders and provision of jobs for Sindh's people. "Government departments, such as oil, gas, coal and all industries from Karachi to Ghotki must hire Sindhi people only," wrote Mahaz.

Mahaz also reiterated the JSM's demand for the release of all missing persons and an end to extra-judicial killings.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 22^nd, 2021.