The Sindh Assembly continued its general discussion on the provincial budget for the upcoming financial year for the sixth consecutive day on Saturday. Senior parliamentarians from both the treasury and opposition benches urged mutual respect amid their exchanges of criticism. Ten more members, including six ministers, delivered speeches during a nine-hour debate in a thinly attended house.
Senior Minister Highlights AI and Media Initiatives
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, who also holds the portfolios of transport and information, stated that Sindh was the first province to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) for media monitoring and to establish a Journalists Protection Wing and a Sindh Information Commission. He asserted that press freedom was “most vibrant” in Sindh but added that the government had become its “biggest target.”
Memon expressed regret over the spread of “fabricated stories” and emphasized that while criticism is a right, verification is a responsibility. He noted that the provincial policy includes budget allocations for media and that Sindh’s first feature film, Mera Lyari, was produced for about Rs55 million, not Rs20 million as claimed by some media. The film was screened internationally and later acquired by a private TV network.
The information minister also highlighted the “iWork for Sindh” platform, which has received 4.8 million visits and 113,000 registrations, featuring an AI “Auto CV” feature for job seekers.
Transport and Infrastructure Progress
Memon reported that work on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Yellow Line is progressing, a section of the Taj Haider Bridge has been completed, and the depot is under construction. The Red Line contract was terminated due to delays and awarded to the Frontier Works Organisation. Daily ridership on the Orange Line increased from 1,800 to 8,500, while the Green Line saw a rise from 53,000 to 78,000 in three months after its handover to the province.
The Peoples Bus Service, subsidized by the province, carries about 125,000 passengers daily across eight cities. The minister added that Sindh introduced Pakistan’s first EV buses and the Pink Scooty Scheme. Initially, 150 women had motorcycle licenses at launch; now 25,000 have applied, with a target of 100,000. An EV taxi and “Pink Taxi” service for women will be launched this fiscal year.
Revenue and Energy Achievements
The senior minister stated that the Sindh Revenue Board increased its collections by 24 percent, compared to the FBR’s 10 percent, with only 368 staff while the federal tax authority employs over 23,000. Thar coal now generates 3,960 MW after work resumed in 2008. Furthermore, 2.1 million flood-affected houses are being built, with ownership in women’s names. The NICVD has treated 4.74 million patients, including those from other provinces.
MQM-P and PTI Responses
Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan Deputy Parliamentary Party Leader Taha Ahmed told the assembly that his party is ready to work with the treasury benches but cannot accept “humiliation” or baseless allegations. He remarked, “We were speaking on the budget from our side when allegations began from the government benches.” He stressed that the survival of Karachi and Sindh lies in moving together. Ahmed noted that politicians are targeted with fake news on social media, and his party has been accused of being RAW agents. He questioned why an operation was launched against them in 1992, saying, “How can it be that you get my children killed and expect me to shake hands?”
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Parliamentary Party Leader Shabbir Qureshi criticized the provincial government, alleging that town chairmen are engaged only in corruption. He pointed out that a hospital built during Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s era is now in ruins and urged the government to rebuild it. Qureshi described Karachi as a war-torn city and lamented that the same issues have been discussed without progress for 18 years.
Home Minister Reports Decline in Crime
Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar informed the assembly that the police force comprises 170,000 officers, with 134,000 on active duty. He reported a 7 percent decline in mobile snatching and a 10 percent overall drop in vehicle theft and snatching. Violent crime is down 40 percent year-on-year, and no terrorism incident was reported in Karachi this year.
The home minister said the Counter Terrorism Department conducted 642 intelligence-based operations, resulting in an 80 percent reduction in terrorism cases and the arrest of 66 militants. He added that a major plot was foiled after 200 kg of explosives were seized from a truck in Karachi. A mobile app is being developed to register phone sellers to curb the trade of stolen devices, and the Citizen Police-Liaison Committee has returned 2,458 snatched phones to their owners.
Regarding Katcha operations, Lanjar stated that 539 bandits have surrendered since Operation Nijaat began in January, and areas previously considered no-go zones in Kashmore are now open. He said the status of gutka and mawa will be brought under narcotics law with cabinet and assembly approval. In two years, 7,554 drug dealers were arrested, and school rules were amended to require anti-narcotics action. Cocaine is entering via Lahore and Peshawar airports, not Karachi. Red warrants have been issued for four extortionists based abroad.
Other Ministerial Statements
Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said hundreds of schemes have been completed, improving parks, roads, and civic facilities. Labour Minister Saeed Ghani announced that the minimum wage has been set at Rs43,000 from July 1, approved by the Minimum Wage Board. The Workers Welfare Board has secured a federal income tax exemption, with Rs13.2 billion targeted from social security this year.
Culture and Tourism Minister Zulfiqar Ali Shah said libraries are being digitized and motels are planned for Naushahro Feroze, Umerkot, and Thar. He called for motorway infrastructure in Sindh to reduce accidents. Excise and Taxation Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla said infrastructure and motor vehicle tax are being collected, with relief extended to businesses despite legal issues.
The house was adjourned to meet at 10am on Sunday.
