KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that those talking about Sindh’s division are actually talking about the disintegration of Pakistan and such demand will not be tolerated.

The chief minister was talking to the media after laying foundation stone of the Younusabad bridge at Hawkesbay Y-Junction on Monday. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation project would be completed within six months at the estimated cost of Rs194.815 million, the media was informed.

Accompanied by provincial minister Syed Nasir Shah, Pakistan Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini, Commander Karachi Rear Admiral Farrukh Ahmed, Karachi Commissioner Aijaz Ali Khan, KMC administrator and other senior officers, the chief minister said he (Dr Farooq Sattar) was using indecent language against him just to show that he was courageous and a strong leader. “Everyone knows this is not his courage but it is his indecent political character of mudslinging,” said Mr Shah.

“Sindh has the honour of demanding the creation of Pakistan much before any other province or state did. The province that laid the foundation stone of Pakistan is Sindh but now some people are unnecessarily talking about its division just to show their political importance.

Sewage treatment plant inaugurated, foundation laid for RO plant and Younusabad bridge construction

“Everyone knows it is not your politics but it is your frustration which comes out in your speeches,” he added.

In reply to a question, he said he had sanctioned Rs220 million for development works in Karachi. He said he also gave special funds to ensure water supply to water-starved areas of Karachi through 1,200 water bowsers free of charge. “It is our character that we envisage the schemes and plan, release funds, start work and then inform the public about the steps being taken by the PPP government for their convenience. Please stop this water politics,” he said.

Just after the foundation laying ceremony of the 1.7km-long Younusabad bridge, the chief minister laid the foundation stone of a reverse osmosis plant having a capacity of 500,000 gallons at Manora.

While briefing the chief minister, Pakistan Naval Academy Commandant Commander Fawad Amin Baig said Manora was unique and historical island where the fishermen community and Pakistan Navy lived together. “This RO plant will not only provide drinking water to the naval society but also cater to the needs of the rest of the population of Manora,” he said, adding that it would strengthen the civilians-military relationship.

Sewage treatment plant

Also, the chief minister inaugurated Reed Bed Sewerage Water Treatment system where sewage was being treated in a natural way by flowing/crossing it through chambers of gravels on which marsh grass was planted. These plants and gravel absorb toxic and poisonous contents of sewage making it useful for vegetation.

Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini, Rear Admiral Farrukh Ahmed and Captain Rizwan later took the chief minister to a picture gallery where they showed him the historical pictures of the PPP founder Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto when they had visited the PN Academy at Manora during their tenures as prime minister.

Besides, the chief minister visited the PNA museum, particularly the Pakistan Navy Submarine Force gallery.

In his concluding remarks, Mr Shah lauded the role of Pakistan Navy in the national defence and also said Pakistan Navy was playing an important role in development of their areas while supporting civilians in their education and other services. “I will continue to support you because you are serving the nation,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2016