KARACHI: Amid a strong protest by the opposition and ruckus, the Sindh Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution of the Pakistan People Party-led government with a majority vote seeking legislation to protect illegally constructed buildings across the province and “disciplinary” action against delinquent officials who allowed such constructions over the years.

The opposition members belonging to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Grand Democratic Alliance, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal rejected the treasury members’ resolution saying that they could not support it as it was against the orders of the Supreme Court and aimed to protect “thieves and robbers”.

They also gathered in front of the speaker’s rostrum, chanted anti-government slogans and tore up copies of the resolution, which was later adopted with a majority vote.

Legislation sought to avert ‘humanitarian’ crisis

Nida Khoro of the PPP presented the resolution, also signed by many of her colleagues, and demanded strict action against those allowed such constructions saying that the protection should be given to such buildings to avoid any humanitarian disaster.

The resolution said: “That it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that citizens’ property and investment is secured and that they continue to have confidence with the official documents issued by the different government organisations.

Opposition says move against SC orders; PPP seeks disciplinary action against delinquent officials

“That over the last many years due to surge in population, widespread construction in different areas of the province has taken place and many households or buildings or structures have been constructed either in violation of use of land rules or the building control rules.

“That the citizens, from all strata of society, have invested their hard-earned savings in the purchase of units in such constructions and are in occupation of those premises based on documents issued and registered with the relevant authorities.

“That it is the responsibility of the government to create a balance in the overall development of the society. Whilst construction on land which blocks or impedes the flow of water or on an amenity plot is against the overall interest of the society and should be stopped forthwith, however, construction which does not block or impede the flow of water and where construction has already taken place based on certain approval granted by a government organisation should be protected.

“The protection should be provided in order to avoid any humanitarian disaster where the populace is deprived of their homes on certain terms and conditions, including but not limited to financial, which may be prescribed by the government.

“That the government, in the best interest of the populace should present a law before this august house in light of the instant resolution to secure, protect and regularise such homes all over the province and recommend disciplinary action against delinquent officials who allowed such constructions over the years,” the resolution concluded.

Opposition condemns resolution

Speaking on the resolution, GDA’s Sheheryar Mahar said that the government wanted to give legal cover to illegally constructed building. He said all those members who had signed the resolution should be sent to jail.

PPP’s Ghazala Sial said that people bought flats in Nasla Tower for millions of rupees but now they were standing nowhere after the demolition order.

MQM-P’s Muhammad Hussain said that the adoption of this resolution was tantamount to the opposition of the Supreme Court’s order. He said that the provincial government wanted confrontation with the apex court. “We condemn this resolution,” he said.

Zulfiqar Ali Shah of the PPP said that the helpless victims of Nasla Tower were looking for provincial government’s support.

PTI’s Arsalan Taj said that action must be taken against those officials who allowed such constructions and their assets should be seized.

Information Minister Saeed Ghani said that the opposition members appeared confused on the matter. “They should make it clear if they want demolition of Nasla Tower,” he added.

The minister said that Nasla Tower was not the only illegally constructed building, but there were thousands of such buildings in the city. “So, you may decide to raze all such buildings,” he took a jibe.

PTI’s Khurram Sherzaman said that an attempt was being made to question the orders of the apex court in the house. Tearing up copies of the resolution, he said that the PTI would never protect “thieves and looters”.

Abdur Rasheed, the lone MPA of MMA, also opposed the resolution and suggested for setting up a task force to deal with the issue of illegally constructed buildings.

The house was adjourned to Friday at 10am.

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2021