Karachi islands update

A previous post on this blog noted the proposed development of Bundal and Buddo islands off the Karachi coast as luxury resorts and living communities. More recently, the Sindhi Association of North America (SANA) has condemned the development deal, and has urged the federal government to respect Sindh's autonomy and cancel the agreement with Dubai-based Emaar. This deal has already come under attack by environmentalists, indigenous communities, fisherfolk, and others.

Here's the real question: what exactly gives the federal government the authority to "sell" the islands? The islands belong to the people. They shouldn't be sold for corporate profit.

This is what the president of SANA had to say:

“We urge the management of the Emmar group to call off its plans as it has obviously entered into an agreement with a party that has no legal rights over the land. If they go ahead with their plans, they may have to face litigation in national and international courts for years to come,” Narejo cautioned.