Speaking during a Sindh Assembly session, Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) from Nagarparkar, Qasim Siraj Soomro, took a strong stance against the proposed excavation of the Karoonjhar Mountains and other hills in Nagarparkar. He declared that every single resident of Nagarparkar opposes the excavation and mining of Karoonjhar, and therefore, no such activity will be permitted.
Expressing his views in the assembly, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker noted that a fellow MPA, who is also a PhD scholar, had recently supported mining in Karoonjhar. However, Soomro stated that such a philosophy is beyond comprehension. He highlighted that approximately 20 billion rupees have been spent to construct small dams in the area, with these very hills serving as the sole source of water for them. Since the construction of these dams, the migration and displacement of people from Nagarparkar has completely stopped, water harvesting has improved, the ecological order has been restored, and wildlife has been preserved. Furthermore, the rise in underground water levels has successfully enabled local agriculture.
Qasim Siraj Soomro questioned the claims of mining companies promising industrial development in the region. He asked where the water required for these industries would come from, given that the province’s barrages are already facing severe water shortages. The existing water in the area is rainwater, which serves as the lifeline for the local population. He warned that any attempt to force the displacement of 100,000 to 150,000 people of Nagarparkar in the name of mining would be vehemently rejected.
“I represent the entire society and every resident of Nagarparkar, regardless of whether they voted for me or not,” Soomro affirmed, adding that the people of Nagarparkar will never permit mining on their land. He emphasized that whether it is the Karoonjhar Mountain, the Kharsar hills, the Churio Temple, or any other small or large hills of Nagarparkar, they all symbolize the history, culture, and identity of the region. He concluded by saying that the “mountain-cutting mindset” seen in Karachi must not be brought to Nagarparkar, as their land holds its own unique prestige and heritage, which will not be compromised upon.