Syed Zain Shah Criticises Use of Section 144 in Sindh
Syed Zain Shah, Chairman of the Sindh Action Committee and Vice Chairman of the Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), has voiced strong criticism regarding the Sindh government’s application of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Shah alleges this measure is being used to suppress opposition voices. SindhNews.com has reported on similar concerns.
Section 144 Used to Prevent Opposition Gatherings
According to Shah, the provincial government has extended Section 144 to hinder opposition gatherings, including public meetings and rallies. He stated at a press conference in Hyderabad on Saturday that the TTAP’s scheduled meeting on November 28 was cancelled due to this imposition.
Opposition leaders involved in a meeting at the Sindh United Party (SUP) office in Jamshoro were reportedly booked in false cases, Shah claimed. This action, he suggested, demonstrates a disregard for judicial orders by the executive bureaucracy.
Shah further alleged that provincial resources are being unjustly taken. He pointed to the implication of opposition leaders in fabricated cases once they began opposing the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments. The TTAP demands the annulment of both these amendments.
Concerns Over Constitutional Amendments and Resource Distribution
Concerns extend to alleged attempts to alter the National Finance Commission (NFC) formula and unconstitutional moves towards creating new provinces. Shah warned that any division of Sindh could destabilize Pakistan, noting that Punjab would retain a significant resource share even if divided. He also questioned the lifetime immunity granted to certain elite under the 27th amendment and a five-year extension for military and judicial officials.
The distribution of mineral resources has become contentious, with provinces expressing reservations. Shah stated that amendments are now being planned to usurp provincial resources through changes to the local government system.
The imposition of Section 144 and the alleged targeting of opposition figures highlight ongoing political tensions and concerns over constitutional integrity and resource distribution in Sindh.