Daily Times

KARACHI: The Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) has demanded 50 percent share of resources for the people living in urban areas.

MQM lawmaker and leader of the opposition in Sindh Assembly Khuwaja Izharul Hassan taking part in the budget discussion said if it is desired that people of Sindh live in peace, 50 percent share should be given to the urban areas.

“The policies of the PPP-led government are biased towards Karachi. Budgetary funds are misused. Corruption is everywhere. We reject this budget and the policies of the sitting government,” said the MQM leader. He demanded that the Rangers should be given powers in whole province. He said that all districts of Sindh should be given financial resources on the basis of the NFC formula.

He rejected Rs11 billion funds allocated for the Chief Minister Secretariat and demanded that a sum of Rs5 billion should be given to the people of Thar. He also demanded Rs 50 million from the Governor House budget for the people of Thar.

He harshly criticised Health Minister Mahtab Dahar and performance of his department. He also criticised the performance of local government, education and other departments of the Sindh government.

He said the Sindh government failed to build 140 small dams, besides hundreds of other budgetary schemes were deleted. He said even the Chinese company that was interested in solid waste management had refused to work with the Sindh government.

He said there was corruption of Rs 10 0billion annually in the KWSB. He said the rulers have even failed to give Karachiites drinking water. He warned that the scheme of Bahria Town would not be given even a drop of water from the K-VI.

Earlier, Minister for Education and Literacy Nisar Ahmed said, “We will oppose the division of Sindh. Sindh assembly has already passed many resolutions in this regard. We will complete old schemes also work on new schemes.”

Due to Ramazan timings, the opposition leader could not conclude his speech. It was decided that he would conclude his speech on Friday and later the provincial finance minister and the chief minister would wind up the budget debate.

Later, the speaker adjourned the House.