Over 12,000 have got jobs through ‘iWork for Sindh’ app, Sharjeel tells PA

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon addressed the Sindh Assembly budget session on Monday and said that on the instructions of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Information Department launched the “iWork for Sindh” app on March 14, 2025.

So far, 7.2 million people have registered on the app, including 127,012 job seekers, out of whom 12,310 have secured employment. He added that both government and private institutions have been integrated into the app, and its popularity continues to grow due to increasing public trust.

Memon condemned the attack on Iran and said the Sindh government had provided grants amounting to Rs297 million to various journalist organizations. He emphasized that it is the government's responsibility to inform the public about its initiatives.

Last year, the Sindh government facilitated visits for journalists from Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar to Sindh so they could witness the development firsthand. These journalists visited Thar and acknowledged that their perception had changed.

The senior minister also highlighted the revival of the film and drama industry, stating that both the Sindh and federal governments had allocated funds for this purpose due to the closure of cinemas across Pakistan. He remarked that the Indian film industry promotes its narrative through fabricated films, and currently 111 films are being produced in India on the recent Pakistan-India conflict. The Sindh government has also allocated funds in the budget for film production.

He said the Information Department has established a dedicated cell to counter fake news. For the improvement of the Transport Department, a mobile fitness certificate app has been introduced, enabling vehicle fitness checks and the issuance of genuine certificates with QR codes to prevent forgery. He emphasized that vehicle fitness is mandatory for all, as faulty vehicles are a major cause of accidents. He added that such measures also help project the true narrative of Pakistan to the world.

He added that after the Green Line was handed over to the Sindh government, its ridership increased by 15,000, and efforts are underway to raise this number to 100,000. In this regard, steps have been taken to connect the Orange Line with the Green Line. The People’s Bus Service has been expanded with the addition of more buses, and the AFC (Automatic Fare Collection) system has been introduced, allowing users to pay fares like an ATM card and even withdraw cash if needed. This service is currently operational in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, and Larkana.

Moreover, Pakistan’s first electric vehicle (EV) bus service was launched by the Sindh government, while the Pink Bus Service is the first women-exclusive service not only in Pakistan but in the entire region. He added that the government is providing 1,000 pink EV scooters to women, for which 8,000 applications were initially received, and licences have already been issued to 145 women. An additional 7,000 applications have now been received.

He said that when 1,000 women are seen riding scooters on the roads, it will help change societal perceptions. KFC has offered to sponsor the programme, train women in every district, and assist in issuing licenses. The government is now set to launch Pink EV Taxis, which will be driven by women to ensure safe travel facilities for female passengers.

Memon mentioned that some objections had been raised by the Civil Aviation regarding the Red Line project, but those issues have now been resolved. During the supervisory setup, work on the Red Line remained halted for nine months. An MPA also remarked that delays could lead to increased project costs. Meanwhile, the Yellow Line project is progressing ahead of schedule.

He said the Sindh government is constructing 2.1 million houses, which is the largest housing project in Pakistan, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Those who previously lived in huts arebeing provided with pucca houses, and women are being granted ownership rights over these homes.

This project is being implemented through the cooperation of the Sindh government, the federal government, the Pakistan Army, and the World Bank. Under the supervision of Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, two hundred thousand houses are being equipped with solar power systems. He emphasized that these are not just two hundred thousand houses, but two hundred thousand families being supported.

Rejecting criticism of Karachi’s sanitation system, Memon stated that the PPP government has invested billions of rupees in solid waste management. The 1122 rescue service has been launched across Sindh, and free healthcare facilities are available to every citizen in the province.

He asked that if Karachi is not livable, why does the whole of Pakistan come here for employment? Sindh is bearing the economic and infrastructure burden of the entire country; Rs180 billion of Sindh are stuck in the courts.

He added that Sindh offers free medical treatment facilities that benefit the entire country. More than 4.18 million people have been treated at the SIUT, including 528,000 patients from outside Sindh. Under the health card program, 117,000 people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received treatment here, while 15,597 patients came from Afghanistan. Additionally, 3,790 children treated at NICH were from Punjab. He said those who criticize do not truly understand this service.

The people of Sindh do not go to other provinces for employment; rather, people from other provinces come to Sindh. He mentioned the sacrifices of Shaheed Bhutto, Shaheed Bibi, and President Asif Ali Zardari, adding that there can be no competition for leadership like theirs.

Shaheed Bhutto gave Pakistan nuclear power, convened an Islamic conference, and made long-term plans. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto knew the risks to her life upon returning but refused to be separated from the people.

The provincial minister said President Asif Ali Zardari granted provincial autonomy, implemented the NFC award, and transferred powers to the parliament. He noted that Bilawal Bhutto has raised his voice against Indian oppression. He stated that Uzair Baloch was arrested and Rehman Dakait was killed during the PPP era, emphasizing that the PPP has never engaged in the politics of weapons.

The arrival of President Asif Ali Zardari at Nine Zero symbolized friendship and unity. He affirmed that we are all neighbours and relatives, and together we will defeat the politics of hatred and division. The PPP keeps its doors open for everyone, and we were, are, and will always remain brothers.