KARACHI - The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday summoned the Additional Attorney General to appear before the court with a written statement in next hearing of a petition challenging the presidential ordinance on islands.

Petitioner Shahab Osto has challenged the Pakistan Islands Development Authority Ordinance 2020 in the high court.

Earlier, Assistant Attorney General informed the bench that the ordinance has already lapsed by January 03, which was promulgated by the federal government on September 22.

For the time being the matter has come to an end, it could be considered again if a new ordinance come into force, the court said.

“The ordinance has expired but the government has signed various agreements in this respect,” petitioner Shahab Osto said. “The federal government has signed an agreement with the Netherlands for a desalination plant for Bundal island,” he said.

The bench summoned the Additional Attorney General to appear before the court in the next hearing on February 17 with a written statement over the matter.

The ordinance was challenged by Shahab Osto stating that federal territory in the sea starts after 12 nautical miles and Bundal and Buddo islands are the properties of the province as they fall under the limit of 12 nautical miles.

On August 30 last year, the president had promulgated the ordinance for establishing Pakistan Islands Development Authority for “development and management of islands in internal and territorial waters of Pakistan.” 

SHC extends bail of PPP’s Nisar Khuhro in assets beyond 

income, misuse of power cases

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday extended the bail of Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) leader Nisar Khuhro in three cases till March 17.

The Sindh High Court (SHC) heard the pre-arrest bail petition of Nisar Khuhro in assets beyond income and misuse of power cases.

During the hearing, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor told the court that the probe against Nisar Khuhro is in the inquiry phase and a progress report will be presented after the conclusion of the investigation.

The high court directed the NAB prosecutor to submit the progress report till March 17.

The SHC judge approved the extension of Khuhro’s bail and adjourned the hearing till March 17.

Nisar Khuhro, who served as the opposition leader, Sindh Assembly speaker, and food minister, is facing a number of graft cases including alleged irregularities in wheat procurement, assets beyond income and misuse of power instituted by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). He is also being investigated over his alleged involvement in money laundering.