Latest news with #SharjeelMemon


Express Tribune
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Freedom of expression soul of democracy, says Sharjeel
Sindh Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon on Friday said that freedom of expression and an independent press are the pillars of democracy, and the PPP has always championed these values. In his message on World Press Freedom Day, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon stated that Sindh was the first province in Pakistan to formally pass legislation for the protection of journalists. He also highlighted the establishment of the Sindh Information Commission and Journalist Welfare Fund. Paying tribute to journalists who laid down their lives in the line of duty for truth and justice, Memon reaffirmed the Sindh govt's commitment-under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari-to defending press freedom and journalists' rights.


Express Tribune
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sharjeel urges Nawaz, Shehbaz to rein in PML-N ministers over canal row
Listen to article Sindh's senior minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Tuesday called on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to restrain their ministers from issuing 'provocative statements,' warning that escalating tensions over disputed canal projects could destabilise interprovincial relations. Speaking at a joint press conference in Karachi alongside senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders Nasir Hussain Shah and Aijaz Damrah, Sharjeel Memon expressed concern over what he described as irresponsible remarks by some PML-N ministers. 'If this approach continues, we may not be able to stop our own spokespersons from responding in kind,' the minister cautioned. He reiterated PPP's firm and longstanding opposition to the construction of controversial canal projects, arguing they undermine Sindh's water rights. Sharjeel Memon said the party holds documented evidence of Sindh's consistent opposition since the project's approval by federal water regulators during the caretaker government. 'We have official records proving that the Sindh chief minister objected at every stage,' he asserted. According to Sharjeel, Sindh's representatives voiced dissent when the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) issued no-objection certificates during the caretaker setup, allowing the controversial projects to move ahead. 'Even back then, we made our position clear,' he said. He revealed that Federal Minister Rana Sanaullah had contacted him twice in recent days, and that Shehbaz Sharif had expressed interest in finding a resolution. 'The prime minister is the leader of the whole country, not just one province. He should address these valid concerns and remove the reservations of the people,' the minister added. While defending the right to peaceful protest, the minister urged demonstrators to avoid blocking roads and disrupting economic activities. 'Livestock trucks and export consignments are stuck. Protesting is a constitutional right, but public inconvenience must be avoided,' he said. The minister also drew attention to the broader water-sharing issue, claiming that Sindh has not received its fair share of water under the 1991 Water Accord. He demanded the federal government fulfil its legal and constitutional obligations to ensure equitable distribution. Sharjeel criticised some PML-N ministers for adopting a confrontational tone, labelling them as 'non-political' elements creating unnecessary tensions. 'Sensible political leaders defuse situations — they don't inflame them,' he said. He concluded by welcoming Sanaullah's recent outreach but warned that continued provocation would leave PPP with no choice but to respond through its own political channels. The growing row comes amid wider tensions between the PPP-led Sindh government and the PML-N-dominated federal administration over resource-sharing, governance, and provincial rights.


Express Tribune
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
How to register for sindh's free pink scooty scheme for women
Listen to article The Government of Sindh has launched the Pink EV Scooty Scheme to distribute free electric scooters to women across the province. Led by the Transport and Mass Transit Department and implemented by the Sindh Mass Transit Authority, the initiative aims to improve mobility and promote independence for female students and working professionals. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of Sindh, hold a valid motorbike or car driving license, and be either enrolled in an educational institution or employed. Beneficiaries must also agree not to sell or sublet the scooty for a minimum of seven years. Shortlisted applicants will be selected through a transparent balloting process conducted in the presence of media and monitored by a committee that includes representatives from the Transport, Excise, and Finance departments, as well as members of the press. Selected candidates will undergo a road safety skill test before final allotment. The scheme also includes training, registration, helmet provision, and access to EV charging infrastructure. Applications must be submitted online via the Sindh Mass Transit Authority's official website. Eligibility Criteria Permanent residency in Sindh Student or working woman Valid car or motorcycle driving license Willingness to retain the scooty for at least seven years without resale or subletting Required to pass a road safety skill test if shortlisted Selection and Oversight Final selection will be conducted through a transparent ballot Balloting will take place in the presence of print and electronic media A supervisory committee will include officials from relevant departments and independent media personnel to ensure transparency Application Process Visit the Sindh Mass Transit Authority's official website Navigate to the 'Projects' section Access the 'EV Scooty Ballot Form – Application Form' Complete the form and upload all required documents before submission Documents Required CNIC (front and back) Domicile certificate Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) Valid driving license (front and back) Student ID or employee ID card Last month, the Sindh government announced a scheme to award free 'pink scooters' to women through a lottery system, aimed at empowering female commuters in the province. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon unveiled the initiative during a press conference in Karachi, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting women's mobility. 'A driving licence is mandatory for women to participate in the scheme,' Sharjeel Memon said, adding that the lucky draw would be held at an open event. The initiative follows the provincial government's launch of the 'Pink Bus' service in 2023, dedicated to female passengers. Sharjeel Memon also announced plans to introduce a 'pink taxi' service, with women drivers behind the wheel.


Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Humanitarian values intact while expelling illegal immigrants'
The Sindh government is upholding humanitarian values while repatriating illegal immigrants to their country of origin, said Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Sunday. A total of 307 individuals were deported from the Amin House Transit Camp between April 1 and 6, 2025, as part of a crackdown on illegal Afghan immigrants by the Sindh government, Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said. Initially, a list of 313 individuals was prepared; however, following verification, 307 were repatriated to Afghanistan after the completion of legal formalities. Sharjeel stated that those deported included 79 children, 37 women, and 191 men. He explained that the Afghan nationals were being deported due to their illegal residence in the country. He emphasised that the campaign to deport illegal immigrants will continue, adding that international laws and regulations are being strictly followed in this process. He stated that international laws concerning illegal immigrants are being observed, and Pakistan is repatriating illegal immigrants in line with these global principles. Sharjeel Memon further emphasised that the Sindh government is taking lawful measures while upholding humanitarian values. He added that the government's campaign will continue to ensure effective action against illegal immigrants.


Express Tribune
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sindh launches crackdown on transporters overcharging passenger
Listen to article The Sindh government has launched a strict crackdown on transporters charging excessive fares from passengers returning home after Eidul Fitr holidays. "Strong action is being taken against transporters illegally collecting extra fares," said Sindh minister Sharjeel Memon. The operations are being carried out in coordination with district administrations, police, and the National Highway and Motorway Police. He said that protecting public rights is the government's top priority and no bus, coach, or transport service will be allowed to demand unjustified fare hikes. The transport department has already issued strict instructions to all officers to monitor fares closely and take immediate action against any violations. Sharjeel Memon added that the Sindh government will not tolerate any form of exploitation of citizens. "If any transporter is found overcharging passengers, strict legal action will be taken," he stated. He further explained that the campaign aims to relieve citizens from the burden of unjust fare hikes and to ensure a more transparent and organised transport system. Previously, the Sindh government cancelled the holidays of all officers and staff of the transport department, ensuring they remain on duty throughout the festive period. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced the decision, stating that transport officials will monitor fares as part of a province-wide crackdown against transporters charging excessive rates.