Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah laid out a sweeping vision for provincial development, police reform, and flood rehabilitation, during a session with Civil Service Academy probationary officers and senior officials at the CM House.
Development, flood recovery
Focusing on infrastructure and post-disaster recovery, CM Shah detailed a development budget that includes Rs366.75 billion in foreign-funded projects. The government is prioritising the expansion of Karachi's road network, construction of new flyovers and underpasses, and the continued implementation of major transit projects like the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
Law and Order
CM Shah highlighted the role of Sindh Police, with 162,000 personnel and a legacy of sacrifice marked by 2,549 martyrs. Addressing lawlessness in the Katcha area, he pointed to ongoing efforts to build roads, improve infrastructure, and boost police mobility.
Intelligence Upgrades
Shah cited the arrest of individuals involved in attacks on Chinese nationals and the foiling of major terror plots. He highlighted the Rs772 million Fusion Centre, equipped with intelligence, data analytics, and digital forensics, as a critical upgrade to Sindhs investigative capacity.
Fiscal Decentralisation
To decentralise police funding, the government has allocated Rs6 billion to police stations, granting station officers greater fiscal autonomy. Shah also noted improvements to police stations and the introduction of a Rs4.9 billion health insurance program covering officers and their families.
Crisis Management
Crisis preparedness has also seen significant strides. The government has established a Crisis Management Unit trained by Turkey's Anti-Riot Force. The unit is equipped with 2,000 anti-riot kits and includes female officers.
Solid waste emergency project
Shah also discussed the USD 100 million Solid Waste Emergency Project, which aims to modernise Karachi's waste management system. Key efforts include establishing state-of-the-art landfill sites at Jam Chakro and Dhabeji, improving emergency waste response, and reducing urban pollution.
Delta Blue Carbon Project
Touching on environmental sustainability, the CM praised the Delta Blue Carbon Project, which conserves 225,000 hectares in the Indus Delta. The project is expected to reduce 127 million tonnes of CO? emissions and generate government revenue through verified carbon credits.
Independence Day
In anticipation of Independence Day, Shah chaired a meeting on the upcoming celebrations and the "Maarka Haq" (Battle for Justice) events. He called on bankers and prominent industrialists across the country to actively participate. The Department of Culture will host a public concert and fireworks show at the National Stadium on August 13, while the Captain Sailor Shaheed Sports Gala will also be organised to mark the occasion.
Karachi Metropolitan Corporation is planning another concert and fireworks display at Jahangir Kothari, with the date to be announced soon. The Sports Department will organise a marathon at Nishan Pakistan and Do Darya on August 10, followed by a donkey cart race at Sea View the same day. The Department of Fisheries is set to hold a boat race at the port and Keamari on August 9.
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