Federal govt ignoring locust threat, charges CM Sindh

SUKKUR: Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has said the elimination of locust swarm is the responsibility of the federal government and it is not fulfilling its role.

Talking to the media in Adilpur near Ghotki, the chief minister said the Plant Protection Department will get the federal government funds in December. Some of the helicopters meant for aerial spray are grounded and therefore not of any use, but the federal government has promised to make them available.

He said the Sindh government has provided Rs 10 million to the Plant Protection Department for purchase of pesticides for the locust. He said the Sindh government has provided vehicles, spray machines and other equipment to the agricultural department to offset the locust attack.

The chief minister said the police are working seriously to recover Dua Mangi kidnapped from Karachi almost a week ago and he has personally directed them to safely and quickly recover the girl. About the controversy surrounding the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and two of its members to complete the Election Commission, the chief minister expressed the hope that the parliamentary committee will resolve the issue. He criticised the federal government for deliberately ignoring and trying to weaken the constitutional institutions.

The chief minister said the PTI is not convening the sessions of the Council of Common Interests. Terming it a violation of the Constitution, Murad Ali Shah said Constitution obligates the federal government to hold the CCI meetings every three months. He said the last CCI meeting was held in 2018. The chief minister said he has repeatedly drew the attention of the federal government to convene the meeting of the constitutional forum but the prime minister is bent upon ignoring it. Earlier, the chief minister condoled with Minister for Industries and Commerce Jam Ikramullah Dharejo and former provincial minister and PPP leader Saifullah Dharijo on the demise of their mother.