KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Tuesday unanimously adopted a PTI’s resolution seeking relief for consumers facing costlier petroleum products, as the treasury benches criticised federal coalition partner MQM for its silence over the fuel price hike.
The resolution was moved by PTI legislator Muhammad Owais during the House’s private members’ day, held every Tuesday when the session is in progress, and faced no opposition from the government. Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon supported the resolution, saying rising petroleum prices were adding to the difficulties faced by the people.
He said the government was collecting more than Rs100 per litre in petroleum levy and called for its abolition. He urged the federal government to take notice of the situation and provide relief to consumers. Sharjeel also criticized MQM, saying the party was part of the federal government and should raise the issue with its leading coalition partner - PML-N. He recalled that MQM had previously been a coalition partner of the PPP government but had left the government when petrol prices were increased by just Re1.
“Those sitting in the federal cabinet should speak on the issue,” he said, adding that MQM’s federal representatives should explain why they were not raising their voice against rising petrol prices. The senior minister said MQM should not ignore people’s difficulties for the sake of power. He urged all political parties, including MQM, to speak up on the issue. He said the federal government should also consider the problems being faced by the people.
During the proceedings, the House also rejected an adjournment motion moved by MQM member Amir Siddiqui regarding the sale of drugs in the province after the government opposed it. Amir Siddiqui said drugs were being sold under flyovers and bridges. In response, PPP lady legislator Heer Soho said an adjournment motion could only be moved on a recent incident and that the motion did not meet the relevant rules. The Panel of Chairmen subsequently rejected it.
Meanwhile, Sindh Minister for Women Development Shaheena Sher Ali told the House during question hour that complaint centres were operating at the divisional level across the province to address women’s grievances, while the department also had an office in every district.
She said the centres received five to 15 complaints daily and immediate action was taken on them. She was responding to written and supplementary questions from lawmakers about her department. The session, chaired by Panel of Chairmen member Dr Sikandar Shoro.
Shaheena said women were offered different training courses through a revolving fund. Karachi had two day-care centres, with a specified age limit for children seeking admission, she said that the department regularly publicized its complaint centres to make it easier for women to contact them and also created awareness about its helpline 1094.
In response to a question, she said there was no day-care centre inside the Sindh Assembly, although the department operated one near the Karachi Press Club. Dr Sikandar Shoro said the Assembly should also have a day-care centre. Shaheena replied that the department could establish one if the Assembly provided space.
She told the House that 27 posts were vacant in the Women Development Department, ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 19. Of the department’s 87 posts, 60 were currently filled. She said the posts of director, deputy director and assistant director in her department were vacant. The session was later adjourned until Friday at 3pm.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026