PPP opposed to banning any political party: CM

KARACHI:

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said that a protest in Islamabad, organised by a political party, resembled a circus with 'jokers' present there. However, he said, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) is opposed to banning any political party.

Talking to the media after attending a conference at a local hotel, the chief minister shared his insights on recent political developments and emphasised that the demand for the release of a particular individual was fundamentally wrong.

Murad noted the difficulties surrounding the imposition of Governor's Rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, stating it has become quite challenging to implement.

About the Council of Common Interests (CCI), the CM expressed concern over the federal government's failure in convening the CCI meeting, which he regarded as a constitutional necessity. "It has been nine months since the last CCI meeting, and this is not just my concern but an issue for the entire country," he said, adding, water crisis cannot be addressed without a CCI meeting.

Explaining that no new canals are being constructed, he reiterated the PPP's position, saying, "Not a single drop of Sindh's water will be given to anyone." He asserted, "We will neither surrender our rights."

Murad mentioned that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had protested the Kalabagh Dam at Kamu Shaheed, and reaffirmed PPP's consistent opposition to its construction. Murad reiterated the PPP's unwavering stance on protecting Sindh's rights and water resources, emphasising the party's commitment to safeguarding them at all platforms.

K-IV Augmentation Project

Earlier, presiding over a meeting convened to review K-IV Augmentation project, the chief minister directed various departments to speed up key tasks for timely completion of the K-IV Augmentation project. The project – which aims to augment Karachi's water supply – is scheduled for completion by Dec 2025, with the CM holding out an assurance that his administration will address any obstacles that may arise during its execution.

The project consists of two major components: civil works and the establishment of a grid station along with the installation of transmission lines. To ensure progress, the CM directed the Energy Department to issue tenders for the construction of a 132kV grid station and the laying of the associated transmission lines. The Local Government department was also tasked with initiating the procurement process for the civil works.

The chief minister stressed the urgency of meeting the Dec 2025 deadline and called for swift implementation. The project has been divided into two main sectors: civil works, which include the construction of reservoirs and pipelines, and electrical works for the grid station and transmission lines.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers including Nasir Shah, Saeed Ghani, as well as city Mayor Murtaza Wahab, key officials and others.

The K-IV mainstream project, currently being executed by WAPDA, spans a total of 111km and aims to provide 650 million gallons per day (MGD) of water. The K-IV Augmentation, which is being managed by the Karachi Water Board (KWB) and Local Government department, will involve the construction of three reservoirs and filtration plants at Manghopir Road, Taiser Town, and Pipri.

Project Director Usman Moazzam briefed the CM on the extensive pipeline network that will connect these reservoirs, including a 2.7km section that will align with the Karachi Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) Red Line. This section will feature 96-inch and 72-inch pipelines, with the CM directing the start of construction along the BRT Red Line corridor, from Hassan Square to Aziz Bhatti Park.

In the electrical component of the project, the CM was informed that six acres of land had been acquired for the establishment of the 132kV grid station and residential colony. A 30-km transmission line will be constructed by the Sindh Transmission and Dispatch Company. The CM directed the Energy Department to expedite environmental studies for the transmission line, with a target completion date by the end of this month, so that construction can begin shortly thereafter.

Chairman Planning and Development (P&D), Najma Shah informed the CM that negotiations with the World Bank for project funding had been completed, with approval expected from the World Bank Board in December 2024. The loan is anticipated to be effective by March 2025, although retroactive financing options are available.

Nasir Shah also reported that Expressions of Interest (EoI) had been issued for a supervision consultant, with 16 firms submitting proposals. Three of these firms have provided technical and financial bids, and the evaluation report has been sent to the World Bank for clearance.

Mayor Murtaza Wahab reported that 17 out of 18 agencies had granted the necessary NOCs for the project, with only the National Highway Authority (NHA), Karachi Circular Railway, and Provincial Highway Departments still pending. The CM directed the provincial departments to expedite the issuance of these NOCs and asked the mayor to liaise with federal agencies for their approval.