Daily Times

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Saturday recalled achievement of his government during the concluding debate on budget in the Sindh Assembly.

Recalling some of the achievement of the provincial government, the chief minister said, “We are resolving problems of Sindh. We have improved law and order. We are not targeting any group or political party in Sindh. We will grant Rs 10 million to the family of deceased Qawal Amjad Sabri and give a job to the widow. Rangers have achieved many successes. We are carrying out agriculture policy. Water shortage is the problem of whole province and steps are being taken to mitigate it. We have generated ample resources through NFC award and provincial tax collection.”

Meanwhile, the Sindh Assembly concluded the general discussion on provincial budget for financial year 2016-17 during 10th sitting of its 25th session.

Provincial Finance Minister Murad Ali Shah and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Parliamentary Leader Sardar Ahmed took part in the discussion.

The house discussed supplementary budget statement for year 2015-16 and approved one out of 42 demands for grants. All 44 cut motions moved by MQM lawmakers were rejected.

The chief minister concluded general discussion on the provincial budget for fiscal year 2016-2017 consuming two hours and 49 minutes of the proceeding. The house held discussion for one hour on the charged expenditures. Two members including the finance minister spoke on it. Two points of order consumed two minutes of the proceeding.

To sum up, the Sindh Assembly met for four hours and 40 minutes. The sitting was started at 12:53 hours against the scheduled time of 1200 hours. Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani chaired the sitting for an hour and ten minutes while rest of the proceeding was chaired by the deputy speaker.

The Chief Minister was present for four hours and 40 minutes, while the opposition leader attended the sitting for three hours and 47 minutes. The finance minister attended the entire sitting.

48 lawmakers (29%) were present at the start and 86 (52%) were present at the end of the sitting. The parliamentary leaders of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), MQM, Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PIT) were present. Seven minority members were also present.

Later, the chair adjourned the house till today (Sunday) to discuss remaining demands for grants.