Sindh minister rejects ‘baseless propaganda' over new number plate scheme
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Sunday dismissed criticism of the province's new number plate scheme, terming it 'baseless propaganda' and asserting that the initiative aims to modernise vehicle registration and curb crime.
In a statement, Memon said the scheme was introduced to tackle issues such as vehicle theft and improve the registration process. 'The Sindh government is open to hearing genuine public concerns, but will not tolerate politicisation of public welfare initiatives,' he said.
Highlighting Sindh's energy potential, the provincial minister claimed the province possesses ample resources to help the country overcome its energy crisis. 'Federal policies have significantly hindered the development of Sindh's energy sector. If the province is granted autonomy and facilities in accordance with its resources, it can bring about a revolution in energy production,' he said.
Read More: Old licence plate penalty sparks legal battle
Memon urged stakeholders, experts, and policymakers to engage in an open dialogue on harnessing Sindh's vast energy reserves and pursuing sustainable energy solutions.
He said that over the past six years, 30 million tonnes of coal had been supplied to independent power producers (IPPs) under the Thar Coal Project, resulting in the generation of 31 gigawatts of electricity — enough to power nearly three million homes. 'Thar's coal has the capacity to meet Pakistan's electricity needs for decades to come,' he added.
The minister also pointed to key infrastructure developments, noting that a 105-kilometre railway line is under construction to connect Thar coal with national and international markets. 'Sindh has made notable progress in renewable energy. Our wind corridor is operational, and several solar energy projects are under development,' he said.
Memon added that the Nooriabad Power Project is currently supplying 100 megawatts of electricity to Karachi, while Rs2.5 billion has been allocated for upcoming solar initiatives. Additionally, the provincial government is covering electricity bills of up to 200 units for eligible residents of Thar.
Discussing future projects, he revealed plans for two new solar parks in Karachi, a solar project in Manjhand for the Hyderabad region, and solar parks for Sukkur and Larkana. 'The federal government must remove obstacles to these projects and provide full cooperation. It should cease opposing Sindh's solar and wind power plans and support the province in meeting the nation's energy needs,' Memon said.
Also Read: PIA incurs net loss of Rs4.6 billion
The minister also addressed illegal constructions across the province, noting that indiscriminate action was under way. 'The Sindh Building Control Authority has issued notices to 37 dangerous structures in Sukkur alone, and inspections are ongoing in Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana and Nawabshah,' he said. 'Departmental and legal action will be taken against officers involved in unlawful construction.'
He further said that the water level in the Indus River is rising steadily, with reports of low-level flooding at Guddu and Sukkur barrages. 'The Sindh Irrigation Department and Provincial Disaster Management Authority are closely monitoring all barrages, embankments and vulnerable areas. Relief camps and logistics support have already been activated in low-lying regions,' he said, urging the public to fully cooperate with authorities in case of evacuation.
Touching on post-monsoon health concerns, Memon said an increase in gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, and viral infections had been observed. Emergency units have been activated in all government hospitals, and mobile medical camps are being established in Karachi, Thatta, Badin and other districts. 'The public is advised to drink clean water and avoid consuming substandard food,' he warned.
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Sindh minister rejects ‘baseless propaganda' over new number plate scheme
Listen to article Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Sunday dismissed criticism of the province's new number plate scheme, terming it 'baseless propaganda' and asserting that the initiative aims to modernise vehicle registration and curb crime. In a statement, Memon said the scheme was introduced to tackle issues such as vehicle theft and improve the registration process. 'The Sindh government is open to hearing genuine public concerns, but will not tolerate politicisation of public welfare initiatives,' he said. Highlighting Sindh's energy potential, the provincial minister claimed the province possesses ample resources to help the country overcome its energy crisis. 'Federal policies have significantly hindered the development of Sindh's energy sector. If the province is granted autonomy and facilities in accordance with its resources, it can bring about a revolution in energy production,' he said. Read More: Old licence plate penalty sparks legal battle Memon urged stakeholders, experts, and policymakers to engage in an open dialogue on harnessing Sindh's vast energy reserves and pursuing sustainable energy solutions. He said that over the past six years, 30 million tonnes of coal had been supplied to independent power producers (IPPs) under the Thar Coal Project, resulting in the generation of 31 gigawatts of electricity — enough to power nearly three million homes. 'Thar's coal has the capacity to meet Pakistan's electricity needs for decades to come,' he added. The minister also pointed to key infrastructure developments, noting that a 105-kilometre railway line is under construction to connect Thar coal with national and international markets. 'Sindh has made notable progress in renewable energy. Our wind corridor is operational, and several solar energy projects are under development,' he said. Memon added that the Nooriabad Power Project is currently supplying 100 megawatts of electricity to Karachi, while Rs2.5 billion has been allocated for upcoming solar initiatives. Additionally, the provincial government is covering electricity bills of up to 200 units for eligible residents of Thar. Discussing future projects, he revealed plans for two new solar parks in Karachi, a solar project in Manjhand for the Hyderabad region, and solar parks for Sukkur and Larkana. 'The federal government must remove obstacles to these projects and provide full cooperation. It should cease opposing Sindh's solar and wind power plans and support the province in meeting the nation's energy needs,' Memon said. Also Read: PIA incurs net loss of Rs4.6 billion The minister also addressed illegal constructions across the province, noting that indiscriminate action was under way. 'The Sindh Building Control Authority has issued notices to 37 dangerous structures in Sukkur alone, and inspections are ongoing in Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana and Nawabshah,' he said. 'Departmental and legal action will be taken against officers involved in unlawful construction.' He further said that the water level in the Indus River is rising steadily, with reports of low-level flooding at Guddu and Sukkur barrages. 'The Sindh Irrigation Department and Provincial Disaster Management Authority are closely monitoring all barrages, embankments and vulnerable areas. Relief camps and logistics support have already been activated in low-lying regions,' he said, urging the public to fully cooperate with authorities in case of evacuation. Touching on post-monsoon health concerns, Memon said an increase in gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, and viral infections had been observed. Emergency units have been activated in all government hospitals, and mobile medical camps are being established in Karachi, Thatta, Badin and other districts. 'The public is advised to drink clean water and avoid consuming substandard food,' he warned.
