The ordinance was promulgated by President Arif Alvi on 31 August to establish the PIDA for "the development and management of the Islands in the internal and territorial water of Pakistan." President took decision to constitute the authority without the approval of Assembly and Senate because the 'circumstances rendered it necessary to take immediate action', the ordinance noted.

PPP's parliamentary leader in the Senate Sherry Rehman said that the federal government is trying to undermine the provincial government and rights of indigenous people:

“Both houses of parliament have met but this ordinance was still not laid before them. There is a clear mala fide intent in not tabling this ordinance before parliament. The entire opposition is united against this blatant usurpation of provincial powers and rights of indigenous people."

Previously, Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had also criticized 'sneaky move' by the government. In a tweet, Bilawal said equated the move to Modi's decision to illegally annex Kashmir:

"The Pakistan People’s Party will oppose the illegal annexation of Sindh’s Islands through Presidential ordinance by the PTI government. I ask how is this act any different to Modi’s actions in occupied Kashmir? Move will be opposed in National, Provincial Assembly & the Senate."