SHC seeks reply of Centre over islands ordinance.

KARACHI -- The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notice to the federal government seeking its reply over Pakistan Islands Development Authority Ordinance 2020 on Friday.

Two member bench of the SHC headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and comprising Justice Amjad Ali Sahito heard the case.

At the outset of the hearing, the deputy attorney general of Pakistan informed the court that the ordinance has expired and it has no legal status now.

He sought time from the honorable court for submission of a written reply in the court. Later, the SHC adjourned the hearing of the case till January 21, sought response from the federal government.

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

On the last hearing of the case, the AGP had said that the federal government respects the resolution passed by the Sindh Assembly and the reservations of the provincial government would be resolved.

AGP Khalid Javed Khan had further said that development at the islands would be done only...