Karachi, 7 November 2024 – Senior Minister for Information, Transport, Mass Transit, Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control, Sharjeel Inam Memon, has strongly refuted accusations of inefficiency and negativity attributed to the Sindh government’s governance. Speaking to a delegation of journalists from Islamabad at the Directorate of Electronic and Print Media in Clifton, Karachi, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon emphasized that the provincial government, under the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has achieved significant milestones, particularly in the fields of health, education, and infrastructure.
Addressing Negative Propaganda
Sharjeel Inam Memon dismissed the ongoing negative propaganda against the People’s Party and the Sindh government, asserting that the campaign was “malicious” and aimed at undermining the party’s accomplishments. He noted that despite facing numerous challenges, the Sindh government has been at the forefront of addressing the needs of the people, particularly in sectors critical to the public welfare, such as healthcare and education.
Key Healthcare and Development Initiatives
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon highlighted that the healthcare facilities introduced by the Sindh government serve not only the people of Sindh but also individuals from across Pakistan and neighboring countries. He pointed out that under the leadership of the PPP, Sindh has become the only province offering life-saving services like lung transplants, previously only available in India. The free lung transplant program, in particular, has saved countless lives.
Additionally, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon credited the Sindh government’s contributions to the empowerment of women, particularly through the introduction of the Lady Health Workers program and the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), which has allowed women in remote areas to obtain identity cards and access essential services.
Infrastructure and Development Projects
Discussing the government’s infrastructure initiatives, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that roads managed by the Sindh government are among the best in the country, with the National Highway passing through Sindh serving as a key route for Pakistan’s goods. He emphasized that the federal government should prioritize the maintenance of this crucial highway for the benefit of the entire country.
He also underscored the significance of the Thar Coal project, which was revived under President Asif Ali Zardari’s leadership. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon explained that this project, launched by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, has generated thousands of megawatts of electricity, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s national grid. The project, which has seen over a billion dollars in investment, is considered a key solution to the country’s energy crisis.
Support for Minority Communities
The Sindh government, according to Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has also been a staunch advocate for minority rights. He noted that numerous temples, churches, and community centers have been built to serve the needs of religious minorities in the province.
Law and Order and Security Situation
Contrary to certain perceptions, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon argued that the law and order situation in Sindh is strong. He cited the fact that journalists were able to travel safely at night from Sukkur to Thar as evidence of the region’s improved security.
Environment and Sustainability Efforts
The Sindh government is also leading the way in environmental sustainability, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated. He highlighted the introduction of Pakistan’s first eco-friendly electric (EV) buses, a project launched by the Sindh government under the PPP’s leadership. Moreover, the government has made substantial investments in housing and renewable energy for flood-affected communities, building homes for 2.1 million families and providing solar systems for 200,000 homes to ensure a continuous electricity supply without any electricity bills.
Federal Government’s Role and Cooperation
While the Sindh government has taken significant steps in addressing provincial issues, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon made it clear that some responsibilities, such as the maintenance of airports and ports, fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government. He also stated that the federal government is responsible for addressing the needs of the national transport and shipping infrastructure.
Commitment to Education and Teacher Recruitment
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon emphasized the Sindh government’s commitment to education, noting that thousands of teachers have been recruited through a merit-based process involving the IBA test. The government’s focus on improving education and healthcare remains a top priority, he added.
Conclusion
In his concluding remarks, Sharjeel Inam Memon reiterated the PPP’s commitment to serving the people of Sindh, stating that despite challenges at the federal level and the negative propaganda campaigns, the Sindh government has remained steadfast in its efforts to uplift the province. The senior minister also presented Sindhi Ajraks and caps as tokens of appreciation to the visiting journalists.
