KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Friday approved an adjournment motion for debate on the proposed creation of new provinces and administrative units in the country, with the discussion scheduled to begin on Monday.
The motion was moved by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, who said reports and speculation about the creation of new provinces and administrative units were continuing and the issue was important for the provinces. He said members of the Sindh Assembly wanted an open discussion on the issue. Speaker Awais Qadir Shah ruled that the House would hold a two-hour debate on Monday, adding that the discussion could continue for several more days if members wished. The motion was approved by a majority vote.
Earlier, the session began with Shah in the chair. Newly elected member from PS-30 Asfandyar took oath in Sindhi.
The House expressed grief over the deaths of newborn babies in a fire at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad and other tragic incidents.
Jamaat-e-Islami member Muhammad Farooq requested Fateha for the victims and Mir Raza, who was killed. Members also prayed for the deceased babies and patience for their parents.
The speaker announced four new members of the Panel of Chairpersons for the current session, including Nida Khuhro, Sabir Qaimkhani and Dr Sikandar Shoro.
During Question Hour, which concerned the Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Prosecution Department, Law Minister Zia Lanjar answered written and supplementary questions.
Responding to PTI member Shabbir Qureshi, Lanjar said a scheme to construct residences for prosecutors, officers and other officials in Sindh was to be completed in 2021 but had been delayed for various reasons.
He said work was continuing in the Hyderabad and Sukkur regions and was in its final stages. The project had an estimated cost of Rs330 million. He said judges of the Sindh High Court were supervising the construction and the scheme would be completed soon.
Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi complained that the House sound system was not working properly, making it difficult for members to hear and understand questions during Question Hour.
Sajjad Soomro asked about the recruitment procedure for attorneys in Sindh. Lanjar said the post was in Grade-18 and 67 candidates had passed a test conducted by the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC).
MQM member Amir Siddiqui sought to move an adjournment motion over severe traffic congestion in Lasbela but withdrew it after the Home Minister assured him that the issue would be resolved.
The House also passed the Sindh Public-Private Partnership (Amendment) Bill, the Institute of Business Administration (Amendment) Bill and the Sindh Control of Narcotics (Amendment) Bill. Lanjar introduced all three bills.
The session was later adjourned until 2pm on Monday.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026