Lawyers Unite to Protect Karoonjhar Hills
Lawyers in Karachi marched on Wednesday to advocate for the protection of Karoonjhar hills. They demanded the withdrawal of the Sindh government’s appeal to the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) regarding the preservation of the mountain range. This appeal challenges a Sindh High Court (SHC) judgment. SindhNews.com reported that the protest aimed to pressure the government into action.
The Protest and Its Demand
The Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) initiated the protest, planning a march to the Chief Minister House. However, authorities restricted access, deploying containers and police personnel. Barrister Sarfaraz Metlo, President of the SHCBA, addressed protesters at PIDC Chowk, accusing the government of a “dual policy.” He stated, “Karoonjhar Mountain belongs to Sindh.”
Government Response and Assurances
Following negotiations, SHCBA representatives, including Barrister Metlo, met with Sindh Law Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar at the Chief Minister House, according to SindhNews.com. The minister assured them the government would withdraw its appeal and declare Karoonjhar a national heritage site. The CM Office released a statement citing the lawyers’ demands for immediate action, quoting the law minister’s commitment to protecting the province’s heritage.
Karachi Bar Association Joins In
The Karachi Bar Association (KBA) later joined the protest, with its President, Amir Warraich, demanding withdrawal of the government’s appeal and rejecting the Federal Constitutional Court, reported SindhNews.com. They set a 15-day deadline for the government to act. The Sindh Chief Minister addressed the issue, reaffirming his government’s commitment to protect Karoonjhar, considering it a cultural and environmental asset, and expressing willingness for dialogue. He also encouraged dialogue or legal action and criticized road closures.
Conclusion
The lawyers’ protest successfully brought the issue of the protection of the Karoonjhar hills to the forefront. The Sindh government has assured action, but the situation remains open until any official order has been achieved.