Assessing Murad Ali Shah's third term as Sindh chief minister: A performance overview

[FearlessRoar]

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari revealed the crucial appointments for key positions in the Sindh Assembly during a party meeting held on Friday. The nominations include Murad Ali Shah for Sindh Chief Minister, Owais Shah for Speaker, and Naveed Anthony for Deputy Speaker.

In his address to the party members, Bilawal expressed gratitude to the people of Sindh for their unwavering support, emphasising that the electoral success achieved was not just a victory for the PPP but a testament to the trust bestowed upon them by the citizens of the province.

"The people of Sindh have not only made us successful but have also given us a better mandate than in the past," stated Bilawal. He went on to acknowledge that with increased expectations from the people, the PPP is committed to addressing the pressing issues faced by the province.

During his speech, Bilawal highlighted the challenges posed by the devastating floods of 2022, revealing that not only were a significant number of homes affected, but also 50 per cent of educational institutions were destroyed. In response, he assured the citizens that the PPP is dedicated to the reconstruction of these educational facilities, aiming to restore normalcy to the lives of the affected communities.

"We understand the hardships faced by our people, especially in the aftermath of the 2022 floods. We are determined to rebuild not only the homes but also the educational institutions that form the backbone of our society," Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari affirmed.

The announcement of key appointments marks a significant step in shaping the leadership of Sindh, and the newly appointed officials are expected to play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by the province. The focus on rebuilding educational institutions underscores the party's commitment to restoring the foundations of education and providing a brighter future for the people of Sindh.

Bilawal nominates Murad Ali Shah as Sindh chief minister | The Express Tribune

PPP chairman also nominates Owais Shah for Sindh Assembly speaker and Naveed Anthony for deputy speaker

tribune.com.pk

It is unfortunate for Sindh's fate. Those who have devoured Sindh are repeatedly tormenting it. What are your thoughts on this nomination for CM Sindh?

 

[Savak]

Why doesn't Bilawal try to become CM of Sindh?

 

[Cricket Warrior]

why didnt they go for Vintage Sayeen Qayim Ali Shah? PPP cant find a better dummy than him.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

May ALLAH(SWT) have mercy on sindh.

 

[FearlessRoar]

People's Party's Anthony Naveed elected as Sindh Assembly Deputy Speaker

ARY

 

[FearlessRoar]

Glad to see a person from a minority in charge.

 

[Bewal Express]

Surely Billo can lead Sindh and show some progress that outside Karachi is lower than sub saharan Africa.

 

[Kianig89]

These parties are worse than monarchs, where even the king is dispelled after a disastrous reign but not in Sindh where people are doomed to live under the command of leech Murad, Bilawal knows Murad has set the percentage in everything so why change just carry on the loot & plunder mission

 

[Savak]

Murad Ali Shah is a Canadian Citizen. Someone in Canada photographed him with his wife in Canada going to a Service Ontario and Service Canada centre where he was registering for a Health Card, Driving License and SIN.

PPP have a number of people in Canada who play a major role in the Zardari Money Laundering System, PPP have also established a close relationship with a few realtors in the GTA who help them buy high profile properties to make their laundered money white. I have heard of a Seth Younis who lives in Canada and via one phone call to the CM office can dictate what needs to be done in Karachi.

Sindh desperately needs liberation from PPP.

 

[Pakpak]

Murad Ali Shah is a Canadian Citizen. Someone in Canada photographed him with his wife in Canada going to a Service Ontario and Service Canada centre where he was registering for a Health Card, Driving License and SIN.

PPP have a number of people in Canada who play a major role in the Zardari Money Laundering System, PPP have also established a close relationship with a few realtors in the GTA who help them buy high profile properties to make their laundered money white. I have heard of a Seth Younis who lives in Canada and via one phone call to the CM office can dictate what needs to be done in Karachi.

Sindh desperately needs liberation from PPP.

Now it makes sense how this inept buffoon keeps being made CM.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Murad Ali Shah is a Canadian Citizen. Someone in Canada photographed him with his wife in Canada going to a Service Ontario and Service Canada centre where he was registering for a Health Card, Driving License and SIN.

PPP have a number of people in Canada who play a major role in the Zardari Money Laundering System, PPP have also established a close relationship with a few realtors in the GTA who help them buy high profile properties to make their laundered money white. I have heard of a Seth Younis who lives in Canada and via one phone call to the CM office can dictate what needs to be done in Karachi.

Sindh desperately needs liberation from PPP.

Can you prove it that he is Canadian!!

 

[FearlessRoar]

Murad Ali Shah elected as Sindh chief minister for third time

In a resounding victory, Syed Murad Ali Shah has clinched his third term as the chief minister of Sindh, with overwhelming support from the assembly. The announcement was met with cheers and applause, marking a continuation of his leadership in the province.

However, the voting process saw the absence of nine independent members, along with a notable abstention from a member of Jamaat-e-Islami. Despite these absences, the outcome solidified Shah’s position as the chosen leader for Sindh.

Abdul Waseem, a prominent member of MQM in the Sindh Assembly, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Shah. “I congratulate Murad Ali Shah from the depths of my heart,” he proclaimed. “On behalf of MQM’s convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, I extend our sincerest congratulations. He has been bestowed with this position for the third time, and it is our hope that he utilizes it for the betterment of Sindh.”

Waseem’s words echoed sentiments shared by Muhammad Bakhsh Mehr of the Pakistan People’s Party, who highlighted Shah’s leadership qualities and the mandate he received due to his past performance.

“The Pakistan People’s Party and the chairman have a vision,” Mehr affirmed. “They have always said that whoever delivers, he will get the opportunity. Murad Ali Shah got this opportunity for the third time, and he truly deserves it.”

Mehr emphasized the importance of unity in addressing regional challenges, particularly highlighting the need for attention to the situation in Ghotki. “We request for Ghotki’s air,” he stated. “The situation there is dire, and we must stand together. Where there is peace, there is progress.”

With words of encouragement and a call for collective action, the parliamentary session concluded with Shah’s re-election symbolizing continuity and hope for the people of Sindh.

Hum News

Murad Ali Shah elected as Sindh chief minister for third time - Hum NEWS

Murad Ali Shah secures 112 votes, while Ali Khurshidi of Muttahida Qaumi Movement obtains 36 votes

humnews.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

Starting his third term as CM of Sindh, but trust me, this person is bad luck for Sindh. As per my observation, Sindh is the least developed province in Pakistan.

 

[Kianig89]

So he enters another era , treating Sindh as a mafia tribe , lack of water , malnutrition, lack of schools, lawlessness, oppression of journalists, land mafia , street crimes all the virtues of this dark era

 

[Bewal Express]

Maybe these losers wake up and actually do something for the people of Sindh. Sooner or later Sindh will be free of this mafia, then where will the PPP hide its criminality

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Maybe these losers wake up and actually do something for the people of Sindh. Sooner or later Sindh will be free of this mafia, then where will the PPP hide its criminality

I m sure that Sindh can't get free from these looters as most of the people from interior sindh are mentally slaves. They know that the ones they are voting for are corrupt but still they vote for them because their ancestors did so.

So nothing is going to change with this mentality!

 

[Bewal Express]

I m sure that Sindh can't get free from these looters as most of the people from interior sindh are mentally slaves. They know that the ones they are voting for are corrupt but still they vote for them because their ancestors did so.

So nothing is going to change with this mentality!

I wouldn't be so sure. They said lahore belonged to the Sharifs,this time around NS couldn't beat an 80 year old cancer sufferer that is in jail. The PPP have kept the poor illiterate and then used the Sindh card but sooner or later this won't work. IA that day will be soon

 

[Cricket Warrior]

I wouldn't be so sure. They said lahore belonged to the Sharifs,this time around NS couldn't beat an 80 year old cancer sufferer that is in jail. The PPP have kept the poor illiterate and then used the Sindh card but sooner or later this won't work. IA that day will be soon

whole Pakistan can get changed but trust me sindh looks hopeless!

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Does the guy need 3 terms to make Karachi into Mumbai or rather Dharavi.

 

[Savak]

The Bulk of Sindh's Development Funds i.e. atleast 80% is laundered to Dubai, Canada, USA via the Zardari Money Laundering System and Network.

 

[BouncerGuy]

PPPs performance in Sindh is not worth mentioning actually it is the worst. People of Sindh are so backward that the may look like people from the stone age. There has been no development in Sindh over the last 4 decades and now people are gearing up for another term, it won't change anything. Sindh is bound to stay old school so this corrupt mafia can rule over them for ages.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Murad’s election shows continuation of policies

Syed Murad Ali Shah made history in Sindh when he became the chief minister for the third consecutive term on Monday, an indication that the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would continue the same governance policy that had been pursued for the past 15 years.

Shah is the first lawmaker to be elected as the chief minister three times in a row. Previously, Syed Qaim Ali Shah had also served as the provincial chief minister three times, but for two consecutive terms.

Syed Murad Ali Shah is the son of former chief minister Syed Abdullah Shah, the first father-son duo in Sindh. The other similar examples were set by the Jam family of the Lasbela district of Balochistan and later by the Sharif family—Hamza and Shehbaz Sharif, and now Maryam and Nawaz Sharif.

Syed Murad Ali Shah started his political career in 2002, when he became a member of the provincial assembly (MPA) of Sindh from his home constituency in Sehwan. It was the same constituency that was represented by his late father, Abdullah Shah, from 1970 to 1993.

He played a pivotal role while sitting on the opposition benches during the Gen Musharraf tenure. He won the provincial assembly seat again in the 2008 and 2013 elections, becoming a minister in Syed Qaim Ali Shah’s cabinet. In 2016, he replaced Syed Qaim Ali Shah as the chief minister.

After the general elections in 2018, the PPP did not opt to shake up its Sindh set-up and continued with Shah in the top post in the province, which he held till the end of the government tenure in August 2023.

Born in Karachi in 1962, Shah received early education from St Patrick’s High School, Karachi, then went to the prestigious DJ Science College, Karachi, in 1979. He completed his bachelor's degree in Civil Engineeringg from the NED University, Karachi, in 1985.

Later, he did a Masters in Civil-Structural Engineering from Stanford University in California in 1987 and Engineering Economic Systems in 1993. Before joining politics, he worked both in the public and private sectors in Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Kuwait, and the United States from 1986 to 2002.

In Pakistan, he worked as an engineer for the Hyderabad Development Authority, the Water and Power Development Authority, the Port Qasim Authority, and the Karachi Fish Harbour Authority. Later, he changed his career and started working as an investment banker, first at Citibank Karachi, then at Citibank London, Gulf Investment Corporation Kuwait, and Bizpivot USA.

Why a third time?

For many in the PPP and outside, Shah is considered a heavyweight politician, currently holding the position of vice president in the party as well as taking a seat in its Central Executive Committee (CEC). Besides, he is also seen as a close confidant of the PPP’s top leadership.

Several party leaders, when approached by The Express Tribune, gave credit to Shah for the overwhelming performance of the PPP in the February 8 general elections. In the last assembly, PPP had 91 seats in the 168-strong house. Now, it has a resounding majority of 112 seats in the house.

“For the first time in the history of the PPP, we have won the post of mayor of Karachi, along with the PPP’s victories on many provincial and national assembly seats. So Murad Ali Shah deserves credit for the PPP government’s performance,” PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro told The Express Tribune.

“Murad Ali Shah always took up Sindh’s case diligently with the federal government when it came to the distribution of financial and water resources. So, there was a party consensus on his name for the slot of chief minister,” he added.

In fact, a few names did make the rounds on social media for the post of chief minister, such as Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Sharjeel Inam Memon, and Faryal Talpur. However, the PPP leadership stayed firm behind Shah and got him elected for a record third term.

Shah’s critics attribute his phenomenal rise in politics to his ‘utmost obedience’ to the party leadership. “No doubt Murad Ali Shah is competent, but I think he is more obedient to leadership than others,” opined analyst and writer Prof Nawaz Khoso.

He does disagree [on certain matters] but blindly follows whatever orders are issued by the party leadership. The example of the Sindh government’s land being sold out to builders at throwaway prices and appointments of blue-eyed boys in the civil and police bureaucracy to appease party leaders can be quoted here,” Khoso added, while talking about his election.

“During the PPP term, Sindh witnessed massive bungling in government departments. Bad governance, poor infrastructure, ghost schools, a lack of medicines at government hospitals, as well as a deteriorating law and order situation, point to a bad performance. I don’t know why people laud his performance.”

It is also an interesting fact that since the PPP’s return to power in Sindh in 1988, seven of its total of eight chief ministers belonged to the ‘Syed’ families: three times Syed Qaim Ali Shah, one time Syed Abdullah Shah, and three times Murad Ali Shah.

The only exception is Aftab Shaban Mirani, who replaced Syed Qaim Ali Shah months before the sacking of then prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s first government in 1990. Syed Abdullah Shah was provincial chief executive from 1993 to 1996.

After a gap of 11 years, when the PPP came to power in 2008, it again nominated Syed Qaim Ali Shah for this coveted slot, who retained his position in 2013. He was relieved of the position in 2016. Since then, the position has been held by Murad Ali Shah.

SOURCE: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457742/murads-election-shows-continuation-of-policies

 

[Cricket Warrior]

This time he will sell province sindh on a wholesale rate.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Murad Ali Shah sworn in as Sindh chief minister

Pakistan Peoples Party stalwart Syed Murad Ali Shah was sworn in as the 25th chief minister of the province on Tuesday.

Governor Kamran Tessori administered the oath in the evening at a ceremony held at the lawns of Governor House and attended among others by PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, outgoing caretaker Chief Minister retired Justice Maqbool Baqar, several newly elected legislators and diplomats.

Moment after the oath-taking ceremony, chaos prevailed until Mr Bhutto-Zardari and CM Shah smoothly left in the cluster of their guards, who did not let even mediapersons to talk to them for journalistic consumption.

Taking his oath, the chief minister swore to uphold the duties and responsibilities entrusted to him by the people of the province. He vowed to steer the province towards prosperity, unity, and progress. He solemnly pledged to uphold the Constitution and work tirelessly for the betterment of the province.

The swearing-in ceremony of the chief minister was conducted by Chief Secretary Dr Fakhre Alam.

Those who attended the oath-taking ceremony among others were Faryal Talpur, former chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, former speaker Agha Siraj Durani, Sindh Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir Shah, Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed, former ministers and PPP MPAs Sharjeel Memon, Imtiaz Shaikh, Saeed Ghani, Sardar Shah and Jam Khan Shoro.

Earlier on Monday, he was comfortably elected chief minister for a third time in a row by securing 112 votes in the 168-member Sindh Assembly.

Taking to Dawn, Sharjeel Memon said one of the priorities set by the chief minister was the provision of potable water to urban and rural parts of the province. “Besides, the CM’s main focus will be on curbing street crimes and maintenance of law and order,” he added.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[FearlessRoar]

Murad says people of Sindh handed PPP ‘historic success’ on Feb 8

Speaking to the media in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the people of Sindh handed the PPP “historic success” in the Feb 8 general election.

“The people of Sindh know the good work PPP has done,” he said, adding that he will do whatever is in his power to improve their lives.

“As Bilawal has said, our first priority in Sindh remains the rehabilitation of the 2022 flood victims, which we have done and will continue to do.”

Dawn

 

[FearlessRoar]

The looter of Sindh will once again devour Sindh.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah said that there is no better choice for the President slot than PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, ARY News reported.

While talking to media after submitting nomination papers, CM Sindh said Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) will request all parties including MQM- Pakistan to vote for Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidential election.

He said that the party has requested MQM-P members to vote for PPP’s candidates for the election of speaker and deputy Speaker election.

Replying to a question regarding MQM’s demand for amendment in Local Government Act, Shah said that in Sindh, Local Bodies were already powerful, MQM might have demanded local government powers for Punjab.

He said that PPP will approach legal forums for its grievances regarding polls.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) named Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai as their presidential nominee for the coveted constitutional post against Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari.

Asif Ali Zardari will be presidential candidate of coalition partners including the PML-N, People’s Party and other allies.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday announced the schedule for the presidential elections.

According to the ECP schedule, polling for the presidential election will be held on March 9 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The nomination papers can be submitted till 12:00 noon on March 2 (today).

The Returning Officer (RO) will scrutinize the nomination papers on March 4 at 10:00 am whereas the final list of candidates for the presidential elections will be displayed on March 5:00 at 1:00 pm.

ARY

CM Murad says no better choice than Zardari for President

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah said that there is no better choice for the President slot than PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari,

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

The President doesn't have the powers that the Prime Minister has, but Zardari is becoming President once again to complete what he couldn't loot last time.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sindh’s Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday said that the province has empowered its local government system, ARY News reported.

Talking to media Murad Ali Shah said, if any improvement will be required in local government law, it will be enforced by the Sindh Assembly. “There is no need of any agreement over it” chief minister said.

He said that the MQM has made an agreement with the PML-N, influenced by our reforms.

He said the people of Sindh have given us a big mandate, “We have to work hard after this mandate”.

He claimed that the People’s Party will easily win two vacant Senate seats in Sindh.

He questioned, who has encroached service roads in Karachi, built shops on nullahs, those responsible to degrade the city should be made answerable.

He said the presidential election of Pakistan will be held on March 09 and extended an “advance congratulation” to Asif Ali Zardari. “We will work over 10-point agenda under the leadership of Asif Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto,” Murad Ali Shah said.

“Consecutively fourth government of People’s Party in Sindh is result of our service to the people,” Murad Ali Shah claimed.

Sindh CM also claimed that “our two senators” will get elected in Sindh Assembly. He said four nomination papers submitted on two vacant senate seats of Nisar Khuhro and Jam Mehtab Dahar, who won the recent assembly elections.

He said Aslam Abro, Saifullah Dharejo, Waqar Mehdi and Aajiz Dhamra will submit nomination papers on vacant seats.

Jam Saifullah Dharejo and Aslam Abro were accompanied with the chief minister when he reached at the Sindh election commission’s office.

Sindh has empowered local govt system, says Murad Ali Shah

KARACHI: Sindh's Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday said that the province has empowered its local government system, ARY News reported. Talking to

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

You haven't done anything for Sindh. Sindh is the most backward province in Pakistan.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

His 3rd term and this time he'll make Karachi into London for sure.

 

[Savak]

The President doesn't have the powers that the Prime Minister has, but Zardari is becoming President once again to complete what he couldn't loot last time.

Zardari is going to try and get more Millitary and establishment people in his pocket. He knows in order for PPP to get power in Punjab and Centre, they must develop links in the Millitary.

 

[Bewal Express]

Zardari is going to try and get more Millitary and establishment people in his pocket. He knows in order for PPP to get power in Punjab and Centre, they must develop links in the Millitary.

He may do. But Billo will never be elected by the people of PK. AZ and Billo know this and that fact alone,has forced them to be the slaves of the establishment.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Murad Ali Shah appointed as the CM of Sindh only to fill the lockers of Bilawal House. He has done nothing for the people of Sindh so far and there is no hope for any progress from him in the future too.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Sindh cabinet members assigned portfolios​

Members of the Sindh cabinet have been assigned their portfolios after their oath-taking ceremony earlier today. A statement issued by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s spokesperson Abdul Rasheed Channa said Sharjeel Memon was assigned the portfolios of the Department of Transport and Mass Transit and the Department of Excise, Taxation and Narcotics.

Dr Azra Pechuho was given the Ministry of Health and Population Welfare while Syed Nasir Hussain Shah was entrusted with the portfolio of the Department of Energy and Planning and Development.

Syed Sardar Ali Shah was given the portfolio of Department of School Education and Literacy, Department of College Education and Department of Mines and Minerals Development while Saeed Ghani was entrusted with the portfolio of Local Government and Housing Town Planning Department and Public Health Engineering and Rural Development.

Jam Khan Shoro was made the Minister of Irrigation and Foodstuffs Department while Zia Lanjar was assigned the portfolios of Interior and Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Criminal Prosecution.

Mohammad Bux Mahar was given the portfolios of Agriculture, Supply and Price, Sports and Youth Affairs and Inquiries and Anti-Corruption Establishment while Ali Hassan Zardari was given the portfolio of prisons.

Syed Zulfikar Ali Shah was assigned the portfolio of Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives.

Source: Dawn News

 

[BouncerGuy]

PM Shehbaz or PTI founder in Center, Sindh will protect its rights: Murad

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah was talking to the media outside the Sindh Assembly after casting votes for the Senate elections on six seats said that PPP rejected the appointment of Indus River System Authority (IRSA), a federal entirety, chairman.

Murad Ali Shah said that the problem has been made for small provinces and PPP has not been in favour of giving Irsa control to the federal government.

He said it is hoped that the new finance minister will play an important role to get the country out of its problems.

“PTI founder or Shahbaz Sharif will not tolerate injustice with Sindh. We will return the appointment notification of Irsa Chairman,” Sindh CM said.

“Law and order situation in Sindh is worse than last six months. The situation worsened during the caretaker government,” Sindh CM said.

“If we find anything wrong then we will protest. There will be full protest if anyone tries to harm the people of Sindh,” Shah said. He said that PPP first priority is to establish peace.

“I am looking into the matter of Karachi Interboard Chairman. There is no minister yet, you alone are looking after this department. This problem will be solved soon,” he told media persons.

SAMAA

 

[BouncerGuy]

Murad urges sticking to Constitution on NFC

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Saturday said that the provinces’ share in the next NFC award would be granted as per the constitutional provisions.

“It is written in the Constitution about the NFC award that the provinces’ share [in the divisible pool/resources] cannot be reduced [but] it can be increased,” the chief minister said while speaking to the media at the Election Commission of Pakistan where he went to submit nomination papers of the Pakistan People’s Party candidates for the Senate election, being held on April 2.

When asked about the IMF’s condition to reduce the provinces’ share in the upcoming NFC Award, the chief minister said that he has heard about it too. However, he added that the federal government has reportedly informed the IMF that the matter was settled between the federal and provincial governments constitutionally and it cannot be negotiated or discussed.

The IMF on Thursday had called upon Pakistan to reopen discussions on the NFC award, seeking to address the ongoing imbalance in the distribution of fiscal resources between federal and provincial governments.

During the opening round of discussions for a $1.1 billion loan tranche, Nathan Porter, the IMF Mission Chief to Pakistan, had raised concerns over the distribution of resources and responsibilities, underscoring the need for a more equitable arrangement.

Representing Pakistan in the talks was Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

Government officials had disclosed to The Express Tribune that the IMF emphasised the need to reassess the NFC award, citing disparities in resource allocation between federal and provincial authorities.

The current formula, established in 2010, resulted in provincial shares increasing from 47.5% to 57.5% of total federal taxes, without a commensurate transfer of additional responsibilities. This has led to a sustained fiscal imbalance and a rise in public debt.

The Pakistani authorities informed the IMF that the provincial shares cannot be reduced without bringing a constitutional amendment and making all the provinces agree to a new formula.

The 2010 NFC award had been agreed for a period of five years but since then there has not been any consensus to revisit it.

The Sindh chief minister said that the 10th NFC award was announced before the passage of the 18th Constitutional Amendment. “After the 18th Amendment, the provinces have been given more responsibilities, therefore the upcoming NFC award should be made accordingly,” he said and added the federal government has its own point of view, but the issues will be discussed at the NFC forum.

He reiterated that it was the PPP and Sindh government’s demand from the federal government to bring in a new NFC award since the old no longer applied after the 18th Amendment.

Article 160 of the Constitution governs the NFC award. Section 3A of the article says: “The share of the provinces in each award of National Finance Commission shall not be less than the share given to the provinces in the previous award.”

SOURCE: EXPRESS NEWS

 

[BouncerGuy]

Cabinet approves grant for PBS

The Sindh cabinet approved Rs521 million for fuel indexation of Intra-district Bus Service and Rs5.027 million for JS Academy for the Deaf. Additionally, they decided to launch the Kissan Card to support peasants.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, presiding over the meeting, emphasized the implementation of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's instructions to issue Kissan Cards and promote development in every district. A committee will be formed to implement the party's election manifesto, focusing on the chairman's ten-point agenda. The meeting, held at CM House, was attended by provincial ministers, advisors, and officials.

The Kissan Cards will be issued to farmers benefiting from government programs, with a digital platform being developed to collect farmers' details, including demographics, contact information, crops, landholding, livestock, and irrigation systems. This initiative aims to ensure proper allocation of schemes, efficient communication, and centralized data management.

Cardholders will receive priority in wheat procurement and disaster relief. A committee comprising the minister of irrigation, senior member board of revenue and secretary of agriculture was tasked with developing data and submitting recommendations. The survey and registration for Kissan Cards, available to farmers with up to 12 acres of land, will commence within a week for issuance within six months.

Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon informed the meeting that the project to supply, operate and maintenance for the Sindh Intra-District People's Bus Service was awarded to National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) in October 2021 for a term of 12 years, maturing in October 2033.

As many as 230 buses are operational and an additional 40 buses have also been added to the fleet under a government-to-government (G2G) initiative between the Sindh government and NRTC. He added that it was the first ever Intra City Public Transport Project operating in Mixed Traffic, particularly in Karachi and other cities of the province including Larkana, Hyderabad and Sukkur.

He said that the NRTC has requested the Sindh Mass Transit Authority for the release of payment of fuel indexations from January to June 24.

The cabinet was informed that in order to ensure the smooth operations of the PBS, an amount of Rs820. 996 million was required from Jan-Jun 2024.

Sharjeel said that Rs300 million, already kept in the account as Grant-in Aid for Fuel Indexation (one time) during the current financial year 2023-24, may be released and the remaining amount of Rs521 million may be released for the project to cover fuel indexation for Jan-Jun 2024 period. The cabinet approved the amount of Rs521 million for the purpose.

The cabinet was informed that the JS Academy offers free education, from grade one to postgraduate level, to deaf students, providing empowerment initiatives. Courses and training include sign language, audiometry, computer skills, music, art classes, healthcare, physical education, social skills, transportation, counseling, and library access, as explained by Secretary DEPD Tuaha Farooqi.

Registered by relevant education departments, the academy currently enrolls 152 students (81 male, 71 female) and employs 24 staff (6 male, 18 female). Facing an annual shortfall of Rs10.747 million, the DEPD requested a Rs5.027 million grant from the chief minister, drawing from a budgeted allocation of Rs1,000 million for such institutions. The cabinet approved the grant for JS Academy.

SOURCE: EXPRESS NEWS

 

[FearlessRoar]

Tribal feuds cause lawlessness in upper Sindh districts: Murad Ali Shah​

Talking to media here, chief minister Shah said that the government will end these disputes and it will also get support from the tribal chiefs in this respect.

Murad Ali Shah said that the situation was already bad, it worsens during the interim government. “What improvement made by the caretaker government in the law and order during its six months,” he questioned.

“We will soon restore peace in the area with assistance from the police, rangers and the military,” chief minister said.

He said, in previous term his government had requested to the federal government for provision of military arms and equipment.

“I don’t understand how these bandits getting military arms and equipment,” he said.

“We have appointed provincial home minister to tackle and improve the law and order”, he added.

Tribal feuds cause lawlessness in upper Sindh districts: Murad Ali Shah

KANDHKOT: Sindh's Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said that tribal feuds have caused lawlessness in upper Sindh districts of Kashmore, Ghotki, Jacobabad

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

You've got the sense, but now take action too.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Sindh cabinet lifts ban on recruitment in provincial govt departments

The Sindh cabinet on Wednesday lifted a ban it imposed last year in August on recruitment in the provincial government departments.

The then cabinet in its meeting on Aug 11, 2023 had imposed a complete ban on recruitment for the caretaker government. Before that ban, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan had moved the Sindh High Court against the provincial government’s plan to fill thousands of vacancies without completing required formalities and on its request the SHC had granted a stay order on recruitment in government departments from grade 1-15 across the province.

On Wednesday, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, while chairing the cabinet meeting, asked the provincial chief law officer to get vacated the stay order of the SHC against the recruitment.

Official sources said that the cabinet members told the chief minister that there were thousands of posts of lower grades lying vacant in government departments, saying that the lifting of ban on recruitment would not only improve the working but the youth would get employment opportunities.

Approving the lifting of the ban with the consent of the cabinet members, the chief minister directed Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar and the advocate general to pursue the case in court and get the stay order issued against the recruitment vacated.

Meanwhile, the at the request of Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah the cabinet allowed the school education department to continue the recruitment process of Prime School Teachers (PST) and Junior Elementary School Teachers (JEST) in accordance with the Teachers Recruitment Policy 2021 through the Institute of Business Administration, Sukkur.

Extension granted

Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal told the cabinet that the health department had appointed doctors, nurses, skilled and supporting staff on a “service rendered basis” for 89 days in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Subsequently, on the recommendation of the health department the Covid-19 doctors and nurses were given extensions in their hiring period from time to time up to June 30, 2023.

Acting on SHC’s order, she said, the health department had on March 17, 2023 referred the cases of 824 doctors and 324 staff nurses to the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) to ascertain their suitability.

The minister said that the SPSC had recommended only 260 suitable nurses out of 324 and the results of doctors were still awaited.

The cabinet, on the recommendation of the health department, approved another extension in the contract of 705 doctors and nurses for a further period of one year i.e. from July 2023 to June 2024.

The extension of 374 technical and supporting paramedical staff and 2,957 skilled and supporting human resources from April 1, 2023 to June 2024 was also approved as per the recommendation of the scrutiny committee.

The CM also approved an amount of Rs2.03 billion to pay their salaries during 2023-24.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[The Bald Eagle]

The Sindh government has decided to remove the Karachi police chief due to a surge in street crimes in the metropolis, ARY News reported on Tuesday citing sources.

The incoming fourth-consecutive PPP government has decided to replace Additional IG Karachi Imran Yaqoob only 15 days after his appointment to the top post.

Javed Alam Odhu, who had earlier served as Karachi police chief, is top contender to replace Yaqoob.

Earlier, the caretaker Sindh government had appointed Khadim Hussain Rind as the new Karachi Additional Inspector General of Police (AIG) in September 2023.

Street Crimes in Karachi

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Riffat Mukhtar giving a presentation to the CM last month said that during the last two months, 23 people were killed during robberies, 3953 mobile phones, 46 four-wheelers, and 1537 two-wheelers were snatched.

To a question, the IGP police told the CM that street crimes are high within the limits of 22 police stations in Karachi. The CM directed the IGP to provide him with a list of 22 vulnerable police stations in terms of street crime and identify the hotspots so that special focus could be given to them.

Murad Ali Shah directed the city police chief to get all his SSPs on the roads in the evening time. He added that street crime mostly started after sunset, directing the police to ensure police presence on the roads to control them.

Source: Ary News

 

[BouncerGuy]

Eight more ministers take oath as Sindh CM expands cabinet

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday expanded his cabinet with eight more ministers, taking the number of cabinet members to 21.

Governor Kamran Khan Tessori administered oath to newly inducted ministers Jam Ikramullah Khan Dharejo, Muhammad Ali Malkani, Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman, Dost Muhammad Rahimoon, Shahid Abdul Salam Thahim, Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi, Shahina Sher Ali and Mir Tariq Ali Talpur.

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by the chief minister, provincial ministers, advisors, city mayor, provincial secretaries, and family members of the newly appointed ministers.

On March 12, in the first phase, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, Jam Khan Shoro, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar, Ali Hassan Zardari and Zulfiqar Shah took oath of office. Besides, the chief minister had also appointed three advisers — Allah Dino Khan Bhayo, Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari and Syed Najmi Alam.

Following the oath-taking ceremony of the second batch of ministers, the chief minister allotted the newly inducted members their portfolios.

Jam Ikram Dharijo was given industries and commerce department. He has been a member of the provincial assembly since 2008 and was first inducted into the provincial cabinet in Aug 2016 and was given the portfolio of co-operatives department.

He was elected to the Provincial Assembly of Sindh as a candidate of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) from Sukkur in 2008 and then again elected to Sindh Assembly in 2013 general election.

The 51-year-old PPP leader was re-elected in 2018 general election and was re-inducted in the provincial cabinet as minister of co-operatives and given an additional portfolio of industries and commerce in 2019. In Feb 2020, he was given the additional portfolio of inquiries and anti-corruption establishment.

Muhammad Ali Malkani was allocated the portfolio of universities and boards department.

Elected first in 2013 general election to the provincial assembly from Thatta, he was appointed as livestock and fisheries minister in 2016 and later given the additional ministerial portfolio of Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development.

Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman, grandson of late PPP leader Makhdoom Ameen Faheem, was given portfolio of rehabilitation department. He was first elected to the provincial assembly in 2018 and was appointed as revenue and relief minister.

Dost Muhammad Rahimoon, who has been the member of the provincial assembly from Tharparkar since 2013, was made minister of environment, climate change and coastal development department.

Shahid Abdul Salam Thahim, son of late PPP leader Abdul Salam Thahim, was given labour and human resources ministry. He was elected to the provincial assembly from Sanghar in 2013 general election and was re-elected in 2018.

Riaz Hussain Shah Sheerazi, who has been a member of the provincial assembly since 2018, was appointed minister of Auqaf, Religious affairs, Zakat and Ushr department.

Shaheena Sher Ali, elected on a reserved seat, was given portfolio of women development department.

She had been a member of the provincial assembly from August 2018 to August 2023 and from June 2013 to 2018 on reserved seat.

Mir Tariq Ali Khan Talpur was made social welfare minister. He had been a member of the provincial assembly in 2018 from Murpurkhas.

Meanwhile, Prisons Minister Ali Hassan Zardari was allotted additional portfolio of works and services department by the chief minister.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[BouncerGuy]

Eight more ministers take oath as Sindh CM expands cabinet

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday expanded his cabinet with eight more ministers, taking the number of cabinet members to 21.

Governor Kamran Khan Tessori administered oath to newly inducted ministers Jam Ikramullah Khan Dharejo, Muhammad Ali Malkani, Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman, Dost Muhammad Rahimoon, Shahid Abdul Salam Thahim, Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi, Shahina Sher Ali and Mir Tariq Ali Talpur.

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by the chief minister, provincial ministers, advisors, city mayor, provincial secretaries, and family members of the newly appointed ministers.

On March 12, in the first phase, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, Jam Khan Shoro, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar, Ali Hassan Zardari and Zulfiqar Shah took oath of office. Besides, the chief minister had also appointed three advisers — Allah Dino Khan Bhayo, Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari and Syed Najmi Alam.

Following the oath-taking ceremony of the second batch of ministers, the chief minister allotted the newly inducted members their portfolios.

Jam Ikram Dharijo was given industries and commerce department. He has been a member of the provincial assembly since 2008 and was first inducted into the provincial cabinet in Aug 2016 and was given the portfolio of co-operatives department.

He was elected to the Provincial Assembly of Sindh as a candidate of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) from Sukkur in 2008 and then again elected to Sindh Assembly in 2013 general election.

The 51-year-old PPP leader was re-elected in 2018 general election and was re-inducted in the provincial cabinet as minister of co-operatives and given an additional portfolio of industries and commerce in 2019. In Feb 2020, he was given the additional portfolio of inquiries and anti-corruption establishment.

Muhammad Ali Malkani was allocated the portfolio of universities and boards department.

Elected first in 2013 general election to the provincial assembly from Thatta, he was appointed as livestock and fisheries minister in 2016 and later given the additional ministerial portfolio of Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development.

Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman, grandson of late PPP leader Makhdoom Ameen Faheem, was given portfolio of rehabilitation department. He was first elected to the provincial assembly in 2018 and was appointed as revenue and relief minister.

Dost Muhammad Rahimoon, who has been the member of the provincial assembly from Tharparkar since 2013, was made minister of environment, climate change and coastal development department.

Shahid Abdul Salam Thahim, son of late PPP leader Abdul Salam Thahim, was given labour and human resources ministry. He was elected to the provincial assembly from Sanghar in 2013 general election and was re-elected in 2018.

Riaz Hussain Shah Sheerazi, who has been a member of the provincial assembly since 2018, was appointed minister of Auqaf, Religious affairs, Zakat and Ushr department.

Shaheena Sher Ali, elected on a reserved seat, was given portfolio of women development department.

She had been a member of the provincial assembly from August 2018 to August 2023 and from June 2013 to 2018 on reserved seat.

Mir Tariq Ali Khan Talpur was made social welfare minister. He had been a member of the provincial assembly in 2018 from Murpurkhas.

Meanwhile, Prisons Minister Ali Hassan Zardari was allotted additional portfolio of works and services department by the chief minister.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[FearlessRoar]

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday held a one-to-one meeting with the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at CM’s House in Karachi.

The premier landed in Karachi early on Wednesday morning on a day-long visit.

According to Sindh CM House spokesperson, PM Shehbaz Sharif and CM Murad discussed issues relating to development works in the province.

Shah complained about a shortage of funds worth Rs82 billion from the federal government. He also raised the issue of non-provision of funds for the construction of houses for the flood victims in the province.

He also raised the issue of delaying NOCs for the K-4 project, KCR project is also facing delay, he added.

On the occasion, the Sindh CM complained about non-payment of funds. The premier assured the provincial chief executive of his cooperation and solution of the problems in the best interest of the people.

He directed the finance minister to address the reservations of the Sindh CM.

Upon arrival in Karachi, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah welcomed PM Shehbaz Sharif at the Jinnah International Airport.

Soon after arrival, the premier visited Mazar-e-Quaid, offered Fateha, and laid a floral wreath. He wrote his impressions in the book.

During his visit, the prime minister is also scheduled to meet the Karachi governor and prominent personalities of the business community, and a delegation of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce.

In these meetings, PM Shehbaz Sharif will take suggestions from the business community regarding the improvement in the country’s economy.

PM Sharif assures Sindh CM of solving funds release, other issues

KARACHI: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday held a one-to-one meeting with the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at CM's House in

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sindh energy minister opposes proposed tax on solar panels

“Certain quarters have recommended imposition of tax on solar panels to federal government. This step will further overburden the poor class,” Nasir Hussain Shah has said in a statement.

“I plead to the prime minister avoid imposing tax on solar panels,” provincial minister said.

He also suggested offering convenience packages to people for purchase of solar panels.

It is to be mentioned here that the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has proposed the federal government to impose tax on individuals using solar panels for residential or commercial purposes.

The sources privy to the development said that the CPPA has proposed a tax of Rs 2,000 per kilowatt on residential and commercial consumers installing 12 kilowatts or more.

The CPPA’s recommendation, which was sent to the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) for approval, has now been forwarded to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for final approval.

After the prime minister’s approval, the consumers who install 12 kilowatt solar panels will have to pay a tax of Rs 24,000.

Meanwhile, the federal government is also reviewing the prices of solar panels as a suggestion to reduce the prices of solar panels is under consideration.

Sindh energy minister opposes proposed tax on solar panels

KARACHI: Sindh's Energy Minister Nasir Shah has opposed suggestion of tax imposition over solar panels, ARY News reported on Saturday. "Certain quarters

arynews.tv

 

[BouncerGuy]

Sindh govt seeks control over Karachi’s Lyari Expressway

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday asked the federal government to hand over the administrative control of the Lyari Expressway to the provincial government so that it could be opened for heavy traffic.

At a meeting with senior leadership of the National Highway Authority (NHA), Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that the provincial government would carry out repair and maintenance of the Lyari Expressway and open it for heavy vehicles to ease out traffic congestion from inner parts of the city.

The meeting, which was held at the CM House, took place against the backdrop of the CM’s April 24 meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in which the former had raised several financial and development issues and also requested the latter to give control of the expressway to the provincial government.

A statement issued from the CM House said that the chief minister chaired a joint meeting of the NHA and the Sindh works and services department to review the progress of various road projects being executed by the NHA.

It said that the CM demanded that the federal government hand over not only the Lyari Expressway but the Karachi-Thatta and Mirpurkhas-Umerkot roads to the provincial government.

Last week, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab had also asked the NHA and prime minister to allow heavy traffic on the Lyari Expressway.

A spokesperson for the CM House told Dawn that the NHA chairman assured the chief minister that the provincial government’s request for taking over the administrative control of the Lyari Expressway would be taken up favourably.

The NHA had off and on maintained that the Lyari Expressway was not fit for heavy traffic due to its design as it had 20 ramps, 12 bridges, around 27 while the north side of the road was built ‘solely with pillars’ at certain locations, which made it vulnerable for loaded heavy vehicles.

The expressway is also a source of revenue for the NHA as it charges toll from thousands of vehicles.

Discussing the Karachi-Thatta dual carriageway project, the CM said that the NHA handed over the Karachi-Thatta-Hyderabad section (N-5) to the Sindh government in January 2012.

In the handing over letter, the NHA said that the road would not be “de-federalised” but a no-objection certificate (NOC) being granted to the provincial government for its development on a public-private-partnership (PPP) mode.

The CM urged the NHA to de-federalise the road, as the provincial government constructed a dual carriageway at N-5 from Karachi to Thatta for Rs8.2 billion under the PPP mode and was unable to collect revenue including toll collection, fees from utility providers, right of way fees and NOC charges from petrol pumps, etc.

The NHA chairman said that it was a policy decision and it would be discussed with the communication ministry.

Indus Highway

The chief minister said that work on 130-km-long Jamshoro-Sehwan Road, which is part of the Indus Highway, was started by the NHA in 2018-19. Initially, it was an asset of the NHA but the provincial government had also contributed Rs7bn for its rehabilitation.

The CM said that the progress on the project was terribly slow. He added the straightening of curves at some locations between Jamshoro and Sehwan must be redesigned to avoid accidents.

He said that the rate of accidents per year on this particular road was higher than the whole country.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sindh to work over providing free electricity units soon: CM Murad

Addressing a press conference Sindh’s CM said that an announcement in this regard will be made soon.

He promised to provide safe drinking water to every village and neighborhood in Sindh.

The CM said that his government was working for the rehabilitation of those affected by the 2022 devastating floods, stating that six Lac housing units from total 2.1 million houses, have been constructed.

“We will also focus over the primary healthcare,” chief minister said.

Murad Ali Shah said that the people of Sindh have pinned hopes on the People’s Party.

He said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto has given task to provide clean drinking water to every village of the province. “We will work over clean water schemes in the next five years,” he said.

Murad Ali Shah said that his government would launch the Kisan Card, adding that the promise of initiating the Benazir Labour Card had already been fulfilled.

Sindh to work over providing free electricity units soon: CM Murad

HYDERABAD: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday said that the government will soon initiate work over its promise of providing free electricity

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

This statement is detached from reality.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sindh CM Murad dismisses reports of changes to NFC formula​

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ruled out any change in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, saying neither the federal government nor any other official has discussed any such amendment.

He made these remarks while talking to reporters at the Hyderabad Press Club on Sunday.

When asked about reports of an IMF suggestion to renegotiate the resource distribution formula among provinces, Mr Shah said he only heard about this in the media.

“I have seen it only in the media because nobody has talked to me regarding any rethink of the NFC resource distribution formula.”

He explained that he has held three meetings with the prime minister and two with the finance minister, but nobody has discussed the issue with him.

The Constitution only allowed for the provinces’ share to be increased and it can not be reduced, the CM said.

Dawn