MPA Vows to Block Mining in Nagarparkar
During a Sindh Assembly session, Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) from Nagarparkar, Qasim Siraj Soomro, took a strong stance against the proposed excavation of the Karoonjhar Mountains and other hills in Nagarparkar. He declared that every single resident of Nagarparkar opposes the excavation and mining of Karoonjhar, and therefore, no such activity will be permitted.
Criticism of Pro-Mining Stance
Expressing his views in the assembly, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker noted that a fellow MPA, who is also a PhD scholar, had recently supported mining in Karoonjhar. However, Soomro stated that such a philosophy is beyond comprehension.
Investment in Water Infrastructure
He highlighted that approximately 20 billion rupees have been spent to construct small dams in the area, with these very hills serving as the sole source of water for them. Since the construction of these dams, the migration and displacement of people from Nagarparkar has completely stopped, water harvesting has improved, the ecological order has been restored, and wildlife has been preserved. Furthermore, the rise in underground water levels has successfully enabled local agriculture.
Questions on Industrial Water Needs
Qasim Siraj Soomro questioned the claims of mining companies promising industrial development in the region. He asked where the water required for these industries would come from, given that the province’s barrages are already facing severe water shortages. The existing water in the area is rainwater, which serves as the lifeline for the local population.
Warning Against Forced Displacement
He warned that any attempt to force the displacement of 100,000 to 150,000 people of Nagarparkar in the name of mining would be vehemently rejected.
“I represent the entire society and every resident of Nagarparkar, regardless of whether they voted for me or not,” Soomro affirmed, adding that the people of Nagarparkar will never permit mining on their land. He emphasized that whether it is the Karoonjhar Mountain, the Kharsar hills, the Churio Temple, or any other small or large hills of Nagarparkar, they all symbolize the history, culture, and identity of the region. He concluded by saying that the “mountain-cutting mindset” seen in Karachi must not be brought to Nagarparkar, as their land holds its own unique prestige and heritage, which will not be compromised upon.
Sindh Assembly Pays Tribute to Benazir Bhutto
Meanwhile, the Sindh Assembly on Sunday unanimously passed a resolution to pay tributes to Shaheed Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto on her 73rd birth anniversary. The resolution was moved by the Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah.
The resolution described Shaheed Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto as a former Prime Minister of Pakistan, the “Daughter of the East,” and the first elected female Prime Minister of the Muslim world. It paid glowing tribute to her services to democracy, public welfare, constitutional supremacy, social justice, federal harmony, women’s rights and the uplift of marginalized communities.
The resolution stated that Benazir Bhutto, born on June 21, 1953, devoted her entire life to public service and the promotion of democratic values. Following the judicial execution of her father, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, she endured imprisonment, isolation and exile, yet continued her struggle against dictatorship and for the restoration of democracy.
The Sindh Assembly also praised her contributions to the advancement of education and healthcare, the political and social empowerment of women and the welfare of workers, peasants, minorities and other disadvantaged groups. The resolution stated that her policies aimed at building a society where all citizens enjoyed equal opportunities.
The resolution described her martyrdom on December 27, 2007 during her struggle for democracy and constitutional supremacy, as a defining and memorable chapter in Pakistan’s democratic history. The Sindh Assembly paid rich tribute to her life, struggle, achievements and sacrifices, while reaffirming its commitment to her democratic vision, constitutional values and principles of social justice.
Earlier, the session started with recitation from the Holy Quran and Naat Sharif with Speaker Awais Qadir Shah in the chair. Later, the session adjourned till tomorrow because of the death of PPP MPA Naeem Ahmed Kharal.
