The Central Convention of Awami Tehreek Opposes New Canals, Demands Repeal of IRSA Act Amendment Ordinance
Hyderabad
Awami Tehreek, in its central convention held on October 27, 2024 rejected the 26th Constitutional Amendment calling it “Murder of Democracy”, and also opposes construction of new canals in Punjab, and demanded repeal of IRSA Act Amendment Ordinance.
The demands were made through resolutions passed at the convention held in Hyderabad. A new central committee was elected to lead the party for the next two years. Advocate Vasand Thari was elected new Central President and Advocate Sajid Hussain Mahessar as Central General Secretary.
The convention strongly condemned the recent 26th constitutional amendment, calling it a “murder of democracy” and demanding its repeal. Awami Tehreek passed a resolution urging that the foundation of the country’s constitution should be based on the 1940 Resolution.
The newly elected Central President Advocate Vasand Thari criticized PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, accusing him of undermining democracy through the 26th amendment to further his own political ambitions. He argued that the amendment has paralyzed the judiciary and stripped the Supreme Court of its powers, blocking access to the judiciary on critical issues, including land rights in Sindh. Awami Tehreek leaders argued that this amendment has taken away the court’s authority to hear challenges to unconstitutional amendments to the IRSA Act, closing legal avenues for land disputes.
He claimed that this amendment, introduced by the PPP and PML-N led government, is an affront to fundamental human rights, noting that by abolishing the Supreme Court’s suo motu notice authority, basic rights have been compromised. The amendment has also introduced “hybrid martial law” by restricting judicial proceedings, thus eroding democracy. Furthermore, the party condemned the creation of the SIFC, an institution they deem unconstitutional and above the law.
Awami Tehreek leaders also highlighted the addition of six new canals from the Indus River through amendments to the IRSA Act, warning that these projects would drain Sindh’s water resources, turning the region into a barren wasteland. They criticized the plan as a government conspiracy to secure corporate farming land by diverting Sindh’s water supply.
Awami Tahreek condemned PPP’s 16-year governance as a dark period in Sindh’s history. They accused Murad Ali Shah administration of fostering a climate of lawlessness, handing over Sindh to bandits, and allowing rampant corruption, particularly in education and the Sindh Public Service Commission. Awami Tehreek claimed that education in Sindh has deteriorated drastically, with bribery and favoritism impacting students’ futures. Jobs, grades, and even medical entry test results have allegedly become saleable commodities.
Central President further stated that the region’s law and order situation has worsened under PPP rule, with reports of kidnappings and attacks on journalists, notably the prolonged captivity of Priya Kumari and others at the hands of bandits, with no effective response from the government.
He also raised concerns about the safety of women and religious minorities, who he claimed are being oppressed by government-backed extremist groups, saying, “Women, who make up more than half the population, are being denied their rights, while minorities live in constant fear under government-sponsored extremism.” The convention called for land redistribution to landless farmers and peasants instead of allocating it to corporations affiliated with the military.
During the convention, a comprehensive 200-page report was presented, detailing the previous central committee’s political, organizational, and educational initiatives. The cultural segment included a recitation of verses from Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai by Safiya Sarmad, and the national songs were performed. Various leaders, including Umra Samo, Mah Noor Mallah, Naveed Abbas Kalhoro, Ghulam Mustafa Chandio, Haji Khan Samo, Sajida Parhyar, Fazil Khoso, Dayal Sehrai, Mehran Daras, Advocate Najib-ur-Rahman Mahesar, Mukhtiar Khaskheli, Asif Khoso, Sarmad Rajper, Latif Bhatti, Ayaz Kalwar, Ameer Mangi, Aziz Memon, Abdul Razaqe Chandio, Attaullah Unar, Ali Hassan Wako, Imdad Ali Pathan, Haresh Kumar Malhi, Pirah Soomro, Adv GM Soomro, Dr Mushtaq Shoro, Mustafa Ranjhani, Ameer Mugheri, Imtiaz Meerani and several others addressed the gathering, offering perspectives on political and social issues impacting Sindh.
Dr. Rasool Bux Khaskheli, a senior leader of Awami Tehreek, administered the oath to the newly elected body of Awami Tehreek. They include Noor Ahmed Katiar, senior vice president, Hoor Al-Sanaa Palijo, vice president (female), Sattar Rind, vice president (male), Advocate Sajid Hussain Mahesar, general secretary, Raheel Bhutto, deputy general secretary, Mah Noor Mallah, joint secretary (female), Sarwan Jatoi, joint secretary (male), Advocate Ismail Khaskheli, educational secretary, Lal Jarwar, liaison secretary, Izhar Daudpoto, social media secretary, Kashif Mallah, press secretary, Advocate Najeeb Mahesar, legal advisor, Jam Tamachi, office secretary, Pervez Memon, treasurer, and the members Abdul Qadir Ranto, Dr. Dildar Laghari, Noor Nabi Palijo, Hasna Rahujo, Parha Soomro, Mir Pervez Daudpoto, Marwat Halipoto, Advocate Khalid Tanio, Advocate Ayaz Kaloi, Majeed Sagar Parhiyar, Ali Muhammad Kalmati, Abdul Rahman Samoon, Sachal Bhatti, Muhammad Ali Talpur, Iqbal Jarwar, Izhar Daudpoto, Sarwan Jatoi, and Advocate Mumtaz Khoso.
The convention alleged that the establishment, backed by global imperial forces, has imposed indirect martial law, disregarding democratic principles and violating the rights of smaller provinces.
Key grievances include the alleged seizure of Sindh’s lands, resources, rivers, ports, historical sites, and properties under the guise of development projects, leaving Sindhis marginalized in their own homeland. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), established for economic development, was denounced as a mechanism for transferring vast tracts of Sindh’s land to foreign entities. The convention deemed the recent 26th constitutional amendment a severe encroachment on the Supreme Court’s powers, specifically regarding land rights, and called for its immediate repeal.
- Foundations of Pakistan
Awami Tehreek demands that Pakistan’s constitution be rooted in the Lahore Resolution of 1940 and Quaid-e-Azam’s speech of August 11, 1947, envisioning a truly federal, democratic, and secular Pakistan.
- Restoration of Democracy
Martial law is effectively imposed through the subjugation of state institutions. Awami Tehreek demands the restoration of genuine democracy and independence for all institutions.
- Repeal of IRSA Act Amendment Ordinance
The convention claims that amendments to the IRSA Act violate Articles 154 and 155 of the Constitution, compromising Sindh’s rights to the Indus River. The ordinance should be repealed to safeguard the province’s water resources.
- Land Distribution to Local Farmers
The allocation of 52,000 acres of land to Green Corporate Initiative Pvt. Ltd. for corporate agriculture is labeled a conspiracy to displace Sindhis. The land should be allocated to landless local farmers instead.
- Immediate Halt to New Canal Projects
Awami Tehreek condemned the construction of six new canals, including the Greater Thal Canal and Kachhi Canal, as an illegal attempt by Punjab to divert the Indus River’s waters. The convention called for a halt to these projects, citing both national and international laws which protect Sindh’s water rights.
- End to Bandit Rule in Sindh
The convention accused PPP leaders of enabling a lawless environment, allowing kidnappings and extortion to proliferate. Awami Tehreek demands that those supporting and protecting criminal elements be prosecuted.
- Rejection of Digital Census
Awami Tehreek rejected the recent digital census, claiming it underrepresents Sindhis, thus compromising their demographic status. A fair census under de jure procedures should be conducted.
- Legislation Against Foreign Settlements
Awami Tehreek demanded an end to foreign settlement in Sindh, calling for the deportation of millions of illegal immigrants who have settled in the province.
- Repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment
The recent amendment, which curtails the judiciary’s independence and provincial autonomy, should be repealed. The lack of Sindhi representation in the Supreme Court is also unacceptable, and equal representation for all provinces is needed.
- Abolition of Non-Constitutional Ministries
Post-18th Amendment, any federal ministries that override provincial authority should be abolished, and the respective powers should be granted to the provinces.
- Action Against Constitutional Violators
Awami Tehreek calls for the prosecution of any officials who have violated the Constitution under Article 6.
- Repeal of Cybercrime Laws
Awami Tehreek opposes the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency, considering it a threat to freedom of expression as guaranteed by Article 19A. The convention demands the repeal of restrictive laws, including the PECA Ordinance.
- Accountability in Sindh Public Service Commission
The convention condemned the commercialization of the Sindh Public Service Commission, calling for strict legal action against officials involved in corruption.
- Curtailing the Sale of Test Papers
Awami Tehreek demanded action against those profiting from selling test papers for medical and other exams, urging accountability at the highest levels.
- Improving Educational Access
With over seven million children out of school in Sindh, Awami Tehreek calls for immediate educational reforms. Hundreds of closed schools should be reopened to address this crisis. (Press release issued by Atif Mallah, Press Secretary, AT)
Read: Awami Tahreek Activists Observe Token Hunger Strike
_________________
