People’s interests to be guarded in deciding Irsa Act issue: CM

Sindh’s chief minister has said his government respects the views of the members of the provincial assembly and the people of the province about the proposed amendments to the Indus River System Authority (Irsa) Act, just as it does in the case of the Kalabagh Dam.

CM Syed Murad Ali Shah was talking to the media after offering Fateha at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on Wednesday, when the death anniversary of the nation’s father was observed across the country.

“We, the PPP [Pakistan Peoples Party] government in Sindh, have consistently represented the best interests of the people, whether it is the Kalabagh Dam issue or any other matter, and would continue to do so with the Irsa Act.”

Shah said the PA has passed a resolution against the proposed amendments, which reflects the public’s opinion. “Our assembly has already passed a resolution for the implementation of the 1991 Water Accord.”

Rain aftermath

He said that due to climate change, Sindh has received more than average rains, which have damaged road infrastructure all over the province. The coastal districts of the province, like Badin and Sujawal, have been inundated, he added.

Similarly, he pointed out, on the left bank of the river, the hill torrents in the Kirthar Range have also caused damage to the entire infrastructure. He made the assurance that the government machinery is assessing the damages caused by the rains so that the necessary reconstruction can be carried out.

Regarding Karachi, the CM said the city mayor has written for sanctioning special funds to repair the damaged infrastructure. Shah said he would release the funds, but expressed concerns that the defective drainage system can keep damaging the roads again and again.

“I have directed the mayor to develop a plan, and conduct a feasibility study to see how the city’s drainage system can be improved to permanently resolve the issue.”

Responding to a question, he said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur’s remarks are condemnable, and everyone except the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder has censured them.

“When he [the PTI founder] came into power, he put the entire political leadership in jails, and whenever any of his ministers used derogatory remarks against their political opponents, he encouraged them. This is the result of that behaviour and attitude.”

Jinnah honoured

Shah said he and his cabinet visited Mazar-e-Quaid to honour Jinnah’s memory and contributions. “This annual tribute serves to recognise the founder of Pakistan and his significant role in the nation’s establishment.”

He said his great leaders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto carried forward Jinnah’s vision and further strengthened it. “Let us set aside all our personal and political differences, and strengthen the country as per the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.”

He reiterated the Sindh government’s commitment to upholding the principles of unity, faith and discipline, the values that Jinnah had emphasised throughout his life. He also urged the nation to stay united in the face of challenges, and work towards a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan inspired by the Quaid’s ideals.

Milad meeting

Later, he chaired a joint meeting with religious leaders and the administration, during which they decided to celebrate Eid Miladun Nabi with traditional respect and reverence on September 17 at the CM House.

He ordered illuminating all government buildings for the occasion. He directed the administration and the police to make the necessary arrangements for celebrating the occasion in consultation with religious scholars and Ulema. He also urged Ulema to cooperate with the administration.

Religious leaders and Ulema mentioned their concerns about roads, the drainage system, power supply and effective security. The CM acknowledged that heavy rains have damaged the roads, and that emergency repairs are not feasible, but he assured them that his government is working on a comprehensive overhaul.

He ordered the water and power utilities to ensure proper water and power supply to mosques. He also directed the city commissioner and the city police chief to ensure foolproof security for the 12th Rabiul Awwal procession, and coordinate its time and route with Ulema.