Sindh PA session: MQM greets CDF but JI prefers to stay aloof
KARACHI: MQM on Friday felicitated Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir on becoming the Chief of Defence Forces during the Sindh Assembly session. Their congratulatory remarks, however, were delivered amid noisy protest from PTI-backed legislators, while a member of Jamaat-e-Islami declined to extend any congratulations, making his party’s stance clear.
The Sindh Assembly saw a busy session featuring congratulations to the newly-appointed head of Pakistan’s Defence Forces, the passage of a key amendment bill, detailed discussions on transport improvements, concerns over mineral quality and recruitment, coastal safety issues, and various public complaints raised through attention notices.
During the session, MQM member Rashid Khan, speaking on a point of order, announced that the President had formally issued the notification appointing Field Marshal Asim Munir as the head of the Defence Forces. He said that elevating the Chief of Army Staff to this position would strengthen national defense and democracy, and he extended heartfelt congratulations.
PTI-backed members created noise during his remarks. Jamaat-e-Islami member Muhammad Farooq, however, criticized the congratulatory statements, saying some people were only trying to “secure their jobs” and that he would not congratulate anyone.
The Assembly unanimously approved the Sindh Letters and Succession Certificate Amendment Bill, presented by Law Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar. The minister said the amendment aims to facilitate the public by shifting the issuance of succession certificates from session judges to Nadra.
Senior Minister for Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon assured the House that People’s Bus Service will soon operate on every major road in Sindh. Responding to MQM member Sabir Kaimkhani’s request for more buses in Hyderabad — particularly from Gaari Khata to Guddu Chowk — the minister said the government is committed to improving travel facilities.
He added that traffic management reforms are needed and that road accidents should be assessed case by case. He invited all members to visit his office and share positive suggestions. Memon also announced that the government aims to launch a taxi service next month.
MQM MPA Dr. Fauzia Hameed raised concerns about bus facilities and charging stations. The minister said electric buses come with a seven-year battery and charging warranty.
During the question hour related to Mines and Minerals, JI MPA Muhammad Farooq pointed out that due to pollution, sea salt is not being extracted and instead, salt produced from dirty water is being sold in the market, spreading diseases. Parliamentary Secretary Yousuf Baloch responded that no formal complaints had been received, but action would be taken if evidence was provided.
Dr. Fauzia Hameed asked about appointments for Grade 14 and 16 positions. Baloch explained that the recruitments were made through the Sindh Public Service Commission on merit across various districts. He also stated that although a geological survey had been conducted nationwide, the quality and quantity of minerals in Sindh had not yet been fully determined.
He further informed the House that two officers were suspended last year on corruption charges, and that the quality of gypsum in Sindh is not very high, so interested companies obtain licenses and check the mineral quality themselves.
Several attention notices were also discussed. MQM’s Qurat-ul-Ain questioned safety arrangements along Karachi’s coastline, especially after five people drowned at Himalaya Beach. Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar said that while the Coast Guards are primarily responsible, the provincial government has also set up police pickets and deployed lifeguards. He said they are considering establishing Sindh Maritime Police and that he would write to Coast Guards officials immediately.
MQM’s Aamir Siddiqui complained that the Solid Waste Management Board’s garbage collection is extremely poor, despite collecting fees from citizens. Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Qasim Siraj Soomro countered that Siddiqui himself had previously written a letter praising the department’s response to his complaints. He added that Siddiqui’s constituency has 127 sanitary workers and 146 garbage bins.
JI’s Muhammad Farooq, raising another point of order, warned that Karachi University’s ECCBS institute is being made autonomous, which would make education inaccessible for hundreds of MPhil and PhD students.
MQM’s Shariq Jamal highlighted severe water shortages in Karachi and thanked the government for repairing Model Colony Road after eight years. He criticized another political party for installing publicity plaques and said a municipal park under KMC had been handed to a university. After completing the agenda, the Speaker adjourned the Sindh Assembly session until Monday at 3pm.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025