Good governance: Opposition lawmaker praises Sharjeel

Business Recorder

20-06-2025

KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly's ongoing budget debate for the fiscal year 2025–26 entered its fourth consecutive day on Thursday, showcasing deep a divide between the treasury and opposition benches, while raising concerns over governance, resource allocation, and regional disparities.
Despite the significance of the debate, the session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed, was marked by low attendance, suggesting waning interest in the proceedings.
In an unusual move of cross-party recognition, an opposition lawmaker praised the Sindh government's Minister, Sharjeel Inam Memon for good governance for their effective leadership, yet called on the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to introduce a new Chief Minister and Finance Minister. The remark underscored the frustration building within opposition ranks over governance issues.
The assembly continued with impassioned speeches, but the criticism remained sharp. MQM's Muhammad Rashid Khan praised Pakistan's military leadership, extending national tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir for the unprecedented recognition he received during his recent visit to the United States.
He applauded US President Joe Biden's remarks calling the meeting with Munir an 'honor,' which he believed elevated Pakistan's global standing. He also took aim at the leadership of Sindh, questioning why key ministries had been handled by a few, suggesting the assembly had competent individuals who could serve as Chief Minister and Finance Minister.
Meanwhile, Rehan Akram of the MQM decried the continued allocation of 90% of development schemes to rural Sindh, asserting that the government's focus was lopsided and failed to address critical urban issues. He also took aim at the Sindh Anti-Corruption Department, accusing it of becoming 'a department of corruption' due to the lack of a functioning minister or secretary. Akram expressed frustration over the ongoing water crisis and deteriorating sewerage systems plaguing his constituency.
Muhammad Daniyal of MQM echoed similar sentiments, expressing anger that the party's pre-budget recommendations had been disregarded. He castigated the '18 years of royal rule' under the Chief Minister, pointing to the dilapidated state of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in Karachi. Daniyal sarcastically mocked the city's mayor, who had promised to wash roads with rose water while the city faced a dire drinking water shortage.
Representing the Hindu community, Mahesh Kumar Hasija of MQM lamented that the budget had failed to include any significant measures for empowering minorities. He demanded that interest-free loans be provided to them for starting small businesses, emphasizing the need for more targeted support for marginalized communities.
Fouzia Hameed, a lady lawmaker from MQM, described the Sindh budget as 'one of destruction,' claiming that it primarily benefitted a few elite families. She called for the reorganization of the entire budget to ensure public resources were spent more equitably and questioned why the Chief Minister had to hold multiple portfolios when there were other capable individuals.
In contrast, the PPP side defended the budget with equal fervour. Shahid Thahim, the Sindh Labour Minister, expressed confidence that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would eventually ascend to the position of Prime Minister. He raised concerns over excessive load-shedding in rural Sindh and highlighted ongoing issues in Shahdadpur, including the absence of gas supply despite recent discoveries near the town.
Fayaz Ali Butt of PPP praised the Chief Minister for presenting a budget that, in his view, was people-friendly despite the province's challenging financial situation. He pointed to the construction of 2.1 million houses for flood victims as a major achievement.
PPP's Giyanoo Mal also praised the party's efforts in protecting minority rights, citing the creation of a dedicated department for minorities and numerous schemes for their welfare. However, he argued that no new initiatives were necessary, given the extensive work already undertaken by PPP. He took a swipe at the Indian government, stating that while he once visited India, he would not do so again due to ongoing tensions.
The debate also saw passionate interventions from other PPP members. Jameel Ahmed defended the government's record, asserting that opposition claims of an 'anti-people' budget were exaggerated. He pointed out that taxes had been reduced in the current budget, which he felt was a clear example of the government's pro-people policies. Meanwhile, Khurram Karim Soomro praised Bilawal Bhutto's international advocacy and referenced the recruitment of 74,000 teachers in Sindh's education sector.
Women Development Minister Shaheena Sher Ali highlighted her ministry's achievements, including the establishment of Safe Houses and children's play areas across the province. She revealed that Women Complexes in Sukkur and Karachi would be completed by the year's end, and small loans would be provided to women entrepreneurs. She also took a swipe at MQM, accusing them of being politically 'conditioned' to admire the Punjab Chief Minister.
The day's heated exchanges culminated in a request from Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon, who called for the removal of certain inappropriate remarks from the Assembly record, including mentions of drugs and the former Prime Minister. Deputy Speaker Naveed complied with the request.
As the debate continued, PPP MPA Ghulam Qadir Chandio stressed the importance of thoughtful discourse on sensitive issues such as the potential division of Sindh and controversial canal projects on the Indus River. He emphasized the need for sensitivity when discussing such matters.
The session concluded with the promise of further discussions on Friday at 10 a.m., as lawmakers from both sides are expected to continue pressing their points and raising the issues that matter most to their constituencies.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025