KARACHI: Sindh High Court has ordered both the provincial and federal governments to ensure that national unity is not compromised.
According to the court’s ruling, a federal member from Sindh should be appointed to the Indus River System Authority (IRSA). If addressing this issue requires legal amendments for a permanent solution, they should be made.
The hearing was conducted regarding a petition challenging the formation of IRSA and the availability of water certificates for the construction of new canals. Present in the court were the Secretary of IRSA, the Advocate General of Sindh, and the Additional Attorney General, among others.
During the hearing, the Sindh High Court inquired whether a federal member from Sindh had been appointed to IRSA. The Additional Attorney General responded that there was no such directive in the court’s ruling.
Justice Faisal Kamal Aalam remarked that there is an existing court order, and questioned why it has not yet been complied with. The Additional Attorney General requested an extension to submit a response, stating that an appeal in the Supreme Court had been dismissed for non-prosecution, and they were searching for some court orders and documents.
The Sindh High Court noted that while they would grant an extension, court orders must be followed, emphasizing that the current situation is better known to the officials present, and the matter should be resolved decisively. The court questioned if anything is of higher importance than national unity, indicating the sensitivity of the issue.
The petitioner’s lawyer pointed out that the IRSA headquarters had been relocated from Lahore to Islamabad. The Advocate General of Sindh argued that the current composition of IRSA has impacted their decision-making authority.
The court emphasized that preserving and maintaining national unity should be the top priority, asserting this is not a trivial case. The Secretary of IRSA indicated that the appointment of a member is not under their control, and the transfer of headquarters was conducted under an ordinance.
The petitioner’s lawyer stated that water supply to Sindh has been reduced. The Sindh High Court responded that it will refrain from taking further action until the court orders have been implemented, inquiring if any work is ongoing on the canals.
The Additional Attorney General confirmed that work on the canals has been halted following the court’s orders. The Sindh High Court granted an extension for the federal government to submit its response and adjourned the hearing until April 29.
