‘Unfair distribution of gas a constitutional violation’

                     

Citing Article 158 of the constitution of Pakistan, provincial advisor on labour and human resources blamed the federal government of violating the constitution by consuming Sindh’s share of gas, in a meeting with industrialists held at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

The article that ensures a province’s right to must make full use of its natural resources and share it with any province after having met the need of its people, was according to Senator Saeed Ghani not being complied with by the Centre. 

Ghani observed that Sindh produced 69 percent of the total gas produced in Pakistan but what it got in return was shortages and load-shedding, which resulted in massive affects to Sindh’s industrial growth.

The Senator, however, assured the industrialists of taking up the matter on all fora including the parliament.

Warning the Centre of a strong protest if the issue persisted, Ghani said the government of Sindh had time and again asked the federal government to fairly distribute natural resources.

He further added that Sindh required around 45 percent of the gas it produced but the federal government’s continuous ignorance had created chaos for both the industrialists as well as the working class.

However, pledging complete support to the industrialists Senator Ghani urged them to ensure the labourers got their constitutional rights, including the right to form unions.

He said industrialists needed to deliver on their promises and only then could their genuine demands be fulfilled.

“An improvement in labourers’ conditions would only be possible with the growth of the industry. We want to strengthen our industrialists but also want the industrialists to strengthen their labourers and the working class altogether in order for Pakistan to progress.”