CM Sindh dubs PM’s package gimmick: Says demanded package not considered

SUKKUR: Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday said he had no information about Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Thar and termed the ‘health package’ a political gimmick to catch attention of the people as the federal government is not considering his demand of a special package to Thar to uplift the lives of Tharis. While talking to media persons at the Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, the Sindh chief minister sarcastically asked what is in the PM’s package except politically-motivated announcements.

Criticising the Federal Finance Minister Asad Umar, the Sindh CM said the government has failed to provide a viable economy policy while Asad Umar is more focused on criticising the PPP leadership. He said the tax collection target could not be achieved due to the flawed tax policies of the Centre that has made the country’s economy more vulnerable.

Syed Murad Ali Shah said Sindh’s bureaucracy is not ready to perform their duties owing to the harassing behavior of some officials of NAB. He said Karachi is going to host PSL matches, which is an evidence of prevailing peace in the province, added that he also talked to chairman PCB about the restoration of the Niaz Stadium Hyderabad for future ventures. On tensions with India, Syed Murad Ali Shah said war is not a solution to any issue but India should not doubt Pakistan’s capability to retaliate against any aggression. The chief minister Sindh said the international community must realise the seriousness of the issue and play its role to de-escalate the tensions between Pakistan and India.

While conferring the degrees to the successful graduates of the Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Murad said Sindh as well as Pakistan is facing water shortages and environmental challenges, the pollution at of Manchar Lake and sea are the biggest challenges to the Sindh government. It is now the duty of the successful graduates to come up viable solutions to tackle these challenges. He asked the MUET vice-chancellor to give input for the new water policy.

The chief minister inaugurated the newly-constructed women hostel in MUET Jamshoro, while the Vice-Chancellor of MUET Dr Muhammad Aslam Uqalli and others also addressed on the occasion.