Protesters loaded on 25 boats made their way to Bhandar and Dingi on Thursday, to register their protest against develop-ment on the islands. Over the past few weeks, the tussle between the federal and Sindh governments has intensified, both unwilling to withdraw from their position on developing cities on the isles off Karachi’s shores. President Arif Alvi had earlier promulgated the Pakistan Islands Development Authority (PIDA) Ordinance, for the development and management of islands in Pakistan’s internal and territorial waters. “The Centre will address the Sindh government’s grievances and the province will retain ownership [of the islands],” insisted Ismail during a press conference. But they did not let us visit the island.”He insisted that it was the Sindh government’s responsibility to clarify matters.

Source: The Express Tribune October 16, 2020 03:33 UTC