Wajid Ali Shaikh
The issue of twin islands the “Bundal” and “Buddo” has been headlines of every newspapers in Pakistan. In actual, Ordinance of taking control of these two islands, was signed in late August keeping Parliament out of the loop. Unconstitutionally, The president of Pakistan promulgated the (PIDA) Pakistan Islands Development Authority Ordinance.The Ordinance draws political uproar in Balochistan and Sindh.It goes against the 18th amendment completely, and empowers the ownership of Islands to the Center. Although, the Sindh is geographical and constitutional custodian of these islands. Sindh Govt demands an immediate withdraw of “illegal” Ordinance. Sindh’s ruling party “Pakistan peoples Party” refused to hold talks to the Center on this issue, and have shown a stronger reaction. In recent statements, (PPP) showed the spirit of standing against ordinance till doomsday. akistan Peoples Party as convinced (PDM) Pakistan Democratic Movement to be supportive against this Ordinance. Additionally, PDM has taken stand on this issue in their recent political and public gatherings. The narrative of Pakistan Peoples Party seems very clear regarding this issue. Even though, provisional government doesn’t look ready to give no objection certificate (NOC) to the federal government. Sindh-based political parties…. Awami Tehreek, Jeay Sindh Tehreek, (JUI.F)mainly the Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party (STPP) went on protest in Karachi. Number of of people participated in the rally that began from Malir and got end near the Governor House. Where the letter was submitted by party leadership for the president of Pakistan Dr:Arif Alvi. Expressing party’s concerns and rejecting the presidential ordinance. Civil society also rejects the plan of developing new city on these two islands. Claiming that, it is going to be an attack on rights province as well as on Sindhis. Moreover, it is said that, The federal government as well as provisional have failed to manage existing city(Karachi). So, How a new city can be managed? Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) went for protest too on the construction of a new city in “Bundal” and “Dingi”. riticizing the federal vernment the chairman f (PFF) mentioned the failure attempts of Musharraf government in 2000 and 2006 as well as the PPP’s project of developing islands that was banned by the Supreme Court Pakistan. Aurat Foundation and many more civil society representatives came forward for Karachi with the solid reason that the Karachi isn’t in position of making more mess with constructions. In addition, saying that, Karachi is already facing land scandals as China-cutting. According to, (Human Rights Commission of Pakistan) Constructing a new city would not be advantageous. Moreover, Karachi’s industrial waste has been a big problem since a long time. So, building a new city in Karachi seems a disputing step of the federal government. Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER) and Traders stand with Sindh government’s narrative that, this looks direct attack on labour force which is connected with Fishermen. Additionally, claiming that the thousands of people would lose their jobs. Expert opinion regarding this matter goes in favor of Sindh Govt too. Reasoning that, the Karachi is already over populated city. And, the federal government instead of reducing burden is going to burden industrial city further. A few experts contend that, the islands can play a game changer role in Pakistan’s economy. But the number of experts have opposed this as well. Federal Government has to be on it’s toes to begin the bigger projects in coastal land. Specially, Center’s Government had better go for Table talk or in Parliament, in spite of being completely opponent.
(-The writer is a freelance columnist, based in Shikarpur.)
