Tag: Chief Minister House

Karachi, December 14, 2018 (PPI-OT): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the natural gas closure in Sindh was not only violation of Article 158 of the constitution but it has rendered thousands of industrial and transporters [CNG] workers jobless and has also caused serious problems for domestic consumers.

This he said on Friday while talking to Federal Petroleum Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan who met him along with his delegation here at the CM House. The Chief Minister was assisted by Minister Energy Imtiaz Shaikh, CM Advisor on Law Murtaza Wahab, Secretary Energy Musadiq Ahmed Khan and Tariq Shah Director Energy. The other delegates were Additional Secretary of the Ministry Dr Tanveer Qureshi, GD Petroleum Concessions Qazi Saleem Siddiqui, DG Gas Shahid Yousaf, DG Oil Jabbar Memon, Mohammad Iqbal DG Mineral. PTI MPA Haleem Adil Shaikh also attended the meeting.

Mr Tariq Shah of Sindh Energy Department gave a presentation to the participants of the meeting. The Chief Minister talking about priority of requirements of natural gas said that Article 158 says “the province in which a well-head of natural gas is situated shall have precedence over other parts of Pakistan in meeting the requirements from that well-head, subject to commitments and obligations as the commencing day.”

He said that Sindh produced 26,00 to 2,700 mmcfd daily against which Sindh was being given a quota of 1,000 to 1,100 mmcfd. He added that the gas of industrial captive power plants has been closed. “In the city there are 400 industrial units with a workforce of 100,000 employees. The entire industry in the city is facing gas closure from last three days,” he said and added CNG sector was also facing three-day closure in a week. “This situation is alarming and causing heavy unemployment,” he said.

Murad Ali Shah taking up issue of village gasification said that 985 schemes were pending with SSGCL from 2008-9 to 2017-18. Apart from it there were a backlog of 8,522 applications with SSGCL for clearance. Out of 7,718 applications 50 were for commercial, 288 industrial, 390 captive power and 76 CNG.

The chief minister said that Sindh has no presentation in OGRA and proposed that there should be four members, including chairman and each province should be given presentation with one member. He also proposed an amendment in the Petroleum Concession Agreement (PCA)/Supplemental Agreement. Under existing arrangement Federal Secretary Petroleum awards PCA to Energy and Power Companies and the chief minister proposed that Federal Secretary Petroleum and provincial Secretary Energy should jointly award the PCA.

He also proposed that the provincial chief inspector of Mines should be given a role to inspect oil and gas fields for labour and mine safety issues. He also took up the issue of representation of provinces in the board of PPL, OGDCL, SSGCL and PSO.

Syed Murad Ali Shah said that Excise Duty on Crude Oil is imposed under Article 161(1)(b) and quoted it as “the net proceeds of the federal duty of excise on oil levied at well-head and collected by the federal government, shall not form part of the Federal Consolidated Fund and shall be paid to the provinces in which the well-head of oil is situated.” He added that Excise Duty on Crude Oil has not been imposed since last eight years, therefore the provincial government was facing revenue loss.

The Federal Minister for petroleum Ghulam Sarwar said that he had brought his delegation to meet the chief minister. He added that the purpose of his meeting was to know the point of the provincial government. He disclosed that he would meet with the chief ministers of the other provinces.

The federal minister assured the chief minister that the provinces would be given due presentation in the federal oil and gas companies. As far as the gas closure was concerned he would be holding a meeting in the SSGCL office to take final decisions.

The meeting agreed that a meeting of provinces with federal minister of petroleum would be held prior to next CCI so that a consensus could be developed to resolve all the issues unanimously. The chief minister urged the federal petroleum minister to order opening of natural gas in the province. Latter, the provincial minister for Energy Imtiaz Shaikh and CM Advisor on Information Murtaza Wahab briefed the media about the stance of the Sindh government and decisions of the meeting.

For more information, contact:
Press Secretary,
Chief Minister House, Sindh
Tel: +92-21-99202019(Ext: 336)
Website: www.cmsindh.gov.pk

Karachi, December 06, 2018 (PPI-OT): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that Thar Coal Mine and coal-fired power plants were being completed four months ahead of their schedule. “This is the success story of the project in which people were reluctant to believe in and now we are going to inject first electron in the national grid in February.”

This hew said on Thursday while reviewing the progress of Thar coal mining and power plant projects at Islamkot. The meeting was attended by Provincial Energy minister Imtiaz Shaikh, CM Advisor Murtaza Wahab, Chairman P and D Mohammad Waseem, SECMC Board Chairman Khursheed Jamali, CEO Thar Foundation Abul Fazal Rizvi, all the elected representatives from Thar and senior officers of SECMC.

Mr Shah said that the royalty of Thar Coal and power project would be around Rs1.8 billion which would be spent on the development of Thar and its people.

Coal Mining: The chief minister was told that there were over all 94 percent over all progress of mining work as against 88 percent planned till the first week of December 2018. Out of 112 billion Cubec Meters 106 MnBCDm over burden has been removed and the current depth of the mines was 154 meters which the chief minister personally visited and examined the coal excavated from the mine. He took up a piece of coal in his hands proudly said that this was black gold for which “our Shaheed Rani [Benazir Bhutto] had started the project but that project could not see the light of the day and now we have completed her mission,” he said.

To a question the chief minister was told that 44 M m3 ground water has been discharged into the Gorano pond and more than 23 million safe man-hours have been completed without lost workday injury (LWI).

It was pointed out that total 3584 manpower was working on the mine, of them 3329 were Pakistanis, including 2364 Tharis. The project is fours months ahead of its schedule and the cost of the project is $845mn against which a saving of $175 million have been made, therefore total cost comes to $670m, this shows 21 percent saving.

Power Plant: The chief minister was told that the project of 660 MW coal energy has achieved 96 percent progress and was ahead of four months of its schedule. The number of manpower engaged at the power project is 3286 with 1070 Tharis, 1479 Chinese and 744 other Pakistanis. The chief minister was told that engineering reviews and quality inspections of the project have been completed by globally renowned experts.

Transition from construction to commissioning phase has successfully been made. To a question, the chief minister was told that commissioning and operation and maintenance (O and M) contractors have been mobilized to the site and were participating in commissioning activities. The experienced Chinese manpower has been shortlisted from the similar power plants in china so that the project could be made functional. The chief minister was told that 70 Pakistanis have received O and M training in China and have returned to take part in commissioning of the complex. The project would produce first electron in the second week of February 2019.

The relay room and transmission line, evaporation ponds, boiler and 180 meters tall Chimney have been constructed and are ready for testing. Social Service: The chief minister just after briefing of the coal and power projects handed over a cheque of Rs50 million to CEO Thar Foundation to provide fodder to 20,000 families of Islamkot taluka for their cattle. “We are committed with the people of Thar and we will not only fulfil the commitments we have made so far with the people of Thar but much more than the commitments would given to the people of Thar,” he said and added that he was working out a plan to spend major portion of royalty of coal and power projects on development of Thar and social uplift of its people.

Addressing the people of Thar and their elected representatives, the chief minister said that the PPP government in Sindh has spent Rs70 billion on the development infrastructure, airport and other projects started in Thar.

The chief minister visited a kitchen garden pilot project at Tharerio Halepoto village. In the garden a small fish pond and vegetables were being grown to meet the need of two to three families. The chief minister said that such projects should be encouraged so that people of Thar could enjoy health vegetables and fish.

Hospital: The chief minister said that the Thar Foundation, an organization of the Sindh government and Engro, was constructing a hospital of 250 beds at a cost of Rs2 billion against which Sindh government has already released Rs50 million. He added that the first block of 82 beds would be made functional in February 2019.

New Village: Mr Shah said that a new village, New Senhri Goth for the displaced people of Thar Block-II have been established where 172 families would be shifted by December 20. “We have not only provided them [displaced people] well designed 1100-sqaure meter houses with all facilities such as kitchen, toilet and corridor but have given them jobs, compensation of their houses [turned into mine], education and health facilities at their new village.

Education: The chief minister also told the people present in the briefing that Thar Foundation was establishing 25 schools on which work was going-on on fast track. He also said that the foundation has sent a batch of 90 children to do a three-year Diploma of Associate Engineering and over all 500 youth would be imparted such a skilled education. The chief minister during his visit to Thar visited PPHI hospital and DHQ hospital Mithi. He visited each and every ward, including nursery and inquired about the health of the admitted patients.

Media Talk: Talking to media, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that the death of infants was social issue. “Most of the dying infants were delivered at home and their parents bring to hospital when their condition worsens,” he said and added otherwise the children delivered at hospital have nominal death ratio.

To a question, he said that his government was going to launch a Health Information System (HIS) under which all the pregnant women would be registered. A detailed record right from conceiving a child to delivery would be kept so that mothers could be provided proper guidance and support.

For more information, contact:
Press Secretary,
Chief Minister House, Sindh
Tel: +92-21-99202019(Ext: 336)
Website: www.cmsindh.gov.pk

Karachi, December 04, 2018 (PPI-OT): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the use of vehicle by second or progressive owners on transfer letters is illegally, therefore he directed Excise department to launch crackdown against such vehicles.

He took this decision on Tuesday while presiding over a meeting to review law and order in the light of forthcoming Apex Committee meeting here at the CM House. Those who attended the meeting include Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Shah, CM advisor Murtaza Wahab, IG Sindh Dr Kaleem Imam, Adl IG Special Branch Dr Waliullah Dal, Principal Secretary to CM Sajid Jamal Abro, Commissioner Karachi Iftikhar Shahalwani and others.

To a question Additional IG Special Branch Dr Waliullah Dal told the chief minister that the vehicle used by terrorists who attacked Chinese Consulate was by owned by a person who had sold his vehicle six years ago and now five years have passed to his death. The vehicle was being used on transfer letter. At this the chief minister directed excise department to start crackdown against the vehicles plying in the city on transfer letters.

IG Sindh Dr Kaleem Imam briefing the chief minister on crime statistics said that 61 incidents of terrorism took place in 2013 which reduced to only two [incidents] in 2018. Similarly, 509 target killing cases were reported in 2018 which dropped down to only five in 2018. The 575 extortion cases were recorded in 2013 and they dropped down to 131 in 2018.

Talking about kidnapping for ransom cases, the IG said that 173 cases were reported in 2013 and only 12 cases were registered in 2018. A this the chief minister said that he had provided maximum facilities to the police and have equipped them with latest weapon and trainings, therefore crime rate has come down. “Now I want to change the Thana culture for which I has to take necessary measures to make the police public friendly,” he said.

The chief minister was told that the 12187 cases mobile snatching were reported in 2013 and it has increased to 14051 in 2018. Cited the reason of increasing cases, the IG said that in the past law and order was worst and people were reluctant to register mobile snatching cases. Now, the law and order situation is better and people have started filing their complaints. The chief minister said that whatever reason was there the crime must be controlled.

Dr Kaleem Imam talking about two wheeler and four wheeler vehicles snatching said that in 5118 two wheelers were snatched in 2013 and it came down to 1892 in 2018. Similarly, 980 four wheelers were snatched in 2013 and 165 in 2018. The chief minister directed IG police to provide bullet proof jackets to all the policemen who have been deployed at important places such as consulates, CM House, Governor House, IG office and exposed to easy attack. “They must wear bullet proof jackets,” he said.

Mr Shah also directed Home Secretary Kazi Kabir to recommend him compensation for two civilians (from Balochistan) killed in the attack on Chinese Consulate. He also asked about the treatment of the security guard. The chief minister was told that the injured guard was being taken care of properly.

For more information, contact:
Press Secretary,
Chief Minister House, Sindh
Tel: +92-21-99202019(Ext: 336)
Website: www.cmsindh.gov.pk

Karachi, December 03, 2018 (PPI-OT): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed health and education departments to complete their hospitals and school schemes within stipulated time, otherwise strict action would be taken against the concerned project directors.

This he said while presiding over a meeting to review progress of 73 development schemes which have been delayed for different reasons. The meeting was attended by Minister Health Dr Azra Pechuho, Minister for Education Syed Sardar Shah, Chairman P and D Mohammad Waseem, Principal Secretary to CM Sajid Jamal Abro, ACS Health Dr Usman Chachar, Secretary Education Qazi Shahid Parvez, Secretary Works and others.

In the meeting progress of District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital Dadu, 15 comprehensive schools, 16 English medium schools and 41 emergency cum Trauma centers. Chairman P and D Mohammad Waseem told the chief minister that seven THQ/DHQ hospitals have been accommodated in ADP 2018-19 with an allocation of Rs18.2 billion against which Rs9.6 billion have been utilized so far and in the current financial year Rs1.6 billion have been made while Rs700 million have been released by the finance department. These THQs/DHs are as follows:

Expansion of DHQ hospital Mithi for Rs1.6 billion, upgradation of THQ hospital to the level of DHQ in three districts, TM Khan, Badin and Tando Allahyar for Rs1.7 billion, expansion of three DHQs, Khairpur, Badin and Shikarpur for Rs3440.5 million, expansion of six DHQs of Thatta, Dadu, Naushahroferoz, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar and Mirpur Mathelo at Ghotki for Rs4.8 billion. Upgradation of three THQs to DHQs of Matiari, Kambar st Shahdadkot and Umerkot for Rs2.4 billion. Upgradation of THQs to DHQ at Kashmore for Rs763.2 million, upgradation and reconstruction of 41 Emergency Cum Trauma Centers for Rs3.34 billion in different districts.

The Secretary Health told the chief minister that eight DHQs TM Khan, Tando Allahyar, Kotri, Shikarpur, Sanghar, Mirpur Mathelo and Naushahroferoz would made functional by December 30, 2018. He said that five DHQs, Mirpurkhas, Dadu, Matiari, Umerkot and Kamber would be made functional by June 30, 2019.

The chief minister was told that out of 41 Trauma Centres Sujawal, Mirpur Bathoro, Golarchi, Matli, Digri, Kot Ghulam Mohammad, Tando jam, Sakrand, Bhit Shah, Hala, Kandiaro, Moro, Mehrabpur, Ratodero, Shahdadkot, Garhi Khero, Lakhi Ghulam Shah, Ghotki, Daharki, Ubauro, Pano Aqil, Warrah, Qazi Ahmed, Tando Bago, Kashmore, Johi, KN Shah, Tando Adam, Sinjhoro, Rohri and others 11 would be made functional by September 2019.

The chief minister directed the Chairman P and D Mohammad Waseem to take Secretary Works with him and visit work of each and every unit and report him in terms of their progress and quality and report him within 15 days.

English Medium School (EMS): Secretary Education Qazi Shahid Parvez told the chief minister that 16 EMS were being constructed in different 16 districts for Rs4.7 billion. Out of 16 schools 15 are ready to start while the school of Hyderabad was yet to be completed. In package -A three schools were constructed at Nawabshah, Sukkur and Larkana. There were some quality issues at Larkana for which concerned engineer was warned and then the issued were rectified.

In Paclage-B four schools at Thatta, Badin, Kotri and Sujawal are being constructed and their work was found to be satisfactory, the Chairman P and D said. In package C four schools, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushahroferoz and Sanghar are being built, of them two have been visited by monitoring committee and the reaming two, Sanghar and Naushahroferoz are yet to be inspected. The chief minister issued directives for the inspection of the buildings and sought report within 15 days.

In Package -D five schools, Hyderabad, T.M Khan, Mirpurkhas, Tando Allahyar and Hala are being built and they are yet to be visited for inspection. Comprehensive School: Secretary School Education Qazi Shahid Parvez said that construction of 15 schools for Rs5.7 billion was in progress. These schools are being constructed at Thatta, Bathoro, Golarchi, Hyderabad, Matiari, Kotri, Umerkot, Tando Allahyar, Mirpurkhas, Ubauro, Shahdadkot, Khairpur, Dadu, Sanghar and Nawabshah. He said that out of 15 schools six are ready while work on others was in progress. Those which have been completed are Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Jamshoro, Mirpur Khas and Umerkot.

The chief minister directed chairman P and D to visit the schools and report him about their quality and pace of work. “I cannot compromise on the quality of work and shortly I’ll personally visit health and educational facilities in different districts,” he said and added that therefore everything must be upto the mark.

For more information, contact:
Press Secretary,
Chief Minister House, Sindh
Tel: +92-21-99202019(Ext: 336)
Website: www.cmsindh.gov.pk

Karachi, November 29, 2018 (PPI-OT): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the IDEAS not only provided the chance to witness the emerging technological developments, especially in the field of defence but it was also considered to be a golden opportunity for mutual trade and cooperation building. This he said on Thursday while addressing the programme, IDEAR Karachi show organized at Nishan-e-Pakistan, Sea View. He said congratulated all the participants of the event who have performed with utmost dedication. “Today our belief has been reaffirmed that our Armed forces are ready to face and thwart any threat posted to our Nation,” he said.

He congratulated all the stakeholders, including Pakistan Navy for the successful conduct of IDEAS-2018. “Visiting participants in the exhibition from our friendly countries and their presence in the arena is a matter of profound privilege and great honour for all of us,” he said and added the successful conduct of IDEAS-2018 was a message to the entire world that Pakistan was a peace loving democratic country.

Mr Shah said that Defence exhibition, IDEA’s was a platform for the display of Defence weapons and machinery. He added that the IDEAS not only provided the chance to witness the emerging technological developments, especially in the field of defence but it was also considered as a golden opportunity for mutual trade and cooperation building.

He said that our 70 years relations with China were touching new heights today, progress on CPEC was on the rapid pace which would definitely enhance the trade activities in the region and especially in Pakistan. He added that the importance of Gwadar port and enhanced responsibilities of Pakistan Navy was invariable reality. “I have a firm belief, that Pakistan Armed forces will fulfill their responsibilities with utmost dedication,” he said.

He said that for more than a decade and half Pakistan has fought a long lasting war on terror and to curb the menace of terror, Pakistan has conducted a number of operations. “Our country’s peace and prosperity was tried to be hijacked by the terrorists and their masters, however, our defence forces with entire nation standing at their back’s were able to fight bravely and they have restored the peace in the country,” he said and added “I have a strong believe that to make this peace ever existing every citizen of this country and every organization has to play their role with the core of their hearts”.

Murad Shah said the government and the Defence Forces were working hand in hand to defend the ideological and physical boundaries of our mother land. “I also want to tell you that Pakistan is a country full of natural resources and equipped with skilled and motivated youth working for the cause of the country,” he said.

The chief minister concluded his speech quoting Quaid-e-Azam address he had delivered in April 1948; while visiting Punjab Machine Gun Regiment Peshawar, said “I have utter belief that when you will be called upon to defend your country and Nation, you will act in line with heroic acts of your forefathers. I have strong believe that you will every fly high this green flag and I have the faith that you will be able to maintain the honour and pride of this country and Nation.”

For more information, contact:
Press Secretary,
Chief Minister House, Sindh
Tel: +92-21-99202019(Ext: 336)
Website: www.cmsindh.gov.pk

Karachi, November 27, 2018 (PPI-OT): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that IDEAS 2018 was meant to pave the way for fostering and promoting Pakistan’s strategic relations with international partners. This he said on Tuesday while delivering welcome speech at a reception he hosted for the participants of 10th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar, IDEAS 2018, here at the Mohatta Palace and with you very pleasant and rewarding stay in Pakistan.

He said that it was a matter of great honour and pride for Government of Sindh to be the continuous host of IDEAS since its beginning in year 2000 at Karachi. “Indeed, it reflects everlasting patronage and affection of people of Karachi with this mega national event of Pakistan,” he said.

Mr Shah said Karachi, the host city of IDEAS is always alive to thriving business activities at home and abroad. “With vibrant population of more than 79 million, improved law and order situation, as well as governance and security, Karachi has now become a perfect destination for profitable businesses and trade,” he said added in this regard, Sindh government was committed to provide all out support and facilitation for profitable investments, joint ventures and trade.

He said that this gathering of large number of guests from across the world at this elegant Mohatta Palace indeed reflected our deeply embedded and mutually beneficial relations with the international fraternity. He added that the most fascinating and mesmeric edifice of 1927, Mohatta Palace was the symbol of warm affection and hospitality of Sindhi culture. “I am sure today’s evening will stay long in your memories whenever you will recount your visit and stay in Pakistan for IDEAS 2018,” he said.

The chief minister said “Pakistan’s defence industry today comprises a wide range of technologies, well trained human resource and infrastructure”. He added in this regard, our defence sector industry was another area of wide cooperation and opportunities for both local and foreign investment.

He also said in addition, we believe that Public-Private Partnership was another area of cooperation which could lay a strong foundation for growth of the defence industry as well socio-economic development of the country. In this regard, our government would continue to provide safe and secure environment for enhanced business activities. He also said our industrial complex and commercial centers offered wide areas of joint ventures and cooperation. “We believe alone we may go fast but together we will go far,” he said.

Mr Shah said that hosting this edition of innovation and excellence was indeed testimony to our pledge for encouraging technological growth and commercial exchange. “I must say that IDEAS 2018 is meant to pave the way for fostering and promoting Pakistan’s strategic relations with international partners,” he said and added on the other hand, it would also further accelerate the commercial exchange between delegates, trade visitors, defence officials and OEMs from within Pakistan and abroad. “I am confident that this event will be of great value to all the participants,” he concluded.

For more information, contact:
Press Secretary,
Chief Minister House, Sindh
Tel: +92-21-99202019(Ext: 336)
Website: www.cmsindh.gov.pk

Karachi, November 20, 2018 (PPI-OT): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has urged Mayor Karachi Waseem Akhtar to involve heritage experts in the restoration of historical Empress Market so that its original beauty could be extracted. This he said while talking to him on telephone.

The chief minister said that after removal of encroachment from the surroundings of Empress Market, it [Empress Market] has emerged into its original shape. “Now, its restoration is a most important and sensitive task which must be made in consultation and guidance of the heritage experts,” he said and added the sandblasting without proper guidance of the experts would make the British era market dull.

Mr Shah said that after restoration of law and order in the city the removal of encroachments was another challenging job which has been done properly and is still in progress. “The areas which have been cleared [from encroachment] must be made neat and clean,” he said and added that he had a plan to restore all the old buildings through a World Bank-sponsored project and the provincial government would also utilize its resources, he assured the mayor.

The chief minister said that Karachi belongs to each and every one of us and we have to make its neat and clean and one of the best livable cities of the world. “All the heritage buildings located in the old areas of the city would be restored in their original shape,” he said and the scheme to restore the old city from Pakistan chowk to Saddar would be accelerated and on the same pattern other areas of the city would also be restored. The mayor said that he was involving leading experts in the restoration work of the market.

For more information, contact:
Press Secretary,
Chief Minister House, Sindh
Tel: +92-21-99202019(Ext: 336)
Website: www.cmsindh.gov.pk