Latest news with #AsifHyderShah
Business Recorder
19 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
CS asks food dept to conduct survey of wheat stocks
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah has directed the Food Department to immediately conduct a comprehensive and transparent survey of wheat stocks, crop coverage, and consumption across the province. Presiding over a meeting on Sindh's wheat policy, he emphasised the importance of having accurate and up-to-date data to ensure better planning and management of food supplies. To enhance crop monitoring and reporting, the Chief Secretary also instructed the Agriculture Department to acquire satellite imagery services. This move aims to enable scientific and timely crop assessments, thereby improving agricultural planning and food security. Regarding the upcoming wheat cultivation season, Chief Secretary stressed the need to expedite the government's initiative to provide certified wheat seeds, fertilizers (especially urea), and modern agricultural machinery to farmers. He stated that the Government of Sindh will provide certified seeds, urea, and agricultural machinery to farmers on a priority basis. He added that the Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah had also announced in his budget speech that certified seeds, fertilizers, and machinery will be immediately provided to farmers to ensure better yield in the next wheat season. He also emphasized that the Agriculture Department must formulate a pricing mechanism that encourages farmers to grow wheat by ensuring profitability and market stability. 'The goal of the government's agricultural policy is to enhance wheat production and ensure food security for the people of Sindh.' The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to Chief Minister for Food Abdul Jabbar Khan, Secretary Agriculture Muhammad Zaman Narejo, Secretary Food, and senior officials from the Food and Agriculture departments. During the briefing, Special Assistant to Chief Minister for Food Abdul Jabbar Khan informed that the Sindh Food Department currently holds 1.392 million metric tons (MMT) of wheat, while private stakeholders—including around 250 flour mill owners, 3,150 chakkis, and private traders—possess approximately 2.200 MMT of additional wheat stocks. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Commissioners, DCs directed to ensure ex-mill price of sugar
KARACHI: Chief Secretary Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah has issued strict instructions to all Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to ensure that the ex-mill price of sugar remains capped at Rs 165 per kilogram. Chairing a meeting to review key issues related to sugar and wheat prices, distribution of Sanads to flood-affected families under the Sindh People's Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) program, and monsoon preparedness, he further directed that retail prices must not exceed an additional Rs. 8 above the ex-mill price, meaning the maximum retail price should be Rs. 173 per kilogram. He emphasized that any violation of this pricing structure must be dealt with strictly. If retailers are found charging beyond the fixed price, immediate action must be taken against them. Moreover, if any sugar mill is found selling sugar above the notified ex-mill rate, its data will be compiled and shared with the Prime Minister's Office for further action. The meeting also received a detailed briefing on the current ex-mill and retail prices of sugar across various districts of the province. The meeting was attended in person by the Secretary Agriculture, Secretary Food, Secretary Implementation & Coordination (I&C), and Secretary Land Utilization. All Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners across Sindh participated in the meeting via video link. Regarding wheat stock management, the Chief Secretary instructed all Commissioners to conduct a thorough survey of wheat godowns managed by the Sindh Food Department. The survey must focus on the quality and condition of stored wheat. The Commissioners have been directed to submit their inspection reports within three days. Distribution of Sanads to Flood Affectees The Chief Secretary also reviewed the status of Sanads (ownership documents) prepared for distribution among the flood-affected populations under the Sindh People's Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) initiative. He directed all Deputy Commissioners to submit updated records of prepared Sanads without delay. Additionally, the CEO of SPHF was instructed to reconcile Sanad data with the respective DCs to ensure transparency and accuracy in the distribution process. Monsoon Preparedness Highlighting the upcoming monsoon season, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah instructed all Deputy Commissioners to remain fully prepared for any eventualities. He assured that funds will be released to each district administration to support necessary preparations and emergency response mechanisms ahead of the monsoon rains. The Chief Secretary concluded the meeting by emphasizing coordinated efforts, timely action, and transparent governance at all administrative levels to ensure public welfare and effective service delivery across Sindh. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Rs10bn for new water pipeline in DHA
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired a high-level provincial cabinet meeting at the CM House on Monday, where a series of transformative development projects aimed at tackling Karachi's water crisis, strengthening the agriculture sector, promoting industrial growth, and enhancing regional connectivity were approved. The cabinet deliberated on a 52-point agenda and approved most items with implementation strategies. The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and senior officials from concerned departments. Rs10.56b interest-free loan for water supply to DHA To address the acute water shortage in Karachi-particularly in DHA, which currently receives only 4-5 MGD-the cabinet approved an interest-free loan of Rs10.56 billion for the Water and Sewerage Corporation. The scheme includes laying a 36km dedicated pipeline from Dumlottee to DHA, alongside construction of a pumping station, forebay, and filtration plant. Originally approved by the WSC board in February 2025, CM Murad directed its completion within 11 months to meet the growing city population's sustainable water needs. Major overhaul of agricultural income tax rules The cabinet approved the Sindh Agricultural Income Tax Rules 2025, introducing structured registration, e-filing, and record-keeping protocols. Landowners will be required to register with the Sindh Revenue Board via Form AIT-01 and file returns using AIT-03 along with payment proof. Records must be maintained in Urdu, Sindhi, or English. Provisions allow for carrying forward losses due to natural disasters. A sub-committee comprising ministers for agriculture, law, and works has been tasked with finalizing the draft. E-Stamp Rule Amendments In a step toward digital governance, the cabinet approved amendments to the Sindh E-Stamp Rules 2020, eliminating the need for physical stamp paper in areas with electronic registration systems. The digital system is already operational in 51 registrar offices, expediting property transactions through electronic stamp verification and integrated e-registration. Flood Relief Emergency flood aid allocation was raised from Rs21.56bn to Rs27.67bn, benefiting 151,147 verified farmers affected by the 2022 floods. While disbursements have been made in three phases, Rs6.1bn is earmarked for remaining cases. An additional Rs2.37bn in savings will be utilized under the Benazir Hari Card to support agriculture. Benazir Hari Card The cabinet allowed the Agriculture Department to sign an MoU with Sindh Bank for the rollout of the Benazir Hari Card, which offers farmers: subsidies on agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizer, pesticides); soft-term agricultural loans; financial assistance in natural disasters; priority access to solar tube wells and crop insurance. As of now, 237,125 farmers have registered, with 88,871 verified and cleared for next steps. A Vision for Sustainable Progress Reaffirming his government's commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, CM Murad said the newly approved projects form the foundation for long-term socio-economic stability. He directed all departments to ensure transparency, inter-departmental coordination, and timely execution. "These wide-ranging decisions reflect the Sindh government's strategic approach of linking infrastructure development with social equity and economic opportunity," he said.
Business Recorder
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt announces four holidays on Eid-ul-Adha
The Sindh government on Thursday declared a four-day public holiday on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, starting from Friday, June 6 to Monday, June 9, 2025. According to a notification issued by the Services, General Administration and Coordination Department, the holidays will apply to all government offices, autonomous bodies, semi-autonomous bodies, corporations, and local councils operating under the administrative control of the provincial government. 'The Government of Sindh declares 06th to 09th June, 2025 (Friday to Monday) as Public Holidays on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha 2025 throughout the Province of Sindh,' read the notification signed by Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah. However, the order clarified that essential services will remain operational during this period. The notification has been circulated to all relevant government departments, including law enforcement, revenue, planning, and local government institutions, to ensure compliance. Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic festivals, marked by communal prayers, the ritual sacrifice of animals, and the distribution of meat among family, friends, and the underprivileged. The federal government has already announced a four-day public holiday on Eid from June 6 to 9. It should be noted that the first day of Zil Hajj will fall on Thursday, May 29, 2025, while Eid-ul-Adha will be observed on Saturday, June 7.
Business Recorder
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt announces Eid-ul-Adha holidays from June 6 to 9
The Sindh government on Thursday declared a four-day public holiday on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, starting from Friday, June 6 to Monday, June 9, 2025. According to a notification issued by the Services, General Administration and Coordination Department, the holidays will apply to all government offices, autonomous bodies, semi-autonomous bodies, corporations, and local councils operating under the administrative control of the provincial government. 'The Government of Sindh declares 06th to 09th June, 2025 (Friday to Monday) as Public Holidays on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha 2025 throughout the Province of Sindh,' read the notification signed by Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah. However, the order clarified that essential services will remain operational during this period. The notification has been circulated to all relevant government departments, including law enforcement, revenue, planning, and local government institutions, to ensure compliance. Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic festivals, marked by communal prayers, the ritual sacrifice of animals, and the distribution of meat among family, friends, and the underprivileged. The federal government has already announced a four-day public holiday on Eid from June 6 to 9. It should be noted that the first day of Zil Hajj will fall on Thursday, May 29, 2025, while Eid-ul-Adha will be observed on Saturday, June 7.
