KARACHI: The Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) on Monday demonstrated a strong and united front as it led a powerful rally in support of preserving the historic Karoonjhar Hills, ahead of the crucial hearing fixed for November 26 before the Federal Constitutional Court.
The rally, organised under the leadership of SHCBA President Barrister Sarfaraz Ali Metlo, moved from the Sindh High Court building to CM House Chowk. A large number of lawyers participated, displaying notable discipline, strength and solidarity. The demonstration underscored the Bar’s commitment to safeguarding constitutional values, environmental justice, and the rule of law.
Addressing the legal fraternity, Barrister Metlo delivered a compelling and forceful speech, urging the Sindh government to immediately withdraw its appeal filed against the Sindh High Court’s landmark judgment declaring Karoonjhar Hills a protected heritage range. He said the Bar would not remain silent when public interest, cultural identity and the environment are at stake.
The Bar leadership emphasised that the SHC’s Hyderabad circuit bench had already held that the Mines and Minerals Department lacked jurisdiction over the hills and that any extraction in or around Karoonjhar would damage its natural and cultural landscape. The court had also directed restoration of wildlife sanctuaries, maintenance of plantation records and periodic compliance reports—orders the Bar insists must be upheld in letter and spirit.
The SHCBA rally comes at a time when concerns have grown over the Sindh government’s subsequent move to allow potential granite mining in adjacent areas despite declaring Karoonjhar a cultural and heritage site, a step widely viewed as contradictory to the SHC judgment.
Adding to public momentum, PTI Sindh leader Haleem Adil Sheikh recently highlighted the issue in a video message, but the Bar’s rally has brought renewed legal weight and institutional seriousness to the matter.
Lawyers participating in the march stated that the rally was a reflection of the Bar’s dignity, discipline and unwavering resolve to stand against injustice. They emphasised that the legal fraternity has historically played a crucial role in defending public rights and will continue to do so for Karoonjhar’s protection.
With the matter now fixed before the Federal Constitutional Court on November 26, the SHCBA has reiterated its demand that the Sindh government withdraw its appeal and ensure strict protection of Karoonjhar Hills as a heritage range.
