THIS is with reference to the news report ‘Call to end feudal system’ (May 24). The discourse and activism around land reforms in Pakistan have been actually shaped in a conventional style. As a result, the risky business of working on land reforms has claimed lives of rights workers. The case could not get much support and acceptance in various official and unofficial circles.

The demand for land reforms needs to be substantiated with the arguments based on international norms and laws. This principle is most relevant to the land reforms case.

Article 14g of CEDAW, ratified by Pakistan, mentions land and agrarian reform(s). Article 11.2a of International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, ratified by Pakistan, requires state parties to undertake land reforms.

FAO Voluntary Guidelines to support the progressive realisation of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security says: “States should pursue inclusive, non-discriminatory and sound economic, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, land-use and, as appropriate, land-reform policies ...”

Besides land reforms and agrarian reforms, various international laws and instruments applicable to Pakistan recognise the right to land.

Thus, I would request the supreme court of Pakistan to give the verdict in favour of land reforms in Pakistan and, on the other hand, I would insist that the groups working on this issue should revisit the case and link it with international norms and instruments.

Jamil Junejo

Manager (Programmes)

Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum

Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2015

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