Nationalists sound alarm over 'federal control' bid

Chandio and Palijo warn of resistance, accuse PPP and Centre of conspiring over coastal areas, canals, and provincial

HYDERABAD:

Leaders of Sindhi nationalist parties on Sunday warned of strong political resistance against any move to place Karachi and other coastal districts under federal control, alleging that such plans were being pursued under the guise of amendments to the local government law.

Addressing a meeting of the Jeay Sindh Mahaz (JSM) in Hyderabad, Chairman Riaz Ali Chandio cautioned that attempts were being made to increase federal control over Sindh's coastal cities.

He alleged that the PPP and feudal elements in the province were colluding with the federal government in this regard.

Chandio further claimed that construction of new canals on the Indus River was quietly progressing, while the PPP-led Sindh government was "pretending to be unaware" of the development.

Referring to a proposed 28th constitutional amendment, he alleged that it could empower the National Assembly to alter provincial boundaries. "The aim is to create new provinces and erase Sindh's historical identity," he claimed.

The JSM leader also criticised the provincial government over what he described as rampant corruption, poor governance, and deteriorating law and order.

He accused authorities of allowing tribal conflicts and criminal activities in riverine areas to flourish, and alleged that honour killings were being effectively "institutionalised" in the province.

Meanwhile, Qaumi Awami Tehreek (QAT) President Ayaz Latif Palijo, addressing a public gathering in Nooriabad, Jamshoro district, levelled similar allegations against the PPP government.

He claimed that police attempted to stop him and his supporters from reaching the venue, forcing them to proceed on foot.

Palijo criticised the PPP's democratic credentials, terming them a "pretence," and alleged that the party sought to establish a system where the public remained subservient to ruling elites.

He also accused the federal government of allowing Sindh to become a "colony of corruption," while holding the provincial administration responsible for lawlessness, honour killings, kidnappings, and exploitation of farmers, peasants, and urban workers.

Challenging the Sindh government's authority, Palijo opposed the transfer of cultivable land for corporate farming projects initiated by the federal government, alleging that the center was primarily interested in exploiting Sindh's resources while ignoring governance and law and order issues affecting millions in the province.