Opposition Alliance Urges Constitutional Adherence Amid Federal-Sindh Dispute

KARACHI: Opposition figures united at a joint press conference to decry federal policies undermining provincial autonomy, with former Sindh governor Mohammad Zubair asserting, “Sindh cannot be blamed for federal shortcomings.” The coalition rejected proposed amendments to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, warning of mass protests over water projects threatening Sindh’s constitutional rights.

At the Karachi Press Club seminar attended by PTI-Sindh president Haleem Adil Sheikh, TTAP Vice Chairman Zain Shah, and cross-party allies, Zubair emphasized that revising the NFC—allocating 57.5% of divisible resources to provinces—requires constitutional amendment, not administrative fiat. He condemned federal retention of Rs1.7 trillion in petroleum levy funds that should flow to provinces.

Opposition leaders ally with Sindh’s stance; demand safeguards against water project encroachments

Highlighting per capita inequalities, Zubair contrasted Karachi’s 65% national revenue contribution with its poor service delivery. He accused the PPP government of squandering Rs33 trillion in 18 years, citing Rs12.5-trillion worth of financial irregularities uncovered in budgets. “This failure harms citizens across healthcare, education, and governance,” he declared.

PTI-Sindh’s Haleem Adil framed federal grant-seeking without provincial consent as “autocratic overreach,” while TTAP’s Shah condemned financial encroachments including surplus mechanisms and disputed water allocations. He denounced plans for a Chenab Dam linked to Cholistan settlements, fearing reduced water quotas.

Blasting Sindh’s budget cuts—particularly 57% slashed agricultural research funds—the leaders warned of crippled crop innovation and farmer safety risks. The address concluded with calls for constitutional rigor and grassroots mobilization against policies eroding provincial equity.

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