A major conference on engineering and construction was held at a local hotel in Karachi under the auspices of the Association of Consulting Engineers Pakistan. Senior engineers, experts, and architects from across the country participated. Senior Minister of Sindh and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon attended the conference as the chief guest. He was warmly welcomed by engineers and architects upon his arrival.
Addressing the conference, Sharjeel Inam Memon said that our entire system has reached a point where real issues are no longer discussed, while most media and TV channels remain focused on political topics and fruitless debates. He said that public discourse has become limited to mutual accusations and insults, whereas the conference was addressing an important issue that affects the life and work of every individual. He appreciated the Association of Consulting Engineers for raising this important matter and said that determining responsibility is inevitable in the event of accidents and natural disasters.
He said that while the government has its own responsibilities, engineers, builders, and other stakeholders also share responsibility, and civil society also has a role to play. He added that being addressed as an engineer after a long time was an honor for him. He said that this issue has become a significant concern for Karachi and the country, and it is necessary to determine responsibility in the event of an accident. He said that whether it is appropriate to place all responsibility solely on the government when laws exist but are not properly implemented.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that there are clear laws for constructing houses and plazas, and soil testing is mandatory before construction, but these requirements are often ignored. He pointed out that serious issues such as water and sewage leakage are found in many buildings and must be rectified in a timely manner. He said that engineering colleges and universities should also focus on professional training and quality education.
Referring to the Gul Plaza tragedy, he questioned how many floors the owner had illegally constructed and why the building was not built according to the approved plan. He said that about four thousand people were present in the building at the time of the fire, and eighty people lost their lives. He added that the causes of the tragedy have been identified and that although initial responsibility rests with the government, all stakeholders, including civil society, must ensure strict implementation of the law.
Responding to a question while speaking to the media after his address, Sharjeel Inam Memon said that he was praying for the health of Imran Khan. He remarked that not everyone can be Asif Ali Zardari, who served 14 years in prison.
In response to another question, he said that since the assembly session is not held on Saturday, what is the purpose of surrounding a closed building? He said that such measures on a holiday cause problems for the people. He added that such measures on a holiday create difficulties for the public.
Answering another question, he said that Jamaat-e-Islami’s march on Shahra-e-Faisal caused inconvenience to the public, as Shahra-e-Faisal is a main highway not only of Karachi but of Pakistan. He clarified that the government will not allow roads to be closed, however, if someone wants to hold a rally or sit-in, the government will provide a suitable place.
He further stated that if Mustafa Kamal also wishes to hold a rally, he should do so within the rules and regulations. He added that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement is part of the federation and should present its demands to the Prime Minister; however, the party has once again fallen victim to internal divisions.
Responding to a question regarding Ramadan, he said that the Sindh government announces a relief package every year and provided subsidies during the last Ramadan as well. He added that only registered individuals will receive subsidies under the Benazir Income Support Programme.