CM, British HC discuss ongoing coord between Sindh, UK
KARACHI: In a significant meeting held at CM House, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah convened the vice chancellors of 64 universities, comprising 30 public and 34 private institutions, to devise a detailed programme for celebrating Independence Day under the theme of Marka-e-Haq, says a Press release.
The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of organising educational, cultural, sports, and literary events to foster national pride.
Provincial Ministers Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Shah, Saeed Ghani, Mohammad Bakhsh Mahar, and Zulfiqar Shah, along with Secretary to the Chief Minister M. Raheem Shaikh and Chairman of HEC Sindh, Professor Tariq Rafi, attended the meeting held at CM House on Thursday.
The Chief Minister highlighted the pride the Pakistan Armed Forces have brought to the nation through their valiant efforts, stating, “To amplify the celebrations of the nation’s victory and independence, the government has devised a comprehensive plan.”
The Independence Day festivities are set to commence on August 1. The Chief Minister urged all universities to adorn their campuses and classrooms in a manner that reflects national dignity and to organise related programmes. He also announced that the government would reward any university, institution, shopkeeper, or entity that excels in decoration.
Universities are encouraged to prepare schedules for sports, cultural events, debates, and literary activities, with Murad Shah instructing Secretary University & Boards Abbas Baloch and Chairman of HEC Sindh Tariq Rafi to organise separate and inter-university programmes.
Suggestions from all universities were included in the meeting’s agenda, and it was agreed that a tree plantation initiative would be launched across Sindh to promote environmental sustainability.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon provided updates on planned programmes across various provincial and private institutions. The meeting concluded with a strong commitment to celebrate Independence Day with enthusiasm and dignity.
APP adds: Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah met with British High Commissioner (HC) Jane Marriott at CM House to discuss ongoing collaboration between Sindh and the United Kingdom (UK).
The meeting, attended by key officials including British Deputy High Commissioner Lance Dowmm, Chief Minister’s Special Assistant Qasim Naveed and other senior government representatives, recognised Shah’s consecutive third term as Chief Minister and the extensive development efforts under Chairman Bilawal Bhutto.
During the meeting, the CM outlined significant infrastructure projects aimed at restoring peace and reviving Karachi’s vibrancy. He highlighted the successful expansion of road networks across the province, including the construction of roads, flyovers, underpasses, and drainage systems in Karachi.
Ongoing projects such as Shahrah-e-Bhutto, New Link Road, BRT Red Line, and Yellow Line are in progress to further improve urban transportation.
Shah also detailed major water supply initiatives, including K-IV, New Hub Canal, and DHA water supply projects, which are either underway or set to commence soon. Improvements in Karachi’s sewage system were also emphasised, alongside plans for treatment plants and projects to make seawater usable.
The Sindh government has restored old waterways to protect farmland from flooding, while significant progress has been made in the health and education sectors, alongside the establishment of Special Economic Zones to promote industrial growth. The meeting also addressed flood relief efforts, including rehabilitation of affected families and the reconstruction of homes.
The CM noted the installation of major power plants and transmission lines over the last decade, with the new budget prioritising electricity, drainage, and renewable energy projects. This engagement reflects ongoing collaboration aimed at strengthening Sindh’s infrastructure, social welfare, and economic development under the current provincial government.
The British High Commission (FCDO) has supported Sindh through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, providing a grant of $15.43 million alongside an ADB loan of $70 million for sustainable infrastructure projects. This funding has facilitated developments like the Lab-e-Mehran Tourism Project and Dhabeji Special Economic Zone.
Additionally, the FCDO has supported a Risk Governance Framework project to bolster disaster risk reduction and preparedness following the 2022 floods, introducing a digital disaster data dashboard and mobile disaster app. Another FCDO-supported initiative is the National Governance Programme, aimed at strengthening federal and provincial institutions to improve coordination and governance.
Proposed future collaborations with the FCDO include improvements in education – rehabilitating schools, capacity building, and establishing STEM labs – and social protection initiatives focusing on integrated systems, health services, vocational training, women’s empowerment, and digital transformation.
CM Murad Ali Shah emphasised the province’s leadership in PPPs due to its financial expertise and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation further with the UK. They reviewed the progress of various infrastructure and climate resilience projects funded or supported by the British High Commission.
This meeting demonstrates an ongoing commitment to collaboration on economic, infrastructure, social, and disaster resilience fronts between Sindh and the UK, bolstered by technical and financial support from the FCDO.
