Govt blamed for economic, security meltdown

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh on Tuesday expressed concern over the current economic crisis.

He proclaimed April 9 as a dark day, attributing the country's economic downfall to the PDM government's mismanagement leading to a movement for real freedom.

He criticized the government for record-breaking crises, with over 10 million Pakistanis pushed below the poverty line, unable to afford two square meals let alone their children's education, basic heathcare and utility bills.

Sheikh highlighted soaring prices of essential commodities, such as wheat, sugar, and petrol, making life difficult for ordinary citizens.

Sheikh lamented the destruction of the energy sector and agricultural growth, blaming the government for neglecting the welfare of the people.

He criticized the MQM and PPP for their alleged involvement in mandate theft and street crimes, calling for their accountability.

Regarding the deteriorating security situation in Sindh, Sheikh condemned the increase in robberies and murders, holding the Sindh government responsible for the rampant corruption and violence.

He demanded the resignation of the Sindh IGP over failing to maintain law and order both urban and rural areas in Sindh are deteriorating.

He said MQM-P leaders held a press conference two days ago regarding the rise in street crimes in the city.

Sheikh said MQM-P are thieves of the mandate, “who will catch mobile phone snatchers when mandate snatchers are sitting the assembly.”

MQM-P and PPP are eating together, MQM has no more significance than a street criminal.

Haleem Adil Sheikh said the security situation in Sindh has deteriorated. The city is under the control of both petty and major criminals. The corruption system of PPP has resurfaced rapidly. This corruption system must be stopped.

Haleem Adil Sheikh stated that over the past three months, 58 citizens in Karachi have lost their lives in robberies. Additionally, during the month of Ramadan, 19 citizens were killed in robberies. He mentioned that Major Sadiq was injured in an incident three days ago and has since passed away. Furthermore, in the Metroville area yesterday, two traders were robbed and killed during a robbery.

He pointed out that the Sindh government has allocated more than 1100 billion for law and order, yet corruption persists. This marks the fourth consecutive term of the PPP government in Sindh, but the corrupt system remains active. Sheikh noted that over the course of a year, dacoits in Kandhkot and Kashmore have abducted more than 400 people. According to police officials, 35 to 40 individuals are still in the custody of the Kacha dacoits.

PTI Karachi President Raja Azhar condemned the killings and looting in the city, questioning the effectiveness of the Sindh police. He criticized the government for neglecting the security of citizens.

PTI leader Jamal Siddiqui accused the PPP of having no interest in the city's welfare, alleging that the police force is compromised and ineffective due to political interference.

PTI leader Agha Arsalan highlighted the involvement of local criminals in robberies and the lack of governance in the region. He called for better police officer with no criminal record from Punjab government to improve law enforcement in Kacha area of Sindh. .

The press conference concluded with a call for accountability and action to address the worsening security and economic situation in Sindh.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2024.