Sindh’s Minister for Local Government, SaeedGhani, asserted that the Sindh government, along with the Local Government Department, has effectively managed the situation following the monsoon rains across the province. Speaking at a press conference at the Sindh Assembly on Monday, Ghani criticized Punjab’s government for spending Rs 45 billion in just two months, calling it illogical and labeling their two-month relief as a political stunt. He stressed that citizens need lasting relief rather than temporary measures. Ghani also condemned corrupt judges from the past, accusing them of making decisions that violated the constitution and the law.
“These judges should be punished,” he stated. Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, QasimSoomro, was also present at the conference. SaeedGhani mentioned that it was still raining in Dadu District, where a breach in the Dadu Canal was expected to be filled within a few hours. He also reported that water drainage work was ongoing in Johi. Sukkur had experienced heavy rainfall over 36 hours, with five spells, three of which were severe, recording 281 to 292 millimeters of rain. Ghani acknowledged that rainfall figures differed between the Meteorological Department and the Deputy Commissioner, attributing this to the fact that the Meteorological Department does not have equipment installed everywhere, while the Sindh government has such systems in every taluka. Regarding the current situation in Sukkur, Ghani said that water was still present in some areas, but efforts were underway to drain it.
He listed neighborhoods like Station Ground, Qureshi Road, LalMisk, Bahar Colony, GulshanIqbal, Iron Market, and the area behind SherChowk, where work continued. Similar efforts were reported in areas of Saleh Pat, Rohri, and PanoAqil. In response to critics, Ghani said, “Some political opponents are making ignorant statements; they fail to understand that water cannot be drained from roads during active rainfall. However, once the rain stops, the work begins, and even now, mayors, chairmen, councilors, municipal workers, and PDA employees are all working together, and there is no major issue at the moment.” Ghani emphasized that multiple meetings regarding the monsoon rains had been held under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Sindh, the Chief Secretary, and himself, including a meeting in Hyderabad with HESCO and SEPCO officials, where assurances were secured that no load shedding would occur during the rains, especially in areas with pumping stations. Addressing Punjab’s electricity subsidy, Ghani questioned the logic behind spending Rs 45 billion on a two-month subsidy and criticized the extensive advertising campaigns promoting this temporary relief. He emphasized the need for consistent electricity generation, not just temporary fixes. Ghani lamented that past mistakes by previous governments had prevented Sindh from moving forward on affordable electricity projects.
He also acknowledged that new roads damaged by the rain would lead to action against the contractors involved. On the matter of ministerial changes, he clarified that the Chief Minister holds authority over ministry changes, while leadership of the party decides on the Chief Minister’s position. He dismissed rumors of such changes, saying, “We just laugh at them.” When asked about Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s directions, Ghani noted that flood-affected people were being provided with solid, rain-resistant homes, with 150,000 houses already built. He concluded by stressing that no institution should be above accountability, including judges. “There were dishonest judges in the past who should face consequences,” he added. Regarding the Chakragoth hydrant in Korangi, Ghani promised action if it had been reopened, vowing accountability for those involved. He also dismissed any rumors of tension with senior party leader MakhdoomJameel-uz-Zaman, assuring that any concerns would be resolved internally, given the deep-rooted relationship between his family and the party.
