The proposed Sindh Protection and Prohibition of Amenity Plots Bill - 2009, if passed by Sindh Assembly, would be "disastrous for us and for our future generations", and must be stopped and permanently removed from the docket of provincial assembly business.
The issue has been raised by the Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) which has strongly demanded from the legislators to permanently remove the bill from the Sindh Assembly list, and "have mercy on the cities of Sindh and its residents". In a strongly-worded reaction, Engr Ayaz Mirza, Secretary of IEP, Karachi Centre, said that most areas of Karachi, that were planned by very competent town planners over the first 35 years of Pakistan, are being systematically destroyed by blatant abuse and violation of the building and town planning laws.
Amenity plots, which should be considered sacred as they are meant for the common public good, are being progressively decimated by illegally constructing residential and commercial structures on these plots, instead of leaving them open for parks, schools, graveyards, mosques, hospitals, playgrounds, etc. IEP has strongly recommended that instead of encroaching on existing open spaces, all such unlawful construction should be demolished and new open spaces should be created to cater to the exploding population.
"Members of Sindh Assembly must know that all their actions or inactions over the years have affected the quality of life of one and all, but more so that of the deprived members of our cities, who have no or limited access to medical facilities, clean water, sewerage disposal/treatment systems, recreation opportunities, playing facilities, etc.
The death and disabilities rate in this section of society are increasing rapidly". The IEP is working to improve the environment in cities in Pakistan. "In this endeavour we are involving the universities of Pakistan to provide technical support to the civic and government agencies. The most important action required immediately is to regulate all new initiatives that will adversely affect the environment".