KARACHI: During a press conference in Karachi, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon strongly reacted to JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s recent controversial remarks regarding national martyrs, urging him to retract his statement immediately. Memon emphasized that the spirit of martyrdom among Pakistani soldiers transcends monetary compensation, stating that the passion to fight for one’s country cannot be measured by a salary. He lamented that Fazlur Rehman’s statement hurt the sentiments of every Pakistani and was gleefully highlighted as top headlines by Indian media. Memon advised the seasoned politician not to turn this into an issue of personal ego, assuring him that withdrawing his words would only elevate his political stature.
Addressing economic matters, the provincial minister highlighted the Sindh government’s decisive action against wheat hoarders following a highly successful bumper harvest. In a bid to curb artificial inflation and ensure market stability, the provincial administration launched a strict crackdown against profiteers and successfully recovered over 1.7 million tons of hoarded wheat, which subsequently led to a notable 13% drop in market prices. Memon also clarified the constitutional stance on trade, stating that the inter-provincial movement of wheat cannot be legally restricted. While he confirmed the documented transfer of wheat from Sindh to Punjab, he dismissed reports of Punjab smuggling wheat to Afghanistan as entirely baseless.
On the governance and law-and-order front, Memon assured the public of the provincial government’s commitment to justice by highlighting the swift action taken in the murder case of Dr. Akash, where immediate police intervention led to the prompt arrest of the culprits. Concluding his press conference with political remarks, the minister took a direct swipe at MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal, challenging him to resign from his federal ministry and contest a by-election to truly test his public support. Ultimately, the press conference served as a strategic blend of defending national institutions, showcasing administrative success in price control, and delivering tactical political counter-punches.