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Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt says will launch new mega projects in upcoming budget
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah convened cabinet meeting with ministers, advisors, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and relevant secretaries to deliberate on the province's budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26, a statement from the CM House said on Saturday. The meeting underscored the government's commitment to inclusive development, poverty alleviation, and sustainable progress in line with the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, it added. Opening the session, Murad Shah said, 'I want to engage all cabinet members thoroughly in shaping the next budget to ensure it addresses the real needs of our people.' Cash withdrawals from banks: FBR proposes raise in WHT for non-filers The CM outlined the core focus areas of the new budget, emphasising water supply and drainage, solar energy expansion, education, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial growth. 'This year ((2024-25), we have not introduced any new schemes under the priority to complete ongoing projects,' he said. For the upcoming budget, he added, Bilawal Bhutto has issued instructions for launching new initiatives that 'bring tangible benefits to the people'. As per the CM House, the important highlights from the meeting included continued rehabilitation efforts for flood-affected communities, repair of schools and hospitals, and launching new mega projects through Public-Private Partnerships to boost infrastructure and services, strengthening social protection programmes aimed at eradicating poverty and increasing budget allocations for repair and maintenance, as well as upgrading hospital equipment and completion of transport projects in Karachi to improve urban mobility. Proposals given by the cabinet members included reducing non-development expenditures and empowering local governments to become financially self-reliant, introducing digital cash transfers with incentives to enhance social welfare delivery, expanding solid waste management and solar energy systems across the province, and constructing new bus stands in multiple districts to improve public transportation. Industrial raw materials: Proposals for duty cuts to be submitted to PM The CM also highlighted the importance of federal-provincial coordination, stating, 'We will finalise the budget based on the federal government's funding commitments (provincial share) and our provincial revenue targets to ensure fiscal responsibility and effectiveness.' 'After Eid, we will hold further meetings to finalise and approve the budget proposals. Our goal is to present a budget that is transparent, development-oriented, and focused on improving the lives of every Sindh resident,' he said.
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
In a first, Centre gives projects to Sindh
In a first incidence, the federal government has assigned the Sindh government to set up urology and kidney hospitals in the Rawalpindi and Rahim Yar Khan. While addressing a cabinet meeting at the CM House, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah revealed that the federal government has approved Rs9 billion for the establishment of Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplant (SIUT) in Rahim Yar Khan and Rawalpindi, the reconstruction of flood-affected houses in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and the establishment of SZABIST and IBA institutes. Prevention of Road Accidents The cabinet also approved amendments to vehicle regulation laws, aimed at enhancing road safety and compliance. Heavy vehicles will now incur a registration fee of 0.50% based on their invoice value, alongside an annual tax of Rs1,000, and a transfer fee of Rs2,000, covering the new smart card and number plate. Further, all commercial vehicles operating in Sindh must obtain fitness certification, with non-compliance fines of Rs10,000, while substandard rickshaws and loaders face a complete ban. There are also restrictions on permits for older vehicles, alongside banning those over 20 years old on interprovincial routes, and those over 25 years on intercity routes. CM welcomes promotion of Gen Asim Munir to Field Marshal CM Murad has warmly welcomed the promotion of Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, extending his heartfelt congratulations on this prestigious honor. In a statement, CM Murad Shah praised Army Chief Asim Munir's undefeated strategic acumen, which, according to him, forced India to surrender within hours. He emphasized that honoring those who instill fear in the hearts of enemies is a tradition of vibrant and resilient nations. Shah described the decisive victory in the battle of truth as a testament to General Asim Munir's unparalleled leadership.
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
CM hosts forum to discuss transition of CPPs to DISCOs
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday hosted a high-level forum to bring together federal ministers and industrialists' leadership to discuss issues surrounding the mandatory shift from Captive Power Plants to power distribution companies (DISCOs), as per a recent cabinet decision. The meeting decided that all proposals and reservations expressed by the industrialists would be submitted to the Prime Minister for his final decision, according to a statement from CM House. It was also decided that the Prime Minister would be requested to constitute a committee to determine the transitional period regarding the imposition of levies. The Chief Minister categorically stated that the gas withdrawn from Captive Power Plants after the transfer of industrial units to the national grid must remain within the province. The meeting served as a platform for brainstorming between industrialists and federal government representatives to establish a timeline for the transition from Captive Power Plants to DISCOS. The meeting, held at CM House, was attended by the CM Murad Ali Shah, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Power Minister Awais Leghari, PM's Special Assistant Rana Sanaullah, MNAs Syed Naveed Qamar, Asad Alam, Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, federal and provincial secretaries concerned, MD SSGC, CEO Moonis Alvi, and leading industrialists of the city, including Zubair Motiwala, Shabir Diwan, Jawed Balwani, and others. The meeting focused on in-depth discussions regarding the proposed increase in captive power tariff. "There are approximately 660 Captive Power Plants in Sindh," the CM said. "Industrialists have raised concerns over the proposed tariff hike. We have dedicated this Sunday to listening to them," he added. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the federal government for agreeing to hear the concerns of industrialists firsthand. He urged federal ministers to gather input directly from industry stakeholders before making any decisions. Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, while briefing the participants, said, "we are here today at the invitation of the Sindh government to listen to the concerns of industrialists. The country's economy is growing, and this progress includes the efforts of all stakeholders. The prime minister has directed us to introduce policies that ensure industrial growth." Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik highlighted that President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have also emphasised the importance of resolving industrial issues in Sindh. He acknowledged CM Shah's efforts and commitment during a previous Zoom meeting with industrialists. Power Minister Awais Leghari informed the meeting that a 30 per cent reduction in industrial tariff has already been implemented. He added that distribution companies (DISCOs) are improving their operations and a feasibility plan for 7,000 MW of power generation is ready.
Express Tribune
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India failing to find face-saving exit over Pahalgam: CM
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasised that Pakistan is a peaceful nuclear power and will continue to uphold its commitment to regional and global peace. According to a communique from the CM House, Shah paid tribute to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, stating that he made Pakistan a nuclear-capable nation. Meanwhile, he criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leveling baseless and false allegations against Pakistan regarding the Pahalgam incident, asserting that no responsible nation should even contemplate nuclear warfare, calling such rhetoric dangerous and irresponsible. He remarked "after the Pahalgam drama, Pakistan extended an offer for transparent investigation, and now India has fallen into its own trap." Further, he stated that "India is out of options and is failing to find a face-saving exit. Its propaganda has collapsed." The CM also praised Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, noting that the deputy prime minister had effectively presented Pakistan's stance to the international community. Shah also commended Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his clear and firm response to India, stating that "India has resorted to such tactics in the past, but this time its attempts have failed."
Express Tribune
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Differently-abled to be made part of democratic process'
Differently-abled people entering the CM House to meet Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on International Day of People With Disabilities. PHOTO: ONLINE District Election Commissioner Sanghar Muhammad Sarwar has said that steps are being taken to include the differently-abled in the democratic process by registering their names in the voters' lists and providing them easy access to the polling stations. He expressed these views while addressing a meeting of the Voters Education Committee at ASHA Hands Independence Living Centre. Various government officials, social workers and a large number of differently-abled people were present on the occasion. The Election Officer, Muhammad Umair, speaking on the occasion, said that the Sindh Local Government Act has earmarked special seats for the disabled people in the municipal elections. Ghulam Nabi Nizamani, Project Manager Hands Independence Living Centre, Mumtaz Mangi, Hadi Bakhsh Marri and Saima Sattar also spoke and informed about the problems faced by the differently-abled people. They informed that differently-abled people are unaware about the voting procedures, facilities and their rights. The committee officials said that every possible facility will be provided to the differently-abled to vote with dignity and ease. The speakers further said that the aim of the meeting is to include differently-abled persons in the democratic process and promote their political participation.
