SUKKUR: Pakistan is undergoing structural rather than merely administrative change, and discussions contrary to the spirit of the Constitution are taking place, Syed Zain Shah said on Monday, warning that current political discourse is drifting from the vision on which the country was founded.

Addressing members of the Sukkur District Bar Association, Mr Shah spoke on constitutional issues, provincial autonomy, localgovernment, democratic rights and Sindh`s natural resources.

He said Article 239 of the Constitution did not address the creation of new provinces, and any debate on constitutional matters must therefore adhere to the original spirit and fundamental principles of the Constitution.

The changes under way should not be viewed merely as administrative reforms, he said; it was essential to weigh their far-reaching implications.

He also pointed out that attempts were being made to neutralise provincial govern-ments through the local government system, raising significant questions about provincial powers and autonomy. Provinces should control their own resources and revenues so that they could plan development projects according to local needs, he said.

Mr Shah said leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) had exchanged hostile statements over the past three or four months. He urged political leaders to reduce tensions, engage in meaningful dialogue and focus on public issues.

He criticised the suppression of the right to protest, asserting that bans on rallies and demonstrations violated core demo-cratic principles. In a democratic society, he said, citizens must be free to raise their voice, present their demands and protest peacefully, as restrictions on political activity exacerbated public unrest and undermined the democratic process.

Referring to the prevailing political uncertainty, he said the situation was so volatile that no one could predict what tomorrow would bring. Political stability, constitutional supremacy and adherence to democratic principles were necessary to address Pakistan`s challenges, he added.

Turning to Sindh`s water and agricultural problems, Mr Shah said water should flow in the Industhroughouttheyearalong its entire course,because a con-tinuous supply was directly linked to agriculture, the economy and the future of the people of Sindh. Developing agriculture, making better use of water resources and protecting the rights of the provinces were `the need of the hour`, he said.

He said better relations with neighbouring countries and increased bilateral trade were crucial to Pakistan`s economic development, and that expanding regionaltrade and strengthening friendly ties could greatly benefit the national economy.

He concluded by stressing the need to uphold constitutional principles, protect provincial autonomy and democratic rights, safeguard Sindh`s resources and promote political stability.