KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presided over a high-level provincial cabinet meeting at the CM House, green-lighting a massive portfolio of development schemes and financial grants aimed at infrastructure, education, and public welfare. The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and Principal Secretary Agha Wasif.
Major Infrastructure and Road Works
The cabinet placed a heavy emphasis on provincial connectivity and flood recovery. A sum of Rs. 2.55 billion was approved for the repair and beautification of the 30.5 km dual carriageway from Malir to Ghaghar Phatak. Additionally, Rs. 888.244 million was allocated for the restoration of roads and bridges damaged by floods, while Rs. 1,966.401 million was approved for various expansion projects, including the Talhar to Tando Bago and Naushahro Feroze link roads.
Boost for Education and Sports
In a move to strengthen academic facilities, the cabinet approved Rs. 6.63 billion for Phase-II of the Thar Institute of Engineering, Sciences, and Technology (NED Campus). For Karachi, Rs. 100 million was sanctioned for a modern multipurpose stadium at St. Patrick’s School. The CM also gave in-principle approval for Rs. 3.4 billion for student fee reimbursements in public institutions, directing the establishment of a transparent system to ensure only deserving students benefit.
Social Welfare and Sustainable Development
The cabinet earmarked Rs. 4.33 billion for 98 schemes under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and approved a grant of Rs. 50 million for the Aurat Foundation. For Sukkur and Rohri, projects including RO plants, street lights, and paver blocks in Union Councils Janu Ji and Pir Ikhlas Shah were approved with an immediate release of 25% of the total funds.
Preservation of Sufi Shrines
The Auqaf Department received nods for several heritage upgrades. This includes Rs. 51.5 million for the Hazrat Sachal Sarmast (RA) Library in Khairpur’s Daraza Sharif and Rs. 33.6 million for internal road restoration and power infrastructure at the shrine of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (RA) in Bhit Shah.
Strategic Directives and Governance
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah approved three major studies regarding the Indus River, drainage systems (SCARP/LBOD), and small dams. He issued stern instructions to ensure absolute transparency in flood relief funds and ordered the swift completion of the National Highway Medical Complex to provide better facilities to the public.
