Sindh mulls maritime police for beaches

Sharjeel says Peoples Bus Service coming to Hyderabad soon

KARACHI:

Sindh Assembly on Friday saw an engaging discussion on the safety of beachgoers in Karachi.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) MPA Quratulain Khan asked about safety measures at Karachi's beaches after five people drowned at Himalaya Beach.

Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said coastal security was overseen by Coast Guards, but Sindh government has also deployed police pickets and lifeguards.

He said the government was considering establishing a Sindh Maritime Police and would write to Coast Guards officials immediately.

Dozens of picnickers drown at the city's beaches each year. Though the government imposes Section 144 during summers, people rush to the sea, jump in with no knowledge of swimming and not lifejacket. Beach is the sole picnic point for millions of residents of the port city. However, each summer high tides and strong undercurrents devour many people.

Home minister said that the implementation of Section 144 is a major issue. Many people don't heed warnings and tragedy happens. The maritime police is likely to improve security on the beaches.

Peoples Bus Service coming to Hyd soon

Peoples Bus Service will soon operate on every road in Sindh, Sindh Senior Minister for Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon assured the provincial assembly on Friday, reiterating the government's commitment to providing modern transport facilities to citizens.

"Buses will be introduced in multiple areas of Hyderabad very soon," Sharjeel said responding to a point of order raised by MQM-P lawmaker Sabir Qaimkhani.

Qaimkhani demanded more buses in Hyderabad, particularly from Gaari Khata to Guddu Chowk and along Tando Mohammad Khan Road.

Sharjeel added that traffic administration had performed well but reforms in traffic management were necessary. "In accidents involving trailers and motorcycles, it is not always the trailer's fault. Responsibility must be determined case by case, and penalties imposed accordingly," he said.

Memon invited lawmakers to share constructive suggestions with the transport department, promising they would be considered.

Lawmakers raise concerns over minerals, pollution and jobs

During the question hour on mines and minerals, JI MPA Muhammad Farooq alleged that salt extracted from sewage water was being sold in markets, spreading diseases. He asked why the provincial government had not banned the practice. Parliamentary Secretary Yousuf Baloch replied that no complaints had been received but assured action if evidence was provided.

Fauzia Hameed questioned recruitment for Grade 14 and 16 posts. Baloch said appointments were made through the Sindh Public Service Commission on merit across districts. He added that while a geological survey had been conducted nationwide, the quality and quantity of minerals in Sindh had yet to be determined.

Waste management

MQM-P's Aamir Siddiqui criticised the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, saying garbage collection was poor despite monthly charges from citizens. Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Qasim Siraj Soomro countered that Siddiqui had himself written a letter praising officials for resolving complaints. He said 127 sanitary workers and 146 garbage bins were deployed in Siddiqui's constituency.

Farooq of JI also objected to moves to make Karachi University's ECCBS institute autonomous, warning it would restrict access for ordinary students. MQM's Shariq Jamal highlighted severe water shortages in Karachi and thanked the government for repairing Model Colony Road after eight years.