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

[BouncerGuy]

Sindh CM Murad stresses need for empowering differently-abled persons

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has stressed the need for equipping differently-abled persons with skills in order to prepare them for the demands of professional environments.

The chief minister said this at the inauguration ceremony of what has been described as Pakistan’s first café which is managed entirely by individuals with unique abilities.

The chief minister said that the café represents a milestone and serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when individuals develop their skills and improve their career prospects, while also experiencing personal growth that goes beyond vocational training.

The CM was accompanied by provincial ministers Saeed Ghani and Zulfiqar Shah.

Karachi Vocational Training Centre (KVTC) chief executive Senator Haseeb Ahmed and others briefed the CM about the initiative.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shah said that KVTC had been empowering the differently-abled community with a focus on providing invaluable vocational training to them.

He added that the KVTC programmes were not just about imparting skills; they were about transforming lives.

“Through the programs like the ones we see today, particularly in culinary arts, KVTC has equipped students with practical skills that prepare them for the demands of professional environments,” he added.

The CM appreciated the dedication of KVTC team.

“Your commitment to empowering these students, to helping them discover their potential, is nothing short of extraordinary,” the CM said and added that because of the KVTC team efforts, the students were not only learning, but they also thriving.

Mr Shah said that the students were demonstrating remarkable progress, breaking barriers with the right guidance and opportunities provided to them. “The launch of Khudee, the bakery & café, is a proof of that progress,” the CM said.

He added that it was more than just a café it was a milestone, a shining example of what could be achieved when individuals were allowed to grow.

“This initiative offers our students a real-world professional setting, one where they can grow their skills and further enhance their career prospects while experiencing personal growth in ways that go beyond vocational training,” he said.

The CM said that he was delighted to be part of an initiative that uplifts individuals, one that provides dignity through work and opportunity.

Mr Shah expressed the hope that the launching of the cafe would inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Let’s continue supporting our differently-abled community and giving them the platforms they need to thrive, the CM concluded.

DAWN NEWS

 

[FearlessRoar]

Massive corruption unearthed in SBCA, SSWMB

As per detail, the report revealed that the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board made unauthorized utility allowance payments, with the administration spending Rs. 4.8 million on utility allowances. Similarly, the SBCA administration made unauthorized payments of Rs. 17.4 million.

The audit report highlighted that these unauthorized payments are a clear violation of financial regulations and recommended that the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board’s utility allowances be stopped immediately.

Furthermore, the report suggested that the amount paid without authorization should be recovered.

In October 2023, the administration was asked to provide an explanation for these unauthorized payments, but no response was received.

Earlier, Karachi police apprehended a senior Sindh Building Control Authority officer for allegedly being involved in illegal construction in the metropolis.

Sources revealed that the assistant director of SBCA, Sarfaraz Jamali, was arrested and a substantial amount of money was also recovered from his car.

As per sources, the money recovered from the suspect’s car was allegedly being transferred to the people running the operation of the ‘influential person’.

Assistant Director Sarfraz Jamali was transferred to an undisclosed location for further investigation.

A sum of Rs 220 million in cash was recovered from the suspect’s possession, which was allegedly his recovery from last week.

Massive corruption unearthed in SBCA, SSWMB

KARACHI: A recent audit report has unearthed irregularities worth millions in the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) and the Sindh Building

arynews.tv

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Sindh govt implements measures to combat extremism, prevent radicalisation: CM Murad

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday said that his government has implemented measures to combat extremism and terrorism, including intelligence sharing and coordinated operations with law enforcement agencies.

His comments came while addressing participants of the National Security and War Course 2024-25 at the Chief Minister House in Karachi.

In attendance at the event were 240 officers of the armed forces, civil servants, and military officers from 24 friendly countries led by Chief Instructor Major General Mohammad Akhtar.

“Community engagement and outreach programmes have been initiated to prevent radicalisation and promote peace and harmony,” CM Murad said.

He stated that the Sindh government has implemented various initiatives to strengthen the police force, including training programmes and infrastructure development. Some of the initiatives include the degradation of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and special branch of the police, as well as the launch of the Karachi Safe City Project.

Additionally, he highlighted the Sindh Smart Surveillance System (S4) project, which involves the installation of automatic number plate recognition and facial recognition cameras at 40 toll plazas in Sindh.

The CM revealed that the investigation cost has been increased, and police stations have been allocated a direct budget of Rs4.8 billion. Furthermore, the police force has been provided with health insurance amounting to Rs4.961bn.

The chief minister also announced enhancements to the Shaheed Package (compensation for martyrs) raising it from Rs10 million to Rs23m, which includes salary until retirement and job opportunities for family members.

He mentioned that resources have been allocated to the Sindh Police to acquire modern technology to combat challenges in the Katcha area, such as drones, APCs, and 12.7 guns.

“The Sindh Government has taken steps to address challenges in the Katcha area, focusing on infrastructure development and social services provision,” the CM noted.

Additionally, efforts are being made to construct roads and bridges to improve mobility, which is crucial for effective policing, he said.

Source: Dawn News​

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sindh CM Shah orders reconstruction of flood-affected schools by end of 2025

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday directed the Sindh Education and Literacy Department to complete the reconstruction of 3,328 schools out of 19,808 damaged by the 2022 floods by the end of this fiscal year.

In 2022, floods caused widespread devastation in several parts of the country, killing 1,700 people, affecting 33 million people, destroying infrastructure, washing away swathes of agricultural land, and incurring economic losses worth $30 billion, according to government estimates. Balochistan and Sindh were the worst affected provinces.

Presiding over a review meeting of the school education department today at the Chief Minister’s House, Shah was told that out of 19,808 schools, reconstruction and repair of 3,328 schools under different projects have either been started or are in the tender process.

CM Shah instructed the education minister to “personally monitor the construction work so that these schools could be reconstructed by the end of June 2025.”

He was further told that the repair work of 1,769 schools and the reconstruction of 1,559 school buildings have been taken up under 10 different local and foreign-assisted projects with Rs114.3 billion.

They include the SSEIP (flood-assisted) project under which 1,026 schools will be repaired/reconstructed for Rs62.6 billion. Tenders for the project have been issued. The repair and reconstruction of 31 schools under SSEIP (regular) have been taken up for Rs4 million and work on them is in progress.

Under the SELECT project, 166 schools will be reconstructed for which tenders have been floated, while 111 schools are under construction for Rs2.44 billion under the DEEP project.

Under the ASPIRE project, four schools are under construction for Rs112.7 billion.

China has given a grant of Rs7.6 billion for reconstruction of 100 schools and the scheme is under approval process.

Under the PSDP tenders for repair/reconstruction of 456 schools have been floated for Rs10.7 billion.

JIACA has also given Rs419.38 million to repair and reconstruct five schools for which bids were under evaluation.

Under the ADP repair/reconstruction of 687 schools is in progress for Rs7.89 billion. Through Maintenance & Repair, 742 schools are being repaired for Rs3 billion and work is in progress.

Minister Education Syed Sardar Shah told the CM that 824,008 children were enrolled in the 3,328 schools damaged by the floods. The CM directed the school education department to keep visiting the schools where repair work has been started or would be taken up to review their educational activities.

The school education department has developed a dashboard that reflects all 40,978 schools and their 5,219,784 enrolments. It also shows the 19,808 damaged schools, including 7,503 completely damaged.

The dashboard has also the ability to track the development works carried out on the ground and even the process of procurement, tendering stage, and approval process.

The chief minister directed the School Education Department to complete the construction work of the 3,328 school buildings by the end of the current financial year.

Meanwhile, CM Shah said he would arrange funds for the remaining 16,480 schools so that they could also be repaired/reconstructed.

Sindh CM Shah orders reconstruction of flood-affected schools by end of 2025

Directs education minister to “personally monitor the construction work" of schools.

www.dawn.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Rs1,000bn required annually to make Karachi liveable, says Murad

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that approximately Rs1,000 billion is needed for the development of Karachi every year.

Talking to a delegation of the National Press Club Islamabad at the CM House on Saturday, he said that a World Bank study conducted by the provincial government had revealed that $3billion was needed to make Karachi a liveable city.

“Although the required funds are substantial, around Rs1,000 billion should be spent on the development and reconstruction of city’s infrastructure,” he said, adding that only Rs218 billion had been allocated for the city’s development due to resource constraints.

The Islamabad-based journalists met the CM after they visited various districts of the province, including Thar, Sukkur, and Gambat.

To a question, Mr Shah that under the defunct city district government of Karachi, embankments of main nullahs were allotted and whatever space was left was allowed to be encroached in the past. “As a result, the cleaning of the nullahs became a serious issue, and the city kept submerging during heavy rains,” he added.

Furthermore, Mr Shah pointed out that commercial activities were allowed on the footpath, where hundreds of shops were set up. “The important roads that needed to be kept non-commercial were made commercial by allowing the establishment of commercial markets and centres, resulting in traffic congestion becoming another issue,” he added.

The chief minister said that the provincial government had developed the BRT Orange Line, and work on the BRT Redline was in full swing, followed by the Yellow Line. “Karachi is a metropolitan city, and we are committed to our people and would resolve all its issues,” he vowed.

Mr Shah said that Sindh was the only province which had constructed three bridges on the River Indus, of them two in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. “The main roads, Karachi-Thatta, Hyderabad-Mirpurkhas have also been constructed in PPP mode,” he said.

Mr Shah said that the provincial government was building over two million houses for people affected by floods, with a budget of Rs600 billion.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the chief minister announced a grant for the National Press Club in Islamabad and instructed the provincial information secretary to submit a proposal outlining the purpose of the grant.

Provincial ministers Nasir Shah and Saeed Ghani and Information Secretary Nadeem Memon were also present.


Dawn News

 

[BouncerGuy]

‘Inauguration of Rs6bn projects reflects our resolve to Karachi uplift’: CM Murad

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday inaugurated major road and energy projects worth Rs6 billion across the city and declared that those initiatives reflected his government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and embracing the idea of renewable energy to benefit the people of Karachi.

During his five-hour-long visit to different parts of the metropolis, he inaugurated a football ground in district East, three road projects in districts West and Central and solarisation of the Central Jail Karachi and Dow University of Health Sciences.

He said those initiatives were aimed at enhancing the city’s recreational facilities, road infrastructure and energy sustainability.

The CM was accompanied by his cabinet members, including Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Shah, Saeed Ghani, Ali Hassan Zardari and Waqar Mahdi.

One of the key projects inaugurated was the newly-rehabilitated Shaheen Football Ground and a park in Manzoor Colony. The project, which cost Rs213 million, was part of the CLICK schemes for fiscal 2022-23.

During the inauguration, the football ground event turned into a public meeting which the chief minister addressed.

He announced that his government had launched a 400 MW solar power project, with the solar project in Karachi being at an advanced stage.

The CM said his government would not rely on the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) for the transmission of solar power from the Solar Park being established at Manjhand, and would instead lay a provincial transmission line.

Additionally, 50 government buildings were provided with solar energy in the first phase of solarisation, and in the second phase, Dow University Hospital, Ojha Campus, and Central Jail Karachi had been solarised.

“Both projects are expected to recover their investment cost within two years,” he said and added that the government had also initiated a project to provide home solar systems to 200,000 households and was working on a 400 MW solar power system at Keenjhar Lake.

The chief minister said that Thar coal-fired projects were producing the low-cost power in the country.

“A railway line from the Thar coal field to the main line at Chhor is being laid to facilitate the transportation of coal to other power projects in the country to produce inexpensive electricity,” he said.

Talking about the passage of the 26th Amendment, the chief minister credited PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his role and expressed the hope that he would become the next prime minister of Pakistan.

He also said chairman Bilawal had proved himself to be a great and youngest statesman and politician, and mentioned the importance of judicial reforms and the efforts made by him in this regard.

The CM also commented on a judge’s remarks about the law and order in Sindh, expressing his surprise and pointing out that other provinces also faced similar or worse law and order situations.

He claimed that comparatively, Sindh had a better law and order than other provinces.

Those who spoke on the occasion included provincial ministers Nasir Shah and Saeed Ghani, Sindh Assembly Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed and PPP provincial secretary general Waqar Mahdi.

Road infrastructure

The CM inaugurated three crucial road projects in districts West and Central.

The reconstruction of Mirza Adam Road, a 1.6 km dual carriageway, was completed for Rs901m. This road, which connects Sher Shah Chowk to Mirza Adam Khan Road, includes a storm water drainage system to prevent flooding.

Café Piyala Road, a 4.05 km dual carriageway linking Sakhi Hassan to Rashid Minhas Road, was constructed for Rs9.753m. This route provides easier access to important healthcare facilities such as Cardio Hospital and Mamji Hospital.

Shahrah-i-Noor Jahan Road, another significant project, now offers a 6.1 km main dual track and a 4.35 km dual service track, constructed for Rs3,367.735m. This road will ease traffic flow through North Nazimabad and North Karachi, providing a vital alternative to Shahrah-i-Sher Shah Suri.

Solarisation of key public buildings

In a move towards sustainable energy, the CM inaugurated solar energy projects at Dow University Hospital, Ojha Campus, and Karachi central prison.

The hospital has been provided with 2.32 MW of solar power, part of a Rs290m project, that is expected to generate significant savings over the next 25 years. Twelve key hospital buildings, including the OT ward and digital library, have been equipped with solar panels.

Similarly, Central Jail Karachi now benefits from a 614.8 KW solar energy system, with surplus energy being sent to the KE grid under net metering regulations. The project, costing Rs216m, will pay for itself within three years and is expected to generate annual savings of Rs64.26m.

DAWN NEWS

 

[BouncerGuy]

CM Murad plans to introduce 500 electric buses in Karachi

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday directed officials concerned to explore options to get funding from donor agencies for the procurement of 500 electric buses for Karachi.

Presiding over a meeting of different departments, he reviewed the progress of the projects in pipeline and some new projects so that they could be launched with the help of donor agencies.

The meeting, held at the CM House, was attended among others by Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon, Energy Minister Nasir Shah, Industries Minister Jam Ikram, Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah and Chairman P&D Najam Shah.

The chief minister observed that the city’s public transport system was overwhelmed by its growing population and outdated fleet, resulting in overcrowded, inefficient, and environmentally harmful services.

He said that the induction of electric buses and pink buses under the Peoples Bus Service had made a difference but even then a bigger fleet of buses was required to resolve the public transport issues of the city.

The transport minister told the CM that the transport department had proposed the induction of 500 fully electric buses into the city’s transportation network, adding that the move would enhance the commuter experience, reduce traffic congestion, and significantly lower air pollution.

The CM said that the negotiations with the donor agencies for adding buses to the city were already in progress and hoped that the provincial government would secure required funds from them.

The chief minister said that the transport system across the province was in dire need of modernisation and expansion to meet the growing demands of its population. “As the province continues to develop economically and socially, the current public transport offerings struggle to keep pace,” he said.

The transport minister said that his department was working on a proposal aiming to procure 300 diesel-hybrid buses, allocating 60 buses to each of the five divisions of the province, to enhance connectivity, improve environmental standards, and ensure a reliable and efficient mode of transport for all residents. He said 60 buses would be given to each Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas and Shaheed Benazirabad.

300 EV buses

Another project of procurement of 300 EV buses for intercity transportation in the province was discussed in the meeting. The transport minister told the CM that 300 diesel-hybrid/EV buses for intercity transportation would run for connecting divisional headquarters across the province.

The CM said that the initiative should provide a cost-effective, safer, and environmentally friendly transport option for the public, countering the fare hikes imposed by private operators and addressing safety concerns.

Sharjeel Memon said that under the plan, 60 EVM buses would be given to Karachi, 50 each to Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana and Shaheed Benazirabad and 40 to Mirpurkhas.

Yellow Line BRT

The transport minister told the CM that private operators would be offered to finance, procure, supply, operate buses and maintain various systems and provide related services for the Yellow Line BRT project.

The CM directed the transport and PPP unit to complete the feasibility by the end of Nov 2024 so that the project could be taken up.

The meeting also discussed the West Karachi Recycled Water Project-I (WKRWP) that envisages treating 35 MGD wastewater and supplying 27 MGD approximately industrial-grade water to industries in SITE Karachi.

The CM said that the project would supply water to the industrial area, reducing their dependency on freshwater which was needed elsewhere in the city. He added that it would also enhance environmental sustainability by discharging treated water into the sea.

He also directed the local government department to relaunch the project with a revised transaction structure by Nov 24 so that donor agencies could be approached for funding.

DAWN NEWS

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah calls for repeal of 'unnecessary' caretaker setup law​

Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, has deemed the caretaker government unnecessary and called for the repeal of this law.

He stated that the 26th constitutional amendment was a desire of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) that has now been fulfilled.

While addressing the launch event of the anti-polio campaign at Fatima Jinnah Girls High School in Garden, the Chief Minister stated that the caretaker setup should be abolished as it offers no benefits.

He claimed that this year, the caretaker government, installed prior to the February general elections, had caused difficulties regarding vaccines for diphtheria and other diseases.

Regarding the anti-polio campaign, the Chief Minister announced that a seven-day vaccination drive has commenced across the country. In Sindh, this campaign was launched in advance to coincide with the Global Polio Day.

He highlighted that Pakistan reported a significant number of polio cases in 1994, with an estimated 20,000 children infected with the virus at that time.

The late Benazir Bhutto initiated the polio campaign in Pakistan, personally administering the first drops to her children, which led to a significant reduction in cases over the following years. However, there has been a resurgence in polio cases between 2018 and 2024.

Murad Ali Shah announced that 41 polio cases have been reported nationwide this year, with 12 cases identified in Sindh.

During the seven-day vaccination campaign, one million six hundred thousand children under the age of five in Sindh will receive polio vaccination drops, supported by 81,000 polio workers. He urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated and to cooperate with the polio workers.

The Chief Minister directed all Deputy Commissioners to remain active in their areas to ensure the success of the vaccination campaign. Children aged six months to five years will also receive Vitamin A doses to enhance their immunity.

He expressed disappointment that Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries still affected by the polio virus. He mentioned the embarrassment of having to show vaccination cards at airports to confirm polio vaccinations. Additionally, he criticised Irsa's unlawful decision, stating that the matter would be taken to the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

The Chief Minister stated that refusal cases should be reported at the district, union council, and ward levels. This will allow daily reporting to assess refusal cases and encourage parents to vaccinate their children. "We have now reduced refusal cases by 50%," he added.

Present at the event were Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, provincial ministers Syed Sardar Ali Shah and Zulfiqar Ali Shah, as well as singer and social activist Shehzad Roy, among others.

Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah demands repeal of caretaker setup law | The Express Tribune

The caretaker setup should be abolished as this system serves no purpose, says CM Sindh

tribune.com.pk

 

[BouncerGuy]

Sindh paves way for constitutional bench

The Sindh Assembly on Monday became the first provincial legislature to approve the resolution necessary for the formation of a constitutional bench in the province, under the recently adopted 26th Constitutional Amendment.

As many as 123 members belonging to the PPP and MQM-Pakistan voted in favour of the resolution, while the lone member of Jamaat-i-Islami Mohammad Farooq and three PTI members opposed it.

While fully supporting the resolution, the MQM-P, however, complained that the party was informed about the tabling of the resolution at the eleventh hour against the parliamentary practice and tradition.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah informed the house that the provincial government would approach the federal government to establish constitutional benches in the province as soon as possible.

The passage of a resolution in a provincial assembly with a simple majority is necessary for the constitution of benches under Article 202-A of the newly passed 26th Constitutional Amendment.

Under sub-clause ii of the said article, a senior judge among the nominated judges of the high court will be the head of the constitutional bench.

Tabling the resolution, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar said it was a constitutional requirement to pass the resolution for the formation of constitutional bench in the Sindh High Court.

The resolution said: “In pursuance of sub-clause 7 of Article 202A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan read with sub-rule 1A of Rule 136 of the Rules of Procedure of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, 2013, this House resolves to give effect to the provisions of Article 202A of the Constitution.”

The chief minister said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had successfully convinced all parties on his draft of the amendment. “The PTI [chairman] also agreed to the draft, but one person did not agree”, he said referring to Barrister Gohar Khan and PTI founder Imran Khan, respectively.

He said it was an honour for the Sindh government to be the first province to bring the resolution in favour of the 26th constitutional amendment. “We want the benefits of the 26th constitutional amendment to be given to the people as soon as possible”.

He said the provincial government was waiting for the formation of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan for moving the resolution to give effect provision of the constitutional amendment of the establishment of constitutional court in the province. Later, the assembly session was prorogued.

DAWN NEWS

 

[FearlessRoar]

CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah expresses concern over rising polio cases​

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has expressed grave concern over the rising number of polio cases in the province, revealing that 50 cases have been reported nationwide, 13 of which are from Sindh.

The Chief Minister chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the polio eradication efforts in the province, which was attended by Provincial Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, Principal Secretary to the CM Agha Wasif, Secretary Health Rehan Baloch, and EOC In-charge Irshad Sudhir, among others.

During the meeting, CM Shah highlighted the alarming increase in polio cases, with 13 cases reported in Sindh. He was informed that the affected areas included Shikarpur (1), Kemari (2), Hyderabad (2), East Karachi (1), Sajawal (1), Malir (1), Jacobabad (2), Mirpurkhas (1), Sanghar (1), and Ghotki (1).

Dr. Pechuho briefed the CM about the situation in Sindh, mentioning that 10.6 million children under the age of five live in the province. Around 321,323 children frequently migrate, which complicates the vaccination efforts. Currently, 69% of children in Sindh have been fully immunised.

The briefing also revealed that in 2024, 66% of environmental samples taken from 20 districts in Sindh showed positive polio markers. During the October anti-polio campaign, 66% of the target population, or 10.6 million children, received the polio vaccine. However, the CM noted that 40% of children—approximately 49,396—had not been vaccinated.

The CM was informed that 248,758 children remained unvaccinated, including 43,227 refusal cases and 205,531 children who were not present at home during the vaccination drive.

Expressing dissatisfaction, CM Shah instructed the Chief Secretary to direct district commissioners (DCs) and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) to visit areas with refusal cases. “There is no room for refusal now. I want complete coverage for polio vaccination,” he stressed.

He also warned that any DC or SSP showing lack of interest in the vaccination campaign would be dismissed from their duties.

The provincial government has ramped up efforts to combat polio and prevent further spread, with a strong emphasis on ensuring every child receives the vaccine without exception.

CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah expresses concern over rising polio cases | The Express Tribune

CM warned that any DC or SSP showing lack of interest in the vaccination campaign would be dismissed

tribune.com.pk

 

[BouncerGuy]

SC dismisses plea seeking Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah’s disqualification

Constitutional bench of Supreme Court (SC) Thursday dismissed plea seeking disqualification of Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah, ARY News reported.

A seven-member SC constitutional bench headed by Justice Amin-un-Din binned the plea over non-pursuance by the petitioner.

A plea seeking disqualification of Chief Minister (CM) of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah was moved in the SC over allegedly possessing dual nationality.

Petitioner Roshan Ali in his plea said that Chief Minister Sindh, while concealing his UAE work permit and his dual nationality and lying in front of the electoral body during the 2013 general elections, is no more truthful and honest, thus he should be declared disqualified.

A bench of the Supreme Court had earlier dismissed the appeal of the petitioner against a verdict of Sindh High Court seeking disqualification of Sindh CM.

ARY NEWS

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sindh's water rights will be protected: Murad Ali Shah​

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reiterated the province’s perspective on water rights, declaring that not a single drop of Sindh’s water will be allowed to be diverted elsewhere.

Speaking to the media in Karachi, the chief minister highlighted “Our position on the water issue is indisputable,” Shah said. “We will not compromise on Sindh’s rightful share of water. No one will be permitted to deprive Sindh of what it owed.”

Addressing the issue of polio, the chief minister pledged that his government would intensify efforts to eliminate the disease from Pakistan. “So far, 52 polio cases have been reported across the country. We must carry forward the revolutionary measures initiated by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto to eradicate polio,” he stated.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) holds a dominant two-thirds representation in the Sindh Assembly. He added that PPP Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had expressed the party's concerns to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership in detail, highlighting the need to address these reservations through dialogue.

Murad Ali Shah further emphasized the importance of safeguarding children’s rights. “Our responsibility is to provide a brighter future for our children through better education and healthcare,” he said.

Sindh's water rights will be protected: Murad Ali Shah

Instead of disputes there should be harmony among the federating units

dunyanews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sindh brings major change to quota system

According to reports, the decision was made during a Sindh Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. The PPP led Sindh government announced that no further recruitment would be made under the deceased quota in the province.

Previously, employees who passed away during service were replaced under this quota. The cabinet also approved the establishment of a company to provide clean water and sanitation facilities to rural populations.


Additionally, the Sindh Cabinet approved the establishment of the Sindh People’s Rural Civic Services, and also approved changes in the procedure for the appointment of vice chancellors.

The Cabinet gave its consent for changes in the criteria for appointing vice chancellors at universities, as well as the installation of automated electronic vending machines.

A committee was formed to address the issues and shortcomings in the educational boards. The Cabinet also approved amendments to the rules for the establishment of the Sindh IT Company.

Furthermore, the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for conducting general screening tests with Sukkur IBA was extended, ensuring appointments based on transparency and merit.

Back in July 2024, the Punjab government made significant changes to the Punjab Civil Servants Act, 1974 by abolishing rule 17-A.

Sindh brings major change to quota system

KARACHI: The Sindh Cabinet has approved the abolition of the "deceased quota" in light of Supreme Court orders, ARY News reported. According to reports,

arynews.tv

 

[BouncerGuy]

Changes to Sindh’s universities law to pave way for bureaucrats’ hiring as VCs

In what appears to be a controversial move, the provincial cabinet on Wednesday decided to change the criteria for appointment of vice chancellors in general universities, paving the way for senior bureaucrats to occupy the top academic office of places of higher learning.

The cabinet approved the proposed amendments to the Sindh Universities and Institutes Laws Act 2018, to be sent to the provincial assembly for legislation, under which it outlined the updated criteria for appointing VCs across various universities.

Except the engineering universities where only a PhD holder academic could become the VC, the cabinet decided that any government officer in grade-21 or above “with four years of experience and a relevant Master’s degree” can also be appointed as a vice chancellor at Sindh’s general, medical and IBA universities.

However, the move draws strong reaction from teachers’ bodies, which demanded that a doctoral degree must be the minimum qualification for any vice chancellorship, particularly for general universities, and that the criteria must ensure that only eminent academicians eligible for full professorships are considered for appointments.

‘Ensuring leadership with strong academic, administrative backgrounds’

On Wednesday, a meeting of the Sindh cabinet was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

Among various other decisions, the cabinet approved amendments to the universities law to standardise the criteria for appointment of VCs, “ensuring leadership with strong academic and administrative backgrounds”, said a statement issued from the CM House.

For general universities, the cabinet decided that a “VC must be an eminent academic eligible for a full professorship or a public sector administrator (BPS-21+) with four years of experience and a relevant Master’s degree. A PhD in the relevant field is preferred. Appointments made by the Chief Minister will be for four years, extendable by another term. The maximum age for applicants is 62 years”.

For specialised universities such as engineering universities, the cabinet approved that a VC “must hold a PhD in engineering and meet HEC professor criteria”

For medical universities, a VC must be either full professors with a postgraduate fellowship or PhD or senior public sector administrators (BPS-21+) with an MBBS and Master’s degree.

For law universities, a VC must have an LLM or equivalent qualifications as eminent academics or judicial professionals.

For IBA Universities, a VC should be “a PhD-qualified professor or senior administrator (BPS-21+) with a Master’s degree in a relevant field is required”.

For veterinary universities, the VC should be a PhD in Veterinary/Animal Sciences or senior administrative qualifications (BPS-21+) with relevant degrees.

Teachers oppose govt move

Expressing serious concern over the development, teachers representing the Sindh chapter of the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (Fapuasa) and the Karachi University Teachers’ Society (Kuts) demanded immediate withdrawal of the decision.

They stated that a doctoral degree must be the minimum qualification for any VC, particularly for general universities, and that the criteria must ensure that only eminent academicians eligible for full professorships are considered for appointments.

“The inclusion of non-PhD and non-academic individuals as eligible candidates for the post of vice chancellor is absolutely unacceptable, though we support the requirement of a minimum of four years of experience for a higher-grade post,” said Fapuasa-Sindh President Prof Ikhtiar Ali Ghumro, who is associated with Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur.

He reasoned that a vice chancellor “isn’t merely an administrator, he is the academic and intellectual leader of a university, responsible for steering its academic direction, research priorities, and institutional growth”.

“Universities must be led by individuals with the academic credentials and vision to elevate these institutions to global standards. We urge the Sindh government to reconsider this decision and act in the best interests of academia and the future of education in the province,” contended Prof Ghumro.

Kuts President Dr Mohsin Ali shared that the responsibilities of a vice chancellor were intellectually intensive, requiring the expertise of an eminent academic with substantial teaching and research experience.

“Appointing a non-academic administrator undermines the academic integrity of universities and sets a damaging precedent for the future of higher education in Sindh,” he argued.

The teachers demanded that the selection process should prioritise merit, academic achievements and leadership capabilities within academia.

DAWN NEWS

 

[BouncerGuy]

Prisons will be transformed into rehabilitation centres: Punjab CM’s aide

Chairman Punjab Chief Minister’s Task Force for Prisons Rana Manan Khan has said the government is making efforts to transform prisons into rehabilitation centres.

He expressed these views while talking to newsmen after visiting District Jail Attock to review ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing conditions for inmates. He added that the government had planned a series of reforms aimed at transforming prisons into rehabilitation centres.

Responding to a question, the CM’s aide said that according to the chief minister’s vision, jails should be transformed into training centres, emphasising plans to enhance inmates’ education and rehabilitation in a bid to improve the welfare of prisoners. He said efforts were underway to revamp the visitation system with a shift towards an online platform to streamline and modernise the process.

“Key initiatives include the establishment of day-care centres for inmates with young children and large-scale administrative reshuffles to enhance the prison system’s efficiency”, he added.

Earlier, Rana Manan Khan toured various barracks of Attock’s jail and assessed the measures being implemented for prisoners’ welfare. He reviewed facilities in wards for women and children.

He also interacted with inmates to inquire about police behaviour, food services, visitation rights, health facilities, and other concerns. He inspected the prison’s hospital, kitchen, factory and various barracks, assessing the quality of facilities available to prisoners.

DAWN NEWS

 

[FearlessRoar]

Is Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah being replaced?​

Sindh's Energy, Planning, and Development Minister, Nasir Hussain Shah, has clarified rumours regarding the possible replacement of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Speaking to the media at an event in Karachi on Thursday, Hussain dismissed the reports, stating, "The news regarding the change of Chief Minister Sindh is baseless. Murad Ali Shah will remain the Chief Minister of Sindh until 2029."

Shah further emphasised that the provincial government is taking steps to ensure affordable electricity supply to the people of Sindh, and assured that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has committed to addressing gas load shedding and disruptions.

"We are working to improve the situation in Karachi, and there has been progress. We are striving for further improvements," Shah added.

He also highlighted the government's initiative to improve road infrastructure in Karachi, saying, "The chief minister has instructed to enhance the city's roads, and we are optimistic that a motorway will be built from Karachi to Sukkur, which should be included in the PSDP (Public Sector Development Programme)."

Is Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah being replaced? | The Express Tribune

Provincial minister Nasir Hussain Shah clarifies rumours regarding possible replacement of Sindh chief minister.

tribune.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

CM Sindh's plane used without approval, two officers suspended​

Two Sindh government officials were suspended after it was revealed they travelled on Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah's plane without permission.

The officers, both grade 17 officials, flew from Islamabad to Karachi with their families aboard the Chief Minister’s plane, Express News reported.

The government of Sindh issued a notification confirming the suspension.

According to the notification, the suspended officials include Section Officer Syed Faraz Ali from the PM's cadre, and Wajid Shah, a protocol officer at the Sindh House.

Both officers were aboard the flight, which was a test flight returning to Karachi, without the required authorisation.

The Chief Secretary of Sindh, Asif Haider Shah, stated that the flight was being conducted as a test flight, and that the officers had no clearance to travel on it.

CM Sindh's plane used without approval, two officers suspended | The Express Tribune

Two officers from Sindh were suspended after travelling on the Chief Minister’s flight without prior approval.

tribune.com.pk

 

[BouncerGuy]

CM Murad suspends two ACs, Mukhtiarkar for absence from duty

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday suspended three revenue officials — two assistant commissioners (ACs) and a Mukhtiarkar — during a surprise visit to the office of the deputy commissioner-Keamari.

Accompanied by Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar, the CM reached the DC office only to find out that many officers were absent while visitors waited for assistance, said a press release issued by the CM House.

Upon inquiry, he was informed that AC-Revenue Nawaz Kalwar, AC-Mauripur Muhammad Yasin and Mukhtiarkar Mir Mohammad Nawaz Talpur had not reported for duty.

While visiting the domicile branch, the CM interacted with young people waiting for their domicile issuance.

He asked authorities about their domicile certificates and it was revealed that the documents had been processed, but lacked the signature of the absent AC. He was informed that the domiciles would be issued soon after the AC signed the document.

Irked by their absence, the chief minister directed the authorities to suspend their services. Later, the chief secretary issued their suspension orders.

The CM also visited the revenue office of Gadap Town, located in the Keamari DC Complex, where he asked Sub-Registrar Abdul Nabi Lashri about the operations of his office.

Mr Lashari failed to inform the chief minister about the operations of his office, the press release said and added that as a result, the CM expressed his displeasure and ordered his transfer back to the Board of Revenue.

Reviews facilities at model police station

CM Shah, along with Home Minister Lanjar, made a surprise visit to the Risala police station, where they checked the attendance register, inspected the lock-up and reviewed the facilities at the model police station.

During the inspection, the CM found that the police station was supposed to have 100 policemen, but only about 30 were on duty. The SSP-City explained that out of 100 policemen, 85 had been assigned to the station and they were working in two shifts — morning and evening.

Mr Shah checked the lock-up, where nine suspects were detained. He also reviewed the FIR register to ensure that no one was being held without an FIR and interacted with the detainees to understand their issues.

The CM visited the Ladies’ Room, established to assist female complainants. Inside, a junior police constable was present but had no record of any visitors and lacked knowledge of complaints received.

He expressed his dissatisfaction and directed the SSP-City to assign a lady head constable to the Ladies’ Room and to maintain a computerised record.

He also examined the Facilitation Desk designed for receiving complaints and ensuring they are computerised for tracking. He found that the complaints were still being handled manually and instructed the SSP to implement computerisation.

Within the premises, there were two police stations, Eidgah and Risala and a women’s police station under construction. The chief minister directed the home secretary to investigate why the construction of the women’s police station had not been completed despite funds being released.

DAWN NEWS

 

[hassan918]

Sindh CM to accompany President Zardari in China visit​

KARACHI: Sindh’s Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah would also accompany with President Asif Ali Zardari during his upcoming visit of China, sources said.

President Asif Ali Zardari is expected to visit China in the first week of February during which several agreements are expected to be signed between the two countries.

Sources said that the Presidency has directed the chief minister to prepare proposals of Sindh’s schemes for the CPEC.

CM Murad Ali Shah has convened a high level meeting of the provincial government officials over the matter.

Sources said that the Chinese authorities will be requested for specific CPEC projects for Sindh during the three day visit of President Zardari.

Provincial sources said that the president will finalise agreements for key projects, including the 192km coastal highway connecting Keti Bandar and Badin via Shah Bandar, during his visit to China next month.

Source: ARY News

 

[BouncerGuy]

Stop teachers’ protests or face accountability, Murad warns VCs

Irked by Sindh-wide teachers’ protests and suspension of academic activities in almost every public sector university in the province, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday defended the proposed legislation that will allow bureaucrats to head universities as vice chancellors and warned VCs of “universities experiencing protests” to stop them or get ready to be held “accountable”.

“Some vice chancellors and vested interests have instigated protests in response to this amendment, but we know how the law is applied. I am warning the concerned vice chancellors to stop the protests in their universities; otherwise, I will hold you accountable,” he said while speaking at the 4th Research & Technology Showcase 2025 here at the Expo Centre.

The event featured 41 universities from across Sindh, presenting 417 groundbreaking projects and innovations, highlighting the province’s creative potential in technology and research.

While the CM did not take any name, he presented a charge sheet against VCs of several public sector universities, accusing them of sexual harassment and corruption.

He was also not happy with the Higher Education Commission that threw its weight behind the protesting teachers by writing a letter to the CM and expressing concerns over the proposed amendment to pave the way for the appointment of non-PhDs and bureaucrats as VCs.

The CM blamed the HEC for “instigating protests by releasing the letter to the media before officially dispatching it to him”.

He claimed that his inability to remove four VCs — three accused of sexual harassment and another of financial malpractice — and the “dire administrative conditions” prevailing at public sector universities constituted as the main reasons for the cabinet’s decision to approve the amendment to the universities law.

“Given the dire administrative conditions in public sector universities, which are on the verge of collapse, the cabinet decided to amend the law to include a requirement for administrative experience. The bill has been referred to the assembly,” he said.

Without mentioning any name, Mr Shah recalled that three VCs — all holding PhD degrees with required published research papers to their credit and appointed through a search committee — were found involved in sexual harassment cases.

He pointed to another case of a VC who allegedly drew funds from the university’s account for the travel expenses of a visiting French team, although the foreign experts had already covered their costs independently.

“I tried to remove them, but they got stay orders from the court and remained at their positions until the completion of their tenure. These are the main reasons we are amending the law — to establish safeguards because our children deserve the best vice-chancellors who know how to effectively run universities and secure the nation’s future,” he said.

He clarified that the proposed legislation didn’t prevent PhDs and professors from being appointed as vice-chancellors. However, it required them to compete with other candidates, he added.

Wants dependency on foreign products reduced

Talking about the conference, the CM stressed the urgent need to reduce Pakistan’s dependency on foreign products by fostering home-grown solutions.

“A country achieves prosperity by transforming ideas into practical achievements,” he stated.

He highlighted the economic impact of excessive imports and called for immediate investment in local innovations that address societal challenges and reduce reliance on foreign goods.

He urged universities to strengthen their academia-industry partnerships, drawing examples from global success stories.

“Our universities must support students and researchers in developing practical solutions to immediate local issues. This is the mindset we need to cultivate,” he remarked.

Addressing young researchers and innovators present at the event, the CM emphasised their pivotal role in shaping Sindh and Pakistan’s future. “You have the power to transform lives and strengthen our nation with each innovation,” he said while encouraging them to take pride in their contributions to society.

The chief minister reiterated the Sindh government’s unwavering commitment to higher education and community development through the practical application of knowledge.

Mr Shah also commended the partnership between Sindh HEC and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), facilitated by FPCCI Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon.

“May today’s showcase inspire us all to aim higher and achieve greater milestones,” he concluded.

Sindh HEC Chairman Prof Tariq Rafi and NED University Vice Chancellor Prof Sarosh Lodi also spoke.

The event was attended by diplomats, vice-chancellors, researchers, and industry leaders, all united by a vision to bridge academia and industry, paving the way for economic growth and technological advancement in Sindh.

DAWN NEWS

 

[Bewal Express]

The Chinese are complaining about the level of corruption in Sindh
@Major what is this?

 

[BouncerGuy]

CM Murad calls for ‘aggressive and sustained’ efforts to make Sindh polio-free

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday urged parents, religious and community leaders to support the anti-polio campaign, stating that an aggressive and sustained effort was needed to make the province polio free.

“Together, we must protect our children from this crippling disease through collective efforts,” he said while chairing a meeting of the provincial task force on polio eradication held at the CM’s House.

The meeting also finalised preparations for the upcoming national immunisation days (NIDs) campaign, scheduled to take place from Feb 3 to 9.

The participants of the meeting included, among others, Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi and representatives from WHO, Unicef, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Rotary International.

The CM said that the latest polio data revealed an alarming increase in cases in 2024, with the province reporting 22 cases. “There were eight cases in Larkana, six in Karachi and four in Hyderabad, prompting renewed urgency for intensified efforts,” he added.

Mr Shah emphasised the importance of reaching every child under five, setting a target of vaccinating 10.6 million children across all 1,257 union councils.

The health minister said that over 81,000 front-line workers would be deployed to administer the oral polio vaccine (OPV).

Mr Shah was told that during the anti-polio campaign in Dec 2024, as many as 2,178,328 households were targeted, of them, 96 per cent were covered and 80,804 were missed, including 80,804 that were not available and 45,215 who refused.

The CM directed the commissioner to involve local people to control refusal.

Provincial Coordinator Irshad Sodhar informed the chief minister that 100pc of households had been covered in Hyderabad, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad and Sukkur.

The CM also emphasised the importance of vaccinating migrant and mobile populations at transit points.

“Our main focus is to reduce refusals and ensure that missed children, especially in the slum areas of Karachi, which account for 98pc of refusals in Sindh, receive vaccinations,” he stated.

DAWN NEWS

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sindh takes action on land grabbing complaints of Karachi traders

As per details, the Sindh has constituted a five-member committee on the Karachi traders’ demand to probe land grabbing and complaints regarding properties in the port city.

A five-member committee led by member Goth Abad, Umar Farooq Buriro.

The committee will investigate the record of land or other assets transfer in the seven districts of Karachi and will submit its report to the government within 90 days.

The development follows after a meeting of Karachi traders with PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh CM earlier this week.

During the meeting, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged Karachi’s traders to approach him directly if they have any complaint against Sindh CM.

Bilawal asked the business community to approach him if they have any complaint against the Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah, emphasizing that there’s no need to go anywhere else.

Bilawal reminded the traders of the days when extortion and strikes were rampant in Karachi, encouraging them to consider the Sindh government as partner rather than an opponent.

“Show us some kind of affection you did to PTI and MQM”, he added.

Sindh takes action on land grabbing complaints of Karachi traders

KARACHI: Sindh government has swung into action on the land grabbing complaints of Karachi traders, ARY News reported on Friday. As per details, the Sindh

arynews.tv

 

[BouncerGuy]

Slow work on Dhabeji SEZ irks Sindh CM

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work on Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and directed officials to expedite the construction work and provide regular updates.

CM Shah was earlier informed that construction work at the SEZ stood at 10.6 per cent, while electrification work and gas installation was underway.

Asked about the condition of internal roads, Minister for Planning and Development Syed Nasir Shah said the works and services department was handling construction, with 50pc of the work completed. The CM directed him to expedite the work.

He also instructed his special assistant to ensure laying of a 10MGD line by the end of February.

Meets industrialists

While chairing a separate meeting, the chief minister expressed his commitment to addressing industrialists’ concerns by establishing a joint ‘Facilitation and Coordination Committee’.

The chief minister directed the revenue and police departments to remove encroachments and address all revenue- and police-related issues faced by industrialists.

He recalled that the industrialists had met PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to discuss their concerns, and the latter had issued clear directives for their resolution.

CM Shah instructed the chief secretary to notify the establishment of the ‘Facilitation and Coordination’ committee, which will include heads of various associations of industrialists, such as ABAD, to facilitate collaboration rein resolving their issues.

He directed the authorities concerned to remove all encroachments from industrial areas, restore green belts and collaborate with industrialists for proposals on further facilities for both existing and upcoming investments.

The chief minister asked the revenue department to resolve industrialists’ issues and directed the chief secretary to personally follow up on reports from revenue offices.

DAWN NEWS

 

[BouncerGuy]

CM Sindh Murad forms committees to facilitate businesses

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has formed eight ministerial committees to resolve problems traders and industrialists face across the province.

Chairing a meeting of the Business Facilitation Coordination Committee (BFCC), constituted on the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to redress the grievances of the industrialists, the chief minister said he would personally handle complex and significant matters.

Additionally, he informed participants that the Sindh Investment Department was working on establishing a One-Window Investment Facilitation System to streamline business processes.

A committee led by Minister Jam Ikram has been tasked with developing an industrial policy to attract investments and facilitate existing industries.

Another committee headed by Energy Minister Nasir Shah would liaise with the federal government to resolve gas and electricity issues, including representation from industrial bodies.

The security committee, led by Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, will include representatives from industrial associations and address security concerns in industrial areas.

An infrastructure committee would be chaired by Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani to assess and improve the infrastructure in industrial areas. A committee under Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon would resolve issues.

DAWN NEWS

 

[BouncerGuy]

Sindh govt relaxes timing of ban on entry of heavy vehicles

In what is being widely seen as a surrender to powerful transport associations, the Sindh government on Thursday relaxed the timing of a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles by one hour and claimed that the decision had been taken for the convenience of both the public and transporters.

Only on Wednesday, Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar had vowed to strictly enforce the ban and not allow any heavy vehicles on road before 11pm.

However, a high level meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, decided to allow movement of heavy traffic from 10pm to 6am, relaxing the timing of the ban by one hour.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, at a press conference held to share decisions taken in the meeting, said that the current time for dumper trucks to enter the city was from 11pm to 6am. “However, due to various challenges, the government is making changes and it was decided to adjust timing after discussions with various associations,” he said and added that now heavy traffic would be allowed 10pm onward.

“This adjustment has been made because traffic congestion is lower during these hours,” he said, adding that the decision had been made for the convenience of both the public and transporters.

He said that the provincial government on Thursday made it mandatory for all heavy vehicles to obtain fitness certificate and eliminated all charged parking across the city.

The senior minister said that vehicles entering Sindh from other provinces would also be required to obtain a fitness certificate from the Sindh authorities.

He said that the certificates issued by Punjab, Balochistan, or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would not be considered valid in Sindh. “The Punjab government has already enforced a similar law requiring fitness certificates for vehicles,” he said and added that vehicles without a fitness certificate would not be allowed on the roads.

The minister said that a 30-day grace period had been given for heavy traffic vehicles to obtain a fitness certificate.

In the first phase, all heavy vehicles would have to obtain fitness certificate, he said. “The transport department will ensure that all heavy traffic vehicles, including trailers, tankers, buses, and dumpers, undergo proper inspection and verification,” he said and made it clear that any such vehicle, regardless of its origin, would be confiscated if it was unregistered.

Mr Memon, who also holds portfolios of information and transport, said that the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation had also implemented a barcode system for all registered water tankers operating from authorised hydrants. “These barcodes are issued to vehicles that meet fitness standards,” he said, adding that any vehicle plying without a barcode would also be confiscated.

He said that individuals involved in the water transportation business must register their vehicles with the water utility. “No unregistered vehicle will be allowed to operate in the city,” he added.

The provincial government had already passed a law prohibiting showroom owners from selling vehicles without registration, the minister said. “Any vehicle purchased from a showroom must be registered before leaving the premises,” he stated and added that if an unregistered vehicle was found on the roads, it would also be confiscated, and the showroom responsible for its sale would be sealed. From Monday onward, strict enforcement of this law would begin, he shared.

Furthermore, imported vehicles arriving at Karachi’s port would be transported to showrooms in Sindh and to other provinces using a car carrier, he said.

Ban on arms display

The senior minister said that a strict ban had been imposed on the open display of weapons. “Only uniformed police officers are permitted to display weapons,” he said and added that any security personnel in civvies, whether from government or private agencies, found displaying weapons would face strict legal action.

He stated that the provincial government had ordered the removal of sirens and police lights from both private and government vehicles. “Any vehicle found using police lights or similar items will be confiscated,” he added.

Vendors selling police lights, sirens, or similar items had been given two days to stop selling these products, he said.

Mr Memon said that a strict crackdown on fake number plates is also ongoing. “Anyone found driving without a valid licence will face immediate arrest,” he said.

He also urged parents to prevent their children under 18 from driving as they would be held responsible for any violations.

DAWN NEWS