The Provincial Assembly of Sindh on Tuesday unanimously passed resolutions calling for uninterrupted gas supply during Sehri and Iftar in Ramazan, and increasing insurance compensation for accidental death from Rs100,000 to Rs500,000. Presented by both treasury and opposition members on Private Members’ Day, the resolutions were approved with consensus.
During the sitting, an announcement was also made by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar regarding the forming of a seven-member parliamentary committee to curb fake news and disinformation.
A resolution moved by Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) MPA Muhammad Mazahir seeking an increase in insurance compensation in case of accidents from Rs100,000 to Rs500,000 was approved unanimously. When the resolution was presented, senior minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the government does not oppose it, terming it a positive step.
The mover noted that the government has already introduced a universal accidental death insurance scheme, and requested that compensation be increased in line with rising salaries and pensions. Labour Minister Saeed Ghani expressed principled support for the proposal, after which the PA adopted the resolution unanimously.
Another resolution, presented by Pakistan Peoples Party MPA Sumeta Afzal Syed calling for no gas load-shedding during Sehri and Iftar in Ramazan, was also unanimously passed. PA opposition leader Ali Khurshidi said the legislature has already passed seven resolutions on the gas issue, stressing the need for their implementation, and questioning the government’s response.
Memon said the current resolution is specifically related to Ramazan, and the provincial government has already written to the federal authorities on the matter. While some relief is available in cities, rural areas often face severe shortages of electricity and gas, he added.
MQM-P MPA Quratulain moved an adjournment motion demanding the establishment of special Ramazan bazaars across Sindh. Memon said that such bazaars are organised every year, making the motion unnecessary. The House rejected the adjournment motion.
The session was later adjourned until Friday afternoon. Before the adjournment, Lanjar announced the forming of a seven-member parliamentary committee to address fake news and disinformation, saying that opposition members would also be included in the proposed body.
