Prioritising action: Qaim Ali Shah assumes charge as chief minister

Controlling law and order is the government’s priority, says Shah.

KARACHI: The newly elected Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that the government will deal with criminals and terrorists with an ‘iron hand’ to bring peace to Karachi.

Speaking to media personnel at the Quaid’s mausoleum on Friday, Shah said that the people of Sindh have once again given a clear mandate to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He added that the party’s priority is to address the issues being faced by the people according to its manifesto and vision envisaged by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.

Speaking about the decision of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) to sit on the opposition benches, Shah said that, “We wished to take MQM on board but they have declined the offer. We cannot force anyone to join us.”

He urged the media to divert the government’s attention towards real issues, so that the PPP-led government could resolve the same.

Responding to a question regarding the role of law enforcement agencies to address the law and order situation, he said that there was a dire need for coordinated efforts between the Rangers and Police departments and that they would be provided with the latest equipment to tackle the situation.

Meeting with cabinet members

Qaim Ali Shah, on his arrival at the Chief Minister House, was given a guard of honour as he assumed charge of the office. Later, he held a meeting with the newly elected cabinet members, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, Murad Ali Shah, Makhdoom Jameel Zaman, Ali Nawaz Khan aka Raja Mahar, Dr. Sikandar Mandhro and Manzoor Wasan. The official spokesperson for the house said that no important decision was made in the meeting - albeit, it was a courtesy meeting as cabinet members called on the CM after he had assumed his office.

Portfolios

Meanwhile, the Sindh government issued notifications regarding the portfolios of two ministers of the provincial cabinet. According to the notification issued by the services and general administration and coordination department, Sharjeel Inam Memon will head the information department while Murad Ali Shah (an advisor with the status of minister) was given finance department.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 1^st, 2013.