Incomplete construction causing Indus Highway accidents: CM

HYDERABAD: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar on Wednesday. He laid a floral wreath on the Sufi saint’s grave and offered Fateha for his soul.

Auqaf Minister Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi, Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Culture Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah and district officials were also present on the occasion. Jamshoro Deputy Commissioner Ghazanfar Ali Qadri presented a commemorative shield to the CM.

During a media talk later, Shah said that a record number of people participated in the Urs celebrations this year. He said the administration informed him that over 2.5 million people gathered in Sehwan to express their devotion to Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.

He also mentioned that accidents on the Indus Highway occur due to the incomplete construction of the road. He expressed satisfaction on the overall arrangements made for the Urs. Replying to a query, the CM said: “I will not comment on anyone; I only pray for the prosperity of this country.” He added that the provincial government has provided 50 per cent of the funds (Rs7 billion) for the Indus Highway, yet the project remains incomplete.

He pointed out that the Sindh government has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, including two former PMs, to ensure the immediate completion of the construction work on the Indus Highway.

Shah said Grand Democratic Alliance leader Murtaza Jatoi was arrested on the cancellation of his bail in a murder case, and not in connection with any other case. He also said: “I personally would like to host international matches in Sehwan, but there is a lack of resources. However, the Sindh government has approached the PCB [Pakistan Cricket Board] for holding international matches in the Niaz Stadium of Hyderabad, and their response is positive.”

He also censured the dumper accidents in Karachi and Hyderabad, terming them an administrative issue. He made the assurance that the provincial government is aware of these road accidents, and that legal action would be taken wherever such incidents occur.