Daily Times

KARACHI: Addressing a press conference at Pakistan House, PSP leader, Dr. Sagheer Ahmed criticized the government and said that PPP claims to be a believer of political harmony and democracy but it did not consult any of the parties while developing the provincial budget.”Saying and doing are two different things”.

Ahmed stated that he was sorry to see the criminal silence by the opposition parties on the anti-people budget. “The political parties must not compromise over the rights of people”.

Reading the headings from different newspapers he said that no special package has been given to Karachiites. The city has at least 10 percent of the country’s total population and generates at least 90 percent revenue of the province. Unfortunately, it has been badly ignored not only by the Sindh government but also by the federal government.

Sindh government has announced a Rs. 12 billion for ongoing projects while Rs.8 billion is allocated for the other upcoming projects – which is an insufficient amount for Karachi.” Karachi must be given at least Rs.200 billion for its development works; Rs.100 billion from Sindh government and Rs.100 billion from the federal government. Hyderabad must be given Rs.50 billion while Rs.25 billion should be given for each district of Sindh.”If Lahore and Islamabad enjoy all the perks and privileges then why don’t the cities of Sindh?”, he enquired.

“The Sindh government has failed to deliver at all levels. Infrastructure, education, and health departments are at the peak of negligence. Children have been dying in Thar owing to the lack of health facilities. Unavailability of clean drinking water shows that the government has failed.

The government always ‘cries’ for sovereignty and power in front of the federal government but it itself does not devaluate powers to the mayor of the city. The government must set its own direction right first.

To a question he said that he will continue to fight for the rights of Karachi people, “We sat for the resolution of problems but the government did not pay attention to our demands”. We will keep sensitizing people for solutions of problems.” To a question he said that K-Electric is charging people according to their own wishes with the support of the government which is a pitiful thing.

Regarding the recent announcement by the government for creating at least 40,000 jobs, he said jobs must be given on a merit basis rather than on political chit.

He condoled with the family of Basim Khan; the child who was decapitated by a kite string and demanded the government to take notice of the incident and ban such dangerous recreational activities. “Children involved in such cheap and dangerous activities as they do not find space and good environment for recreation. The government must establish good recreational areas for the amusement of youngsters to avoid such unwanted happenings”, he concluded.