KBA demands Sindh govt review decision to lease 14,008 acres for corporate farming

The Karachi Bar Association (KBA) on Friday demanded of the Sindh government to immediately review and reverse its decision to lease 14,008 acres of state land to a firm for corporate agriculture farming.

In a resolution, the lawyers’ body strongly condemned the government’s decision to lease 14,008 acres of state land in Deh Horingo, Chhar Thar, Bhanyari Taluka and District Umerkot to the firm.

“This decision is against the spirit of federalism in as much as agriculture and agriculture-related activities are the domain of the provinces and not the federation under the Constitution,” read the resolution. “Equally importantly, the Constitution does not permit the armed forces to carry on corporate farming (or other commercial businesses) directly or indirectly (through affiliated entities).”

The KBA said the Sindh government is expected to receive only a small percentage of the profits from this deal. However, it added, the same commercial arrangement poses significant risks to the rights of indigenous people, as it does not specify measures to safeguard their interests. Additionaly, the lease is likely to result in the displacement and marginalization of local communities in Deh Horingo, Chhar Thar, Bhanyari Taluka and District Umerkot.

“This could potentially exacerbate poverty and deepen social inequalities in the region,” KBA opined. It demanded an immediate review and reversal of the lease decision, emphsizing that state land should only be allocated primarily for the benefit of local communities. It further demanded transparency and accountability in the land allocation process, ensuring that all stakeholders, especially local farmers, are consulted and their rights are protected.

The KBA demanded that local farmers and small-scale agriculturalists be given equal opportunity to access state land and participate in farming initiatives without fear of displacement.