PPP rejects Pakistan Island Development Authority ordinance

KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party has rejected a presidential ordinance establishing Pakistan Islands Development Authority (PIDA).
Secretary Information PPP Dr Nafisa Shah criticizing the law said that the presidential ordinance has been unconstitutional and condemnable, and it has encroached the rights of the province.
“These islands belong to Sindh and the federation will not be allowed to encroach upon them,” Shah said in her statement.
“A bid to grab the islands is a violation of Article 172/2 of the constitution,” the PPP leader said. Shah termed the ordinance against the country and violation of the 18th Constitutional Amendment. She categorically stated that the Pakistan People’s Party and the people of Sindh reject this ordinance.
President Dr ArifAlivi on September 1 promulgated the ordinance for establishing “Pakistan Islands Development Authority” for “development and management of islands in internal and territorial waters of Pakistan”. The ultimate objective was stated to be development of cities on the islands.
According to some reports, federal authorities had intimated the Sindh government that mega city schemes worth $20 billion would be started on the islands.
Twin islands Bhandar and Bundal are located near Sindh’s Karachi and Thatta districts bordering Korangi, Phitti and Jhari creeks. There are around 300 small and big islands located in Sindh coastal belt. – TLTP