NewKerala.com

Sindh Erupts: Why Pakistan's 27th Amendment Sparks Constitutional Crisis

Large-scale demonstrations have spread across Sindh as nationalist groups and legal professionals unite against proposed constitutional changes. Protesters accuse the federal government of undermining provincial autonomy and weakening judicial independence through the 27th Amendment. The Sindh Action Committee organized rallies across multiple districts, with leaders warning the changes would strip new provinces of resource control. Meanwhile, the PPP maintains it won't compromise on provincial rights despite facing criticism from within Sindh.

Key Points: Sindh Protests 27th Amendment Over Provincial Rights Backlash

  • Protesters defied Section 144 restrictions to rally against constitutional changes
  • Sindh United Party leader warned amendment would strip resource control from new provinces
  • Legal community joined demonstrations, declaring Black Day against the proposal
  • Hyderabad police detained dozens before negotiations secured their release
  • PPP Sindh president insisted his party would never compromise on provincial rights
2 min read

Pakistan faces backlash over Sindh's constitutional rights

Massive protests erupt across Sindh as nationalist groups and lawyers oppose constitutional changes they say undermine provincial autonomy and judicial independence.

"bargaining away Sindh's resources for political gain - Azizullah Bhutto, Jeay Sindh Mahaz leader"

Sindh, November 12

Large-scale demonstrations spread across Sindh as nationalist groups, joined by members of the legal community, voiced fierce opposition to the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment.

Protesters accused the federal government of undermining provincial rights and weakening the judiciary, defying Section 144 restrictions on public gatherings, as reported by The Express Tribune.

According to The Express Tribune, the rallies were organised under the Sindh Action Committee (SAC), drawing participants from nearly every district in the province. Addressing demonstrators outside Hyderabad Press Club, Sindh United Party leader Roshan Ali Buriro alleged that the amendment aims to carve out new provinces that would lack control over their natural resources. He further argued that it would erode judicial autonomy, following what he termed the suppression of free speech through the 26th Amendment.

Hyderabad police attempted to disperse the crowd, detaining over a dozen participants. However, protesters soon regrouped outside the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA), demanding the immediate release of those arrested.

SHCBA General Secretary Advocate Israr Hussain Chang conveyed the SAC's warning of blocking Hyderabad's bypass road to Senior Superintendent of Police Adeel Hussain Chandio. Following negotiations, the detained protesters were freed.

Similar demonstrations were held across Larkana, Nawabshah, Mirpurkhas, and Sukkur, with participants chanting slogans against the federal government and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Jeay Sindh Mahaz leader Azizullah Bhutto accused the PPP of "bargaining away Sindh's resources for political gain," stating that the amendment would diminish provincial autonomy and strengthen feudal control, as highlighted by The Express Tribune.

Meanwhile, PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro maintained that his party would "never compromise" on provincial rights, the 18th Amendment, or the National Finance Commission (NFC) award.

He claimed that forming constitutional courts with equal provincial representation was a timely reform. 18 members of the Sindh Bar Council (SBC) also denounced the amendment, calling it "unconstitutional and part of ongoing constitutional adventurism." The Karachi Bar Association declared a Black Day and announced a convention on November 12 to collectively reject the proposal, as reported by The Express Tribune.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The pattern continues - centralization of power at the cost of provincial autonomy. Similar concerns exist in many federal structures. Judicial independence is crucial for democracy.
A
Aman W
While I understand Sindh's concerns, constant political instability in our neighborhood affects trade and regional cooperation. Hope they find a constitutional solution soon.
S
Sarah B
The natural resources argument is interesting. Provinces should have control over their own resources - this is basic federal principle. Hope the protests remain peaceful.
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, I can say strong states make a strong nation. Federal balance is crucial. Pakistan should learn from India's experience with state autonomy. 🤔
N
Nisha Z
The police detaining peaceful protesters is worrying. Democracy means respecting dissent. Hope they release all detainees and engage in dialogue.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50