Budget debate focuses on govt's performance
The Sindh Assembly continued its debate on the provincial budget for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday. The session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed, focused on the government's ongoing efforts to improve public services, uplift living standards, and address core issues across the province.
Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho shared her department's performance in detail. She highlighted that 19 chest pain units are currently operating in Karachi. She also announced plans to procure CT scan and MRI machines and improve ICU facilities in public hospitals.
The minister dismissed rumors that Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) has been handed over to any NGO. MQM-Pakistan MPA Iftikhar Alam criticised the Sindh government, claiming discriminatory treatment towards Karachi. He questioned the necessity of the billion-rupee Karimabad underpass. He demanded a district-level revenue distribution formula similar to the NFC Award. Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah criticised the federal government's economic survey, alleging that outdated data was used to misrepresent Sindh's performance.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar outlined various initiatives taken to improve law and order in the province. He mentioned a noticeable decline in several categories of crime compared to previous years.
According to the minister, 7,441 mobile phones were snatched in the past year, but the frequency of such incidents has dropped.
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Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Budget debate focuses on govt's performance
The Sindh Assembly continued its debate on the provincial budget for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday. The session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed, focused on the government's ongoing efforts to improve public services, uplift living standards, and address core issues across the province. Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho shared her department's performance in detail. She highlighted that 19 chest pain units are currently operating in Karachi. She also announced plans to procure CT scan and MRI machines and improve ICU facilities in public hospitals. The minister dismissed rumors that Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) has been handed over to any NGO. MQM-Pakistan MPA Iftikhar Alam criticised the Sindh government, claiming discriminatory treatment towards Karachi. He questioned the necessity of the billion-rupee Karimabad underpass. He demanded a district-level revenue distribution formula similar to the NFC Award. Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah criticised the federal government's economic survey, alleging that outdated data was used to misrepresent Sindh's performance. Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar outlined various initiatives taken to improve law and order in the province. He mentioned a noticeable decline in several categories of crime compared to previous years. According to the minister, 7,441 mobile phones were snatched in the past year, but the frequency of such incidents has dropped.
Business Recorder
10 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Opposition walkouts amid passage of resolution commemorating BB's birthday
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Saturday witnessed a dramatic turn during its budget session as the House passed a resolution commemorating the 72nd birth anniversary of late Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto — the first woman Prime Minister of the Islamic world — amid loud opposition protests and a walkout. The resolution, presented by veteran parliamentarian and PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, was moved out of turn with special permission from the Deputy Speaker, Anthony Naveed. This procedural bypass infuriated opposition lawmakers, who erupted in protest, raised slogans, and eventually staged a walkout from the Assembly floor. In response to the uproar, Nisar Khuhro addressed the opposition members directly, saying, 'Even you should feel proud of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. By protesting during this resolution, you are only tarnishing your image in the eyes of the people of Sindh. This resolution has been prepared in consultation with Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.' Despite the opposition's absence, the resolution paying tribute to Benazir Bhutto on her birthday was adopted by the House. Later, speaking to the media outside the Assembly, Leader of the Opposition Ali Khursheedi condemned the government's move, calling it a violation of Assembly norms and the Constitution. 'We were told on budget day that no resolutions could be tabled during the budget session. When we tried to bring a resolution in support of Iran, we were denied. But today, the same rules were bent for a political tribute. This selective application of the Constitution is unacceptable,' he said. Khursheedi further remarked, 'Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is indeed a respected figure for all, but no one — regardless of stature — should be paid homage at the cost of violating the House's procedures during a budget session.' Taking a pointed jab, he added, 'I'm merely reminding history — Nisar Khuhro once distributed sweets upon the martyrdom of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.' In a symbolic show of reverence, the Assembly later hosted a ceremonial celebration for the slain PPP leader's birthday. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
10 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Sindh PA budget debate: Treasury dismisses opposition's claims as ‘unfounded'
KARACHI: Treasury ministers in the Sindh Assembly firmly dismissed opposition claims about the 2025–26 fiscal budget as unfounded, using Saturday's session to outline key achievements and unveil future plans for their respective departments. With Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed chairing the budget session that has entered fifth consecutive day, a number of provincial cabinet members and lawmakers actively defended the government's fiscal priorities and highlighted achievements across key sectors including health, irrigation, education, policing and urban development. In her address, Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho highlighted the provincial government's firm commitment to improving public healthcare infrastructure. She revealed that Karachi now boasts 19 fully operational Chest Pain Units, significantly enhancing the city's emergency response capacity. The upcoming fiscal year's budget earmarks Rs1.12 billion for the procurement of advanced CT scan and MRI machines, a move aimed at strengthening diagnostic services across Sindh. The minister also announced a strategic partnership with Aga Khan University Hospital to upgrade Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facilities in government-run hospitals. Thanks to sustained efforts, the province has seen a noticeable drop in maternal mortality rates during childbirth, while immunization coverage has reached an impressive 90 percent. Updating the House on development work, she said 21 healthcare schemes are currently being executed in Karachi alone. Addressing circulating rumors, Dr. Pechuho categorically denied that the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) was being handed over to any NGO, calling such reports 'completely baseless.' Barbs fly during Sindh assembly budget session Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro criticized opposition lawmakers for not reading the budget documents prior to protesting. 'Had they done so, much of the opposition noise could've been avoided,' he said. Shoro highlighted that Sindh won its case on canal water rights in the Council of Common Interests (CCI) under Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah's leadership. Recalling urban transformation efforts, Shoro stated: 'When we took over Karachi, it was drowning in garbage. Today, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Gizri, Tariq Road, and the Drigh Road underpass are proof of progress under Murad Ali Shah.' He also cited Hyderabad's new landfill site and Autobahn Road as PPP-led successes. 'Sindh has built 200 dams,' he claimed. 'Yet, despite Pakistan's looming water and climate crisis, the federal government refuses to release funds for the Gaj Dam.' On Sukkur Barrage, Shoro mentioned that 16 gates have been replaced so far — an engineering feat once thought impossible without draining the river. Opposition MPA Iftikhar Alam from MQM criticized the provincial government for neglecting Karachi, likening its treatment to that of a 'stepchild.' He slammed the construction of the Karimabad underpass, calling it unnecessary and built without proper consultation. He also proposed that districts should receive funds through a formula akin to the NFC Award granted by the federal government. Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah while extending birthday wishes to late Benazir Bhutto, acknowledged post-flood challenges, admitting that 20,000 schools remain closed while only 5,000 have reopened. However, he rejected claims that 7.8 million children were out of school, stating the number is actually 6.2 million, with 5.5 million currently enrolled in government institutions. An additional 11.5 million students are enrolled in private schools and Madressahs. Sardar detailed plans to set up IT labs in 136 schools, build two new colleges in Karachi, and upgrade all 155 existing public colleges. 'From the next fiscal year, funds for 34,000 schools will go directly to headmasters,' he announced. He also criticized the federal government's Economic Survey, accusing it of misrepresenting Sindh by reusing outdated data. 'Appreciate Punjab if you must, but don't distort Sindh's progress,' he said. Interior and Law Minister Zia ul Hasan Lanjar provided a granular look at law and order trends. He noted a reduction in street crimes: 7,441 mobile phones were snatched this year, down from previous highs. Car thefts declined from 586 last year to 558 this year, and murder rates have halved—from 2.6 daily deaths to one. Anti-crime efforts included engaging scrap dealers to curb thefts and launching operations against narcotics. Over 8,000 drug peddlers were arrested in Karachi alone. 'We are forming a provincial narcotics force and will set up 10 special drug courts in Karachi,' Lanjar said. On the Safe City project, he reported that 1,300 cameras have been installed, with plans to expand the initiative to Larkana, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas. The current police strength stands at 171,000, with all new recruitments conducted on merit. Provincial Minister for Energy and Planning Syed Nasir Hussain Shah commended the Chief Minister's 'people-friendly' budget. 'This year, we've completed 760 schemes — a national record,' he claimed. He dismissed the opposition's claim that Karachi lacks mega projects, pointing to numerous entries in the budget book. 'Even areas where PPP doesn't have a single councilor are receiving development projects,' he said. Shah highlighted the K-IV water project and a solar power distribution program under which 200,000 solar home systems have been received. 'We'll cover installation and transport costs too,' he added. Sindh Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla revealed a dramatic rise in tax collection, from Rs7.29 billion in 2008 to over Rs200 billion today. This year's budget eliminates three major taxes: professional tax, entertainment tax and cotton tax. New traffic regulations are also on the horizon. By August 14, all outdated number plates must be replaced, and old tax books will be retired. Vehicle data will now be integrated with traffic police systems to ensure compliance. Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani said 1,138 schemes were initiated last year, of which 424 have been completed. Of the total Rs131 billion in local government schemes, Rs104 billion are dedicated to Karachi. 'There are 52 mega projects currently underway with a cost of Rs72 billion. Just in Korangi, Shahrah-e-Bhutto is a Rs54 billion project,' he informed the House, adding that both the Korangi Interchange and Shahrah-e-Bhutto will be completed this December. Refuting opposition accusations of bias, Saeed Ghani said: 'The budget documents don't support the claim that we've only funded areas that elected PPP candidates.' Following the intensive debate, the assembly session was adjourned until Monday at 9:30 am. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
