Senior Minister of Sindh Sharjeel Inam Memon said on Thursday that a total of 2.1 million houses are being built for the flood victims in Sindh.
This he said while addressing a press conference in Karachi after the Sindh Cabinet meeting. The Senior Minister announced that the master plan for Rani Bagh Hyderabad had been approved. Rani Bagh, under the Public-Private Partnership Department of the Local Government Department, was being revived. The government aims to provide recreational facilities to children, he said.
Mr Memon said that the Cabinet meeting approved the recruitment of teachers at Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College Lyari. He said, previously, if a person bought a car, they would get the vehicle registered within 60 days. Now, no unregistered vehicle will be allowed on the road.
People used to drive vehicles without registration for years, but this will no longer be allowed. This measure will discourage the use of unregistered vehicles in crime and increase revenue. He said that the federal government had allowed the export of 150,000 metric tons of sugar. The cabinet has given conditional approval for the export of sugar, including the quota from Sindh, which is currently under a stay order. As soon as the stay order is lifted, the government will proceed with exporting the sugar.
Memon said that in the Cabinet meeting, approval was given for the establishment of an Infant and Young Child Board and the construction of another bridge on Manchhar Lake and the Indus Highway. The construction of these two bridges will cost 2.3 billion. It was also decided to secure health insurance for employees of the Sindh Assembly and Secretariat from the State Life Company. Additionally, a campus of IBA Sukkur is being built in Ghotki, which will provide quality education to the local community.
Addressing the press conference, Provincial Minister for Minerals and Education Sardar Shah emphasized that the issue of mining in Nangar Park had persisted for a long time, extending into previous administrations.
The People’s Party firmly believed that local development must align with the will of the community. Mining of granite will not proceed without the consent of the local residents, reflecting the core vision of the People’s Party leadership. During the caretaker government, significant confusion arose when the caretaker minister expressed intentions to proceed with mining. I personally conducted a survey in Karunjhar while raising the matter with SIFC, where it was deemed not a workable plan. The Sindh High Court has issued two decisions on this matter.
Shah clarified that the caretaker Minister of Minerals proposed generating significant funds through the export of granite, but this plan was deemed impractical and opposed by the local community. Nangar Parker Granite Mining site has already been designated as a cultural heritage site. It is firmly established that there are no plans to permit mining in Karunjhar.
The Cabinet has decisively resolved to safeguard this historical heritage, ensuring that both Karunjhar and Nangar Parker remain completely secure. This decision by the Cabinet eliminates any ambiguity on the matter. In response to a question, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon assured that all departments of the Sindh government are prepared and operational to manage the challenges posed by monsoon rains.
In response to another question, Education Minister Sardar Shah stated that textbooks will begin reaching schools from August 1. Book banks are also being established in schools. He emphasized that he will personally oversee the distribution and transportation of books, and any officer unable to fulfill these responsibilities will be replaced. In response to a question, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon highlighted that the People’s Party faced numerous threats during the elections.
He criticized the PTI government for funding madrasas that allegedly train terrorists and for releasing terrorists from jails. He emphasized that Barrister Saif’s allegations against Chairman Bilawal are entirely baseless. He said that the assassination of our leader, Ms. Benazir Bhutto, is a significant example of terrorism against us.
In response to a question, Syed Sardar Shah mentioned that Nangar Park is soon to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the Sindh High Court has also recommended declaring Karunjhar a heritage site. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, responding to a question, praised Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab for his efforts in establishing urban forests and said Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab has made significant contributions to the development of urban forests. Additionally, the Sindh government’s mangrove project is also noteworthy.
In response to a question, Shah clarified that Karunjhar and its surrounding hills have been declared safe, and this report will be submitted to the Supreme Court. Currently, there is no mining activity taking place in Nangarparkar or Karunjhar. Responding to another question, Syed Sardar Shah criticized the previous caretaker minister for not providing adequate justification for his claims regarding mining reserves. He also mentioned that this individual had removed records from the mining department.
Memon emphasized the importance of constructing the National Highway and Motorway from Sukkur to Hyderabad in response to a question. Regarding the narcotics bill, he stated that the law department is currently reviewing it. When asked about the progress of the Red Line BRT project, he expressed satisfaction with the speedy work and dedication of the workers, anticipating its completion soon.
