Peasants' rights report shows govt flouts laws.

KARACHI -- Speakers at the launching ceremony of the annual report 'The State of Peasants' Rights in Sindh in 2021', organised by the Hari Welfare Association (HWA) at the Karachi Press Club here the other day, demanded of the government of Sindh to withdraw its appeal in the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the Sindh High Court's verdict for implementation of the Sindh Tenancy Act 1950.

Speaking on the occasion, the speakers, including Sindh Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice retired Majida Razvi, National Commission for Human Rights member Anis Haroon, Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (Piler) Executive Director Karamat Ali, International Labour Organisation representative Ms Afsana, Naghma Shaikh of The Knowledge Forum, and Sindh Commission on Status of Women Chairperson Nuzhat Shireen, deplored that the Pakistan Peoples Party's government in Sindh, which claims to support workers' rights, is acting against peasants because the Sindh Tenancy Act was enacted to protect rights of share croppers.

HWA President Akram Ali Khaskheli spelled out the contents of the report and said that despite the fact that the Sindh Assembly has passed the Sindh Women Agriculture Workers Act (SWAWA) of 2019 in 2021, the provincial government is yet to take any decision. No women workers' unions were formed under the Sindh Industrial Act (SIRA) 2013. They said that the provincial government did not notify the SIRA or SWAWA Rules, which was another example of the laws not being implemented.

NCHR member Anis Haroon pointed out that peasants are an integral part of the economy. The women workers' role in distribution of irrigation water is important, she added.

Karamat Ali of Piler underlined the need to stop taking loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He said, in the assemblies, feudal lords are being elected who form the governments.

SHRC Chairperson Justice retired Majida Razvi assured that the commission would take up the issue of making the rules of business for the laws. She congratulated the HWA on the launching of the report. She said that the commission was...

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