Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday said that in view of the exceptional performance of the provincial government’s institutions, the federal government has paid Rs9 billion to his government.
Speaking during the cabinet meeting at the CM House, Shah said the funds are for establishing a Sindh Institute of Urology & Transplantation (SIUT) in Rahim Yar Khan (RYK) and Rawalpindi.
He said the funds would also be used for reconstructing houses for flood-affected people in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and for establishing a Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science & Technology and an Institute of Business Administration, for which a decision would be taken later.
SIUT
The cabinet approved the proposal of establishing SIUT (Kidney Hospital) facilities in RYK and Tehsil Gujjar Khan, Rawalpindi. “This initiative aims to enhance public health services across Pakistan, with a particular focus on serving the people of Punjab, and the neighbouring regions of Sindh and Balochistan,” said Shah.
The cabinet recommended allocating Rs2 billion for SIUT RYK and Rs1 billion for SIUT Rawalpindi, along with an additional Rs500 million for annual operational costs. A transparent monitoring framework will be implemented, including quarterly progress reports, third-party audits and site visits by Sindh government officials to ensure responsible fund utilisation.
Shah said that this initiative is expected to significantly boost Sindh’s national image, demonstrating a commitment to equitable development, and showcasing provincial generosity and national solidarity.
Houses
Shah said that under the Centre’s funds of Rs9 billion, house reconstruction for the flood-affected areas of Sohbatpur, Jaffarabad and Dera Murad Jamali in Balochistan has been allocated Rs2 billion, and Dera Ismail Khan in KP Rs1 billion.
This funding comes with a proposal to enhance housing cash grants, addressing the rising costs of materials and transportation in remote areas. Shah said that it would be his government’s commitment to support rebuilding homes in Balochistan and KP, showcasing a commitment to helping communities recover and thrive after the floods.
The National Rural Support Programme has been chosen as the implementing partner, as it operates across all provinces, and can mobilise quickly to assist in these efforts. The cabinet is also considering how the allocated funds would be managed: whether through developmental or non-developmental budgets, and if a formal approval process is necessary.
Additional funding
The local government department requested the cabinet to approve additional funding to support two crucial projects: Rs532.31 million for constructing and improving roads, water supply and drainage systems along Allama Rasheed Turabi Road; and Rs1 billion to build a two-plus-two lane underpass in Karachi’s Karimabad.
Shah approved the required funds, directing the LG department to review their allocation and consider reallocating funds from slower-moving projects. This collaborative approach is aimed at ensuring the timely completion of these important public infrastructure projects.
Amendments
The cabinet in principle approved certain amendments to the relevant laws concerning vehicle regulations in Sindh that are aimed at enhancing road safety and compliance.
Heavy vehicles will now incur a registration fee of 0.5 per cent, based on their invoice value, alongside an annual tax of Rs1,000 and a transfer fee of Rs2,000, which covers the new smart card and number plate.
All commercial vehicles operating in Sindh must obtain fitness certification, with fines of Rs10,000 for non-compliance. There are also new restrictions on permits for older vehicles, banning those over 20 years old on interprovincial routes, and those exceeding 25 years on intercity routes. The penalties for violations escalate significantly with each infraction.
Substandard rickshaws and loading vehicles also face a complete ban to ensure safer roads for everyone. To assemble or manufacture engine chassis, a licence is needed. It costs Rs3 million and is valid for a year. If the manufacturer wants to renew it, they will need to pay Rs1 million annually.
Engaging in illegal assembly or manufacturing, the manufacturer can face a fine of Rs1 million. Various enforcement agencies, including the traffic police and the excise police, will oversee these regulations. To maintain transparency, all fines must be paid online using the excise department’s app to ensure a smooth process.
New traffic regulations in Sindh aim to enhance road safety and compliance. Heavy transport vehicle (HTV) drivers must now complete at least 30 hours of certified pre-licence education from a government-recognised school.
The age for obtaining an HTV licence has been lowered from 24 to 22, provided the driver has a year’s experience of light transport vehicle. To tackle violations, an automatic detection system will be implemented. For example, if a vehicle is parked in a no-parking zone, a fixed penalty notice will be issued, either placed on the car or handed to the driver if they are present.
Moreover, fines for unauthorised vehicle features, like tinted windows, can reach up to Rs300,000 for repeat offences. The government is also establishing exclusive traffic courts to handle these cases efficiently.
Shah directed the excise & taxation and law & home ministers to take the provincial; assembly into confidence on the measures the government is taking for ensuring road safety.
Narcotics control
The cabinet was told that the rising tide of narcotics cases is a pressing issue, with a staggering 9,676 cases reported, with a significant 7,769 currently pending in the bustling Karachi Division. To tackle this challenge, a proposal to set up special courts was presented to the cabinet.
The suggestion is to have three courts in Karachi alone, alongside one in each of the surrounding divisions: Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana and Mirpurkhas. This initiative aims to streamline the judicial process, and ensure that justice is served swiftly in the face of increasing demand. The cabinet approved the proposal.
Women empowerment
The cabinet in principle granted approval for participating in a significant gender parity initiative. This decision mandates that an annual gender parity report be submitted to both the national and provincial assemblies.
To implement this directive effectively, the women development department is required to amend existing rules, ensuring the preparation and submission of the report to the provincial assembly becomes a formalised process.
Inclusive City
Inclusive City is a groundbreaking initiative that Shah designed to cater to the needs of people with disabilities. The cabinet has already approved establishing this city, which will feature essential facilities such as clinical and rehabilitation services, educational institutions, and green spaces specifically designed for differently-abled persons.
Shah has allocated 75 acres in Korangi District, with an additional 13.38 acres, bringing the total to 88.38 acres. To fund this ambitious project, Rs5 billion has been earmarked for the financial year 2024-25.
The Inclusive City Board was granted an exemption from the Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Rules to ensure swift execution of the project, allowing direct contracting with M/s Shahid Abdullah for their services. “The technical committee is now empowered to finalise agreements, moving closer to making Inclusive City a reality,” concluded Shah.
