Uproar over 'outer, interior Sindh'

KARACHI:

Karachi

The Sindh Assembly in its session on Friday with Deputy Speaker Naveed Anthony in the chair, approved a new amendment to the draft law regarding contributory pensions and gratuities for the government employees.

The government and opposition benches exchanged barbs on terms 'Interior Sindh' and 'Outer Sindh'.

Opposition leader Ali Khursheedi criticised the government for failing to provide satisfactory answers. He claimed that the information sought from Parliamentary Secretary for Sports Saima Agha was incomplete.

In response, Saima Agha stated that the officers from her department were present and informed the House that there are 239 sports grounds in Karachi.

Nadir Magsi from the PPP expressed his support for car racing, calling it an exciting sport that deserves government support and encouragement.

Saima Agha mentioned, there are plans to hold National Games in the province and mentioned the construction of a Malakhara stadium, athletics tracks, and a football ground.

MQM-P member Bilqis Mukhtar suggested that a ground should be created for donkey cart racing. Saima Agha replied that the government is willing to organise such races.

Sabir Qaimkhani from MQM-P raised concerns that traditional games are disappearing and proposed the organisation of cultural sports tournaments.

During the question-and-answer session, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Zia-ul-Hasan Linjar became emotional and expressed frustration over Sabir Qaimkhani's comments. He urged him not to spread discord and requested the speaker to mute Qaimkhani's microphone.

Nisar Khuhro advised both government and opposition members to avoid using the terms 'Interior Sindh' and 'Outer Sindh'. Shabbir Qureshi argued that these distinctions should be eliminated, even in government jobs.

This led to demands from government members to omit Shabbir Qureshi's remarks, prompting opposition members to rise from their seats, resulting in uproar in the House.

Proposals to amend Sections 13 and 20 of the Sindh Civil Servants Act were also presented and approved.

According to the new law, government employees recruited from July 1, 2024, will receive pension gratuity under this revised framework. Every government employee will be eligible for retirement and pension benefits after 20 years of service. Government servants can be retired for violating rules.

With the new amendment, government employees will receive contributory pension benefits, while those hired before July 1, 2024, will retain their existing pension rights. In case of an employee's death, their family will receive a pension under the new law, aimed at easing the government's financial burden. The Sindh government spends billions on pensions annually, with costs rising by 30% between 2015 and 2019. The Contributory Pension Scheme requires both the government and employees to contribute to the pension fund. Additionally, the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine was placed under the Department of Special Persons.