Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon on Tuesday said the cabinet has approved reducing government wheat’s release price from Rs5,000 to Rs4,500/40kg, resulting in flour price reducing by Rs17/kg.
Speaking at a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Memon said the cabinet has also approved the Lady Dufferin Hospital Trust’s registration under the Sindh Trust Act 2020. Moreover, ex-post-facto approval was granted to a programme supported by the Asian Development Bank to prepare an investment programme worth $1 billion for urban development in five divisional headquarters of Sindh. Under this programme, projects related to water supply, drainage, sanitation and solid waste management will be prepared.
The cabinet also approved the Draft Rules 2026 for the registration and monitoring of charitable organisations under the Sindh Charities Registration & Regulation Act 2019. The cabinet also approved additional funds of Rs502.409 million for five development schemes in District Jamshoro. These schemes also include funds for the water supply scheme in Sehwan city and the installation of RO plants.
Similarly, the cabinet approved a development scheme worth Rs2.993426 billion for the improvement of the water supply and drainage system in District Shaheed Benazirabad’s Nawabshah Town.
Memon said a cabinet committee has been constituted to resolve matters related to informal settlements. The committee will formulate laws and proposals regarding the establishment of a one-window operation in this sector.
Memon also said that 75 per cent of the work on the Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge being constructed over the Indus River under a public-private partnership has been completed, and work is progressing rapidly. He said that strict measures are being taken to ensure the implementation of traffic laws. A Traffic Management Authority will be established to improve the traffic system in Karachi, and legislation for this purpose will soon be presented for approval.
A Smart Traffic Management System will also be introduced in the city to improve traffic flow as well as to ensure the effective monitoring of traffic violations. Memon said that strict action will be taken without discrimination against those violating the traffic laws. Action will also be taken against vehicles with fancy and illegal number plates.
He said that strict legal measures will also be taken against vehicles displaying firearms. People displaying weapons while wearing plain clothes will be arrested immediately, and the owner of the vehicle concerned will also be taken into custody, along with the armed guard. He also said that it is not appropriate to place the responsibility of every matter on the government alone because citizens must also realise their responsibility to obey the law.
“It is not possible for citizens to continue violating the laws, then hold the government responsible for the consequences. Driving cars or motorcycles by underage children is prohibited by the law. Despite this, dangerous stunts such as one-wheeling are being performed even in the city’s posh areas.”
Memon said citizens should be aware of the dangerous consequences of violating one-way traffic rules. Traffic laws already exist; the real need is to ensure their effective implementation.
The minister also appealed to the media to play an effective role in the public awareness campaign regarding compliance with the traffic laws. He said the government’s foremost priority is to protect precious human lives and prevent traffic accidents, so strict action will be ensured against those violating the law.
Replying to a question about encroachments, he said societies function better when the public, along with the government, fulfils its responsibilities. “The government does not want to affect anyone’s livelihood.”
However, he pointed out, no compromise can be made on the enforcement of the law and the convenience of citizens. The removal of encroachments from the city’s roads will be ensured so that citizens do not face difficulties in commuting.”
Responding to another query, he said that any political party wishing to hold a public gathering must obtain formal permission, and conduct its political activities in a peaceful and lawful manner.
He stressed that no political party will be allowed to hold a public gathering on Sharea Faisal. “The MQM should listen carefully: permission to hold a public gathering on Sharea Faisal will not be granted under any circumstances. The MQM will not be allowed to repeat the May 12 incident.”
