Karachi Political Diary

 Karachi Political Diary 

 Mubasher Mir

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced the schedule for the events to be held across the province on the occasion of Independence Day. Addressing a press conference at the Sindh Information Department’s social media cell, the Chief Minister stated that the central theme of the events, which began on August 1, will be "The Battle of Truth," symbolizing national pride and the victory of truth over oppression.

The press conference was attended by Provincial Ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Shah, Saeed Ghani, Mohammad Bakhsh Khan Mehr, and Zulfiqar Shah.

Murad Ali Shah emphasized that this year’s events would not be limited to ceremonial functions but would aim to instill a renewed sense of patriotism, highlight the cultural beauty of Sindh, and encourage those who have rebuilt their lives after the recent floods.

He stated that this year’s Independence Day would not only commemorate freedom but also refresh the memory of the victory of truth over India, underscoring the difference between a free nation and the plight of oppressed peoples.

The Chief Minister also revealed that economic improvement projects would be presented to the public, including his flagship program, "Udaan Pakistan." He invited all political parties to participate in the events, stating that formal invitations would be sent soon. He mentioned that schools would remain open during this time, and the education department would organize special programs in commemoration of Independence Day.

Special arrangements were made for those traveling to Gorakh Hill and Thar. The Chief Minister expressed hope that there would be strong participation in the concerts to be held in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, while speaking about the Independence Day programs, mentioned that the Chehlum of Imam Hussain would be observed on August 15. However, he urged that the gatherings begin earlier, but with simplicity, to maintain respect for the martyrs of Karbala.

In the Sindh Assembly, a joint resolution was passed in response to NEPRA’s decision to impose an additional Rs 50 billion burden on electricity consumers in Karachi. The resolution was introduced by MQM’s Aamir Siddiqui, PPP’s Heer Sohoo, and PTI’s Shabbir Qureshi. Before the resolution's approval, members from both the government and opposition criticized the poor performance of electricity distribution companies in Sindh, prolonged load shedding, and the unfair collection of heavy electricity bills from consumers.

Senior Sindh Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon criticized the failure of power distribution companies, particularly K-Electric, HESCO, and SEPCO. He noted that resolutions against these companies had been presented in the assembly multiple times, but unfortunately, the concerned authorities had never responded adequately.

To address the energy crisis, the Sindh government has started providing solar systems to citizens living in extreme temperatures, but this is not a permanent solution. Sharjeel Memon stressed that a long-term, sustainable solution to the energy crisis must be found. He suggested that power distribution companies introduce prepaid meters to not only resolve complaints but also eliminate issues like electricity theft. He also said that either prepaid meters should be installed, or the practice of collective punishment on consumers must end.

Memon pointed out that the punishment for K-Electric's line losses is being imposed on the entire population of Karachi. During the election campaign, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had promised that 300 units of electricity would be provided for free. In response to a question at the Federation House, Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah stated that this promise would be fulfilled once Bilawal Bhutto Zardari becomes the Prime Minister. For now, solar systems are being provided.

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab inaugurated a Fish Food Street in Kemari, which is a unique recreational initiative by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) aimed at providing citizens with a new place to enjoy. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor of Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, Member Sindh Assembly Asif Khan, MPA Liaquat Skani, Deputy Parliamentary Leader of the City Council Dil Mohammad, Jaman Darwan, and other dignitaries.

While this initiative provides a new center for food and entertainment, Mayor Wahab’s priorities seem puzzling. Given that it is currently the breeding season for fish, the capture and consumption of fish should be restricted. However, he chose to inaugurate a food street instead.

There is a dire lack of attention to the city's urban forest. KMC should focus on developing forests, as Karachi suffers from extreme heat, and millions of children are deprived of basic education. Mayor Wahab should focus on improving KMC schools, as even a laborer refuses to send their children to government schools.

Although a food street has been established along the coast before, the growing garbage in the sea has not received the necessary attention. The vision that Karachi desperately needs seems to be missing.