Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that his government will respect the views of the assembly members and the people of the province regarding the proposed amendments to the IRSA Act, just as it did in the case of the Kalabagh Dam.
This he said on Wednesday while talking to the media just after offering dua at Mazar-e-Quaid. He was accompanied by Sindh Governor Mohammad Kamran Tissori and his cabinet members.
The Chief Minister stated that the opinions of the assembly members and the people of the province would be sincerely respected regarding the proposed amendments to the IRSA Act. ‘We, the PPP government in Sindh, have consistently represented the best interests of its people, whether it was the Kalabagh Dam issue or any other matter, and would continue to do so with the IRSA Act,’ he said.
Murad Shah said that the assembly has passed a resolution against the proposed amendment in the IRSA Act which is the reflection of the public opinion. ‘Our assembly has already passed a resolution for the implementation of the 1991 water accord.
Mr Shah said that due to climate change, we have received more than average rains which have damaged road infrastructure all over Sindh. The coastal districts of the province like Badin, Sujawal and others have been inundated. Similarly, on the left bank of the river, the hill torrents in have Khirthar Range have also caused damage to the entire infrastructure, he said and added that the government machinery was assessing the damages caused by the rains so that the necessary reconstruction could be carried out.
Discussing Karachi, the Chief Minister stated that the Mayor of Karachi through a letter had requested sanction of special funds to repair the damaged infrastructure in the city. He mentioned that he would release the funds but expressed concerns that the defective drainage system could keep damaging the roads again and again. ‘I have directed the mayor to develop a plan and the feasibility of improving the city’s drainage system to permanently resolve the issue.
To a question, Mr Shah said that his [KP CM] statements/remarks were condemnable and everyone, except one person [founder of PTI], has condemned with strong words. ‘When he [PTI founder] came into power he put entire political leadership in jails and whenever any of his ministers used derogatory remarks against their political opponents, he encouraged him – this is the result of that behaviour and attitude.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that on the 76th death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he along with his cabinet visited Mazar-e-Quaid to honour his memory and contributions. ‘This annual tribute serves to recognize the founder of Pakistan and his significant role in the nation’s establishment,’ he said.
Mr Shah said that his great leaders, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto carried forward the vision of the father of the nation and further strengthened it. ‘Let us set aside all our personal and political differences and strengthen the country as per the vision of Quiad-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
During the visit, the CM and the Cabinet members laid floral wreaths at the Mazar, offered prayers, and recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book reflecting on Jinnah’s leadership and vision that led to the establishment of an independent homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent.
Speaking to the media, CM Shah reiterated the commitment of the Sindh government to uphold the principles of unity, faith, and discipline, values that Jinnah had emphasised throughout his life. He also urged the nation to stay united in the face of challenges and work towards a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan, inspired by the Quaid’s ideals.
This visit serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Quaid-e-Azam and the importance of continuing to honour his contributions to the nation, the CM concluded.