Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, revealed key decisions and achievements of the Sindh government during a press conference held at the Social Media Directorate. A major highlight was the Sindh Cabinet’s decision to expand the eligibility criteria for appointing Vice Chancellors at universities, alongside updates on various development projects and initiatives aimed at improving the province’s socio-economic fabric.
Minister Memon announced that the process for appointing university Vice Chancellors has been reformed to broaden the eligibility pool. While professors remain eligible for these roles, retired professionals, administrative experts, and specialists in relevant fields can now also apply.
“This change ensures that we appoint the best possible candidates to lead educational institutions,” he stated. The new criteria include an age limit of 62 years and a mandatory Ph.D. in the relevant field. Highlighting past appointments, he noted that bureaucrats like Allama I.I. Qazi, Mazharul Haq Siddiqui, and Nisar Siddiqui have successfully served as Vice Chancellors. Sindh’s universities have grown from 8 to 30, requiring an expanded pool of capable candidates to fill these leadership roles.
Addressing the province’s infrastructure needs, Memon criticized the historical neglect of Sindh’s motorway development compared to Punjab. He acknowledged disparities in federal projects but highlighted the Thar Coal project as a cornerstone of Sindh’s energy achievements. Initiated under the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government, the project faced setbacks during the PML-N government’s tenure but was revived in 2008. “Today, Thar coal produces the cheapest electricity in the country, and its potential for economic transformation is immense,” he emphasized. Sindh leads the nation in healthcare innovation, Memon stated, citing exemplary institutions like the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), the CyberKnife facility, and the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences.
The province offers free liver and lung transplants at Gambat and is home to the world’s only free CyberKnife unit. “These models demonstrate our government’s priority for human health and life,” he noted. Under the PPP’s vision, Sindh is executing a solarization project to provide affordable solar electricity to millions. Furthermore, the construction of 2.1 million houses for flood victims, granting ownership rights, stands out as one of the government’s most ambitious endeavors. “Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s vision ensures long-term support for those affected by natural disasters,” Memon said. The minister highlighted an ongoing legal dispute before the Supreme Court over Rs. 180 billion in cess tax collected by the Ex
are essential for Sindh’s development, and we hope for a favorable resolution,” he stated. Memon expressed gratitude for the public’s growing trust in the PPP, reflected in successive electoral victories. He also addressed internal challenges faced by PTI, urging them to engage in negotiations and abandon foreign conspiracy theories. The minister affirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to anti-encroachment drives while emphasizing the provision of compensation to affected individuals. “Sindh is the only province to compensate citizens during such operations. Public cooperation and mindset improvement are vital for successful implementation,” he added. Memon reiterated PPP’s commitment to unity across provinces. “Sindh welcomes people from all over the country, fostering employment and business opportunities for all,” he stated.
The minister also emphasized the importance of adhering to security protocols, especially for Chinese citizens, ensuring their safety remains a top priority. Commending the contributions of PPP leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Memon praised their efforts in Sindh’s development. “Our achievements in health, education, infrastructure, and energy reflect the PPP’s dedication to public welfare and national progress,” he concluded.
