Senior Minister of Sindh, SharjeelInamMemon, announced significant decisions made during an important Sindh Cabinet meeting regarding the housing project for flood victims and the revival of Rani Bagh Hyderabad. The Sindh government is constructing a total of 2.1 million houses for flood victims across the province. Complaints about exclusion from the housing project list led to additional surveys by the Pakistan Army, Rangers, and private parties to collect data on remaining flood victims.
The cabinet has approved the master plan for Rani Bagh Hyderabad. The project, under the Public-Private Partnership Department of the Local Government Department, aims to provide recreational facilities for children. The cabinet approved the recruitment of teachers at ShaheedMohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College, Lyari. A new regulation mandates that all vehicles must be registered immediately, eliminating the previous sixty-day grace period. This measure is intended to curb the use of unregistered vehicles in crimes and boost revenue. The federal government has allowed the export of 150,000 metric tons of sugar.
The Sindh cabinet has conditionally approved the export quota from the province, pending the lifting of a current stay order. Senior Minister SharjeelInamMemon emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of flood victims, improving public facilities, and ensuring compliance with regulations to enhance public safety and revenue collection. Senior Minister SharjeelInamMemon said that in the Cabinet meeting, approval was given for the establishment of an Infant and Young Child Board and the construction of another bridge on Manchhar Lake and the Indus Highway. The construction of these two bridges will cost 2.3 billion. It was also decided to secure health insurance for employees of the Sindh Assembly and Secretariat from the State Life Company. Additionally, a campus of IBA Sukkur is being built in Ghotki, which will provide quality education to the local community. Addressing the press conference, Provincial Minister for Minerals and Education Sardar Shah emphasized that the issue of mining in Nangar Park has persisted for a long time, extending into previous administrations.
The People’s Party firmly believes that local development must align with the will of the community. Mining of granite will not proceed without the consent of the local residents, reflecting the core vision of the People’s Party leadership. During the caretaker government, significant confusion arose when the caretaker minister expressed intentions to proceed with mining. I personally conducted a survey in Karunjhar while raising the matter with SIFC, where it was deemed not a workable plan. The Sindh High Court has issued two decisions on this matter. Sardar Shah clarified that the caretaker Minister of Minerals proposed generating significant funds through the export of granite, but this plan was deemed impractical and opposed by the local community. Nangar Parker Granite Mining site has already been designated as a cultural heritage site. It is firmly established that there are no plans to permit mining in Karunjhar.
The Cabinet has decisively resolved to safeguard this historical heritage, ensuring that both Karunjhar and Nangar Parker remain completely secure. This decision by the Cabinet eliminates any ambiguity on the matter. In response to a question, Senior Minister SharjeelInamMemon assured that all departments of the Sindh government are prepared and operational to manage the challenges posed by monsoon rains.
In response to another question, Education Minister Sardar Shah stated that textbooks will begin reaching schools from August 1. Book banks are also being established in schools. He emphasized that he will personally oversee the distribution and transportation of books, and any officer unable to fulfill these responsibilities will be replaced. In response to a question, Senior Minister SharjeelInamMemon highlighted that the People’s Party faced numerous threats during the elections. He criticized the PTI government for funding madrasas that allegedly train terrorists and for releasing terrorists from jails. He emphasized that Barrister Saif’s allegations against Chairman Bilawal are entirely baseless. He said that the assassination of our leader, Ms. Benazir Bhutto, is a significant example of terrorism against us. To a question, Syed Sardar Shah mentioned that Nangar Park is soon to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the Sindh High Court has also recommended declaring Karunjhar a heritage site. Senior Minister SharjeelInamMemon, responding to a question, praised Mayor Karachi MurtazaWahab for his efforts in establishing urban forests and said Mayor Karachi MurtazaWahab has made significant contributions to the development of urban forests.
Additionally, the Sindh government’s mangrove project is also noteworthy. In response to a question, Provincial Minister Sardar Shah clarified that Karunjhar and its surrounding hills have been declared safe, and this report will be submitted to the Supreme Court. Currently, there is no mining activity taking place in Nangarparkar or Karunjhar. Responding to another question, Syed Sardar Shah criticized the previous caretaker minister for not providing adequate justification for his claims regarding mining reserves. He also mentioned that this individual had removed records from the mining department.
