Sindh -Information Minister Shariel Inam Memon rejected criticism of the province’s new license plate scheme on Sunday, denoting the “baseless propaganda” and claiming that the initiative is aiming to modernize vehicle registration and curb crime.
In a statement, Memon said the scheme was introduced to tackle problems such as vehicle theft and improve the registration process. “The Sindh government is open to hearing real public concerns, but will not tolerate the politicization of public welfare initiatives,” he said.
The provincial minister highlighted Sindh’s energy potential and claimed that the province possesses abundant resources to help the country overcome its energy crisis. “Federal policies have significantly hindered the development of Sindh’s energy sector. If the province gets autonomy and facilities in accordance with its resources, it could result in a revolution in energy production,” he said.
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MEMON urged stakeholders, experts and decision makers to participate in an open dialogue about utilizing Sindh’s enormous energy reserves and pursuing sustainable energy solutions.
He said that over the past six years, 30 million tonnes of coal had been delivered to independent power producers (IPPs) during the THAR coal project, resulting in generating 31 gigawatt electricity – enough to drive 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 development and noted that a 105-kilometer-long railway line is under construction to connect Thar-Kul with national and international markets. “Sindh has made remarkable progress in renewable energy. Our wind corridor is operational and several solar energy projects are under development,” he said.
MEMON added that Nooriabad Power Project is currently supplying 100 megawatt electricity to Karachi, while RS2.5 billion has been awarded to upcoming solar initiatives. In addition, the provincial government covers electricity bills of up to 200 units for eligible residents of THAR.
When 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 to oppose Sindh’s sun and wind power plans and support the province of meeting the nation’s energy needs,” Memon said.
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The Minister also approached illegal constructions throughout the province and noted that there were discrimination of actions. “Sindh Building Control Authority has released messages to 37 dangerous structures in Sukkur alone, and inspections are ongoing in Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana and Nawabshah,” he said. “Department and litigation will be taken against officers involved in illegal construction.”
He also said that the water level in the river Indus is steadily increasing with reports of low-level flooding at Guddu and SUKKUR barriers. “Sindh Irrigation Department and Provincial Disaster Management Authority carefully monitor all barriers, dams and vulnerable areas. Help camps and logistics support have already been activated in low -lying regions,” he said, calling on the public to fully cooperate with the authorities in the event of evacuation.
With the touch of health problems after the monsoon, Memon said an increase in gastroenteritis, diarrhea and viral infections had been observed. Emergency situations have been set up in all government hospitals, and mobile medical camps are established in Karachi, Thattta, Badin and other districts. “The public is advised to drink clean water and avoid consuming substandard food,” he warned.
