Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that, as part of the austerity measures taken by the Sindh government, it has been decided that no department should submit requests for funds beyond the allocated budget. He added that not only Pakistan but the entire world is currently facing various challenges due to the prevailing war situation, and decisions were made in a meeting chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari with this context in mind.
Addressing a press conference along with Minister for Home, Law, and Parliamentary Affairs Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar after the Sindh cabinet meeting, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that a comprehensive survey of the Katcha areas has been approved, and funds have been allocated for it to help address security issues. Operations have also been carried out in these areas by the Ministry of Interior, while the Sindh cabinet has directed the Forest Department to formulate comprehensive policies.
He stated that Rs 100 million has been approved for the construction of a modern multi-purpose stadium at St. Patrick’s School Karachi, while Rs 3.4 billion has been given in-principle approval for refunding fees to students of previous years in government institutions. The Sindh cabinet has also approved 98 schemes under the SDGs, allocating Rs 4.33 billion. Additionally, a grant of Rs 50 million has been approved for the Aurat Foundation.
Approval has been granted for the establishment of a library named after Hazrat Sachal Sarmast (RA) at Daraza Sharif in Khairpur, with an estimated cost of Rs 51.5 million. Development works have also been approved at the shrine of Hazrat Shah Latif Bhittai (RA) in Bhitshah. The Sindh cabinet has decided to purchase one million metric tons of wheat through the Hari Card system, and complete data of farmers is available in this regard.
Sharjeel Inam Memon further said that President Asif Ali Zardari had previously compiled data for the launch of the BISP program, and farmers’ data has been collected in a similar manner. He added that a modern teaching center is being established for the timely diagnosis of cancer and other diseases in pregnant women, enabling better training for medical staff.
Addressing the press conference, Provincial Minister for Home, Law, and Parliamentary Affairs Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said that the Sindh Police has achieved significant success in slum areas, and the media has been regularly updated. He said that 393 individuals have surrendered during operations in different districts. The government’s approach was to encourage voluntary surrender; otherwise, action would be taken. He added that immediate action is taken in response to any crime, and that community leaders and local influencers are playing a positive role in resolving conflicts.
He further stated that it has been decided to survey the Katcha areas from Obawar to Thatta, and the government aims to ensure that residents of these areas, especially women, benefit from land allotment. Regarding the Dadu case, he said that the court has delivered its verdict and that the perception that convictions are good and acquittals are bad should end, as both parties were given a fair trial.
In response to a question, Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the MQM speaks about empowering local bodies but avoids holding local elections. Regarding the NFC award, he said that the Pakistan Peoples Party’s position is clear, and that all provinces are jointly bearing the burden of petrol subsidies to avoid placing additional strain on the public, as increases in fuel prices drive inflation.
Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, responding to another question, said that federal agencies have been informed about the supply of military-grade weapons. He said that the Sindh Police has destroyed a large stockpile of weapons in Punjab, and the situation has improved in recent months. Referring to the Dadu Sessions Court incident, he said that such incidents have occurred in the past as well, and the recent decision was significant. The government ensured that no party was unfairly affected, and cases will be registered against those involved in the firing. He emphasized that all requirements of the criminal justice system are being met, and the government’s responsibility is to maintain law and order, not to favor any party.
In response to another question, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon clarified that educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, will remain open as usual; however, schools will remain closed on Saturdays.