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Friday March 29, 2024

MQM offices bulldozed with my consent: Sindh CM

By our correspondents
August 30, 2016

Murad Ali Shah speaks in Capital Talk; IGP directed to facilitate MQM women in bails and other legal procedures

ISLAMABAD: In his latest interview for Geo News show Capital Talk, Sind Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah has said that Farooq Sattar’s decision to distance MQM from Altaf Hussain’s Veto power is a fine decision.

It was the only way the party could function. He also said that the he had given consent to the decision to bulldoze MQM offices. On a question about two Sind MPAs being away from Pakistan for long, he expressed hope that Shirjeel Memon and Awais Muzaffar Tappi will be returning to country soon.

He lamented the fact that cabinet’s committee on energy is usually attended by the CM of one province only. Shah said that Altaf Hussain’s violent outburst and party workers’ resorting to hooliganism worsened the situation. He further said that he consented to the decision of taking Farooq Sattar in custody to identify the people involved in violence against TV channels.

Five or six women were also arrested who were seen with batons involved in violence. He said that IG Police has been directed to facilitate those women in bails and in other legal procedure. 

The CM said that he is not against any party but the individuals breaking law. He said that MQM’s encroached offices are being demolished at his behest. He said that action against encroached offices is across the board. One of PPP’s offices has been closed as well.

On question of renaming the Mukka Chowk, he said that the name of the round-about has only been restored to the original one. Murad Ali Shah said that people possibly have
concerns over Asif Hasnain changing his party right after he spent time in custody. He said that he was answerable if any pressure from the Sind Govt proven over the matter.

While mentioning Karachi’s newly elected Mayor, he said that Waseem Akhtar has to face the legal procedures and it is up to the courts to decide about his release. He further said that in his absence deputy mayor is legally authorised to work.

On question of Shirjeel Memon and Awais Muzaffar Tappi’s long absence from the assembly and from the country he said that their leaves are constantly sanctioned by the assembly and that he has hopes that the two law makers will be returning soon.

While discussing governance issues in Sind, CM said that he has assured punctuality in his office. The problem laden ministries of health and education have been handed to very competent ministers. Biometric system has been introduced in schools to ensure teachers presence. He further said that Karachi is a much cleaner city now.

He said that Trauma Centre inaugurated by Bilalwal Bhutto Zardari and the Children’s Hospital initiated with the help of Japanese Govt will start functioning soon.

The CM said that in spite some reservations his party completely supports CPEC. He said that Sind, with its coal reserves and alternate energy resources, has the solution to country’s energy crisis. He expressed reservation over the fact that meetings of cabinet’s committee for energy are attended by CM of one province only.

He also expressed concern over federal Govt’s lack of motivation over resolving NFC award issue. He emphasised that federal Finance minister should fulfill his constitutional duty in this matter.