Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Sindh regional office of the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC), the minister said Pakistan’s provinces were exceptionally large compared with those of many countries worldwide.

He said Punjab alone had a larger population than 180 countries, while the other three provinces were also more populous than many countries.

Referring to dozens of provinces Iran, Afghanistan and India have, he highlighted the difference between Pakistan’s administrative structure and those of other countries in the region.

The minister said that 57.5 per cent of the divisible federal revenue pool was allocated to the provinces, which had received a combined Rs8,844 billion during the current financial year. However, he regretted that the funds were not reaching villages and grassroots communities because provinces had failed to devolve resources and authority further down the administrative hierarchy.

MQM-P leader rejects concerns over national unity; likens new provinces to building additional rooms in a house to accommodate expanding family

“The biggest problem is that the provinces have not devolved resources to the grassroots level. The money is being allocated to the provinces but unfortunately not reaching the villages,” he added.

Describing Karachi as Pakistan’s economic engine, he said the city’s economic potential remained largely untapped, and it could play a pivotal role in pulling the country out of its economic difficulties.

“Even 10pc of Karachi’s potential has not been tapped yet. The IMF cannot pull Pakistan out of this economic quagmire, but Karachi can,” he said.

He explained that creating smaller provinces should not be seen as a threat to national unity. He gave an example of an expanding family that needed additional rooms to accommodate its growing members.

“When a family grows, a new room has to be built. It does not mean that the house is being broken up or divided,” he said.

Speaking about the AHPC’s regional office in Sindh, the minister called it an important step towards facilitating healthcare professionals and students in the province. He said they would no longer need to travel to Islamabad to resolve their professional and administrative issues.

The new office would provide a one-window facility for allied health professionals, students and educational institutions across Sindh, enabling them to access information and seek solutions to their problems locally, he said, expressing the hope that similar council offices would be established in all provinces.

The minister also stressed the need to transform Pakistan’s growing population into a skilled workforce, saying the government could not provide public-sector jobs to all 260 million citizens.

He said creating employment opportunities for a rapidly expanding population remained a major national challenge and that the country needed to focus on skills development, technical education and human resource development.

He said countries with large populations had achieved economic progress by investing in skills and developing their human capital, adding that Pakistan must adopt a similar approach, particularly for its youth.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2026

In a statement, he accused the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leader of indulging in “anti-Sindh rhetoric instead of addressing serious questions surrounding his ministry’s performance”.

“Mustafa Kamal should stop his anti-Sindh rhetoric and answer for the failures of his own ministry,” the senator said, urging the federal government to take notice of his “divisive and hateful statements against the province”.

He accused the federal minister of undermining the Constitution and federal harmony through his statements, adding that the government should not allow such rhetoric to go unchecked.

Raising questions over alleged corruption in Haj and Umrah vaccination arrangements, Senator Mehdi described reports of financial irregularities involving billions of rupees as a serious matter that required a thorough investigation.

He demanded that Mr Kamal provide answers over the alleged vaccination scam and ensure that those responsible were held accountable.

The PPP leader said the alleged irregularities in the Haj and Umrah vaccination arrangements and the deaths of children at PIMS raised serious questions about the performance of the Ministry of National Health Services.

“There is no justification for Mustafa Kamal to remain in office. He should be removed from the position without further delay,” he said.

“The federal government must act if it wants to protect its credibility. The health minister should focus on answering questions about his ministry rather than engaging in divisive political rhetoric,” he added.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2026

Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Wahab said he wants his children and the children of other people to witness the exhibition in order for them to know what our country is all about.

“[Exhibits tell us that] in a subtle and humorous way things could be said and marketing could be done. If we’re to bring back that kind of creativity, we need to inspire people. Such displays allow people to understand how illustrious our past was, and if the past was glorious, then the future could also be good. Our elders did all of that,” he said, adding: “Now we’re facing a decline, but no problem. It’s all part of an evolutionary process. Let us draw inspiration from it to make our future better.”

The mayor said the KMC in a few years has revived a lot of public spaces in the city including City Council Hall, Frere Hall, Khaliqdina Hall, Denso Hall, Hasan Ali Hoti Market and Empress Market.

“I want people to go there. And if you hold events at those sites, people will be able to visit them. I’d like to offer the APNS that whatever event you want to arrange at these places, that particular place will be provided to you free of cost. This means because of you we will be able to bring people there,” he said.

He also offered the APNS to hold a creativity exhibition, which will be funded by the KMC.

APNS President Sarmad Ali says ads from 1947 on display

APNS President Senator Sarmad Ali thanked Mr Wahab for opening the exhibition. He said the newspaper industry and the mayor have a longstanding relationship, as his father, Wahab Siddiqui, was one of the respected journalists of the country. “So we treat the mayor like a member of our household.”

Talking about the display, Senator Ali said the adverts on view range from those printed in 1947 to the ones published up until a few years back.

“You will see advertisements of products which today we can’t even think of marketing, or the kind of copywriting that’s done in them, we don’t see the likes of it today. It reminds us of a Pakistan which used to be liberal and that’s been lost somewhere. We hope we’ll discover it again,” he said.

He said the exhibits underline how creatively print advertisements can be used. “Today, creativity is no more, and people have begun copycatting.”

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2026

The decision by growers in Sindh’s coastal districts of Thatta and Sujawal to begin cotton sowing in the second week of November marks an unusual departure from the country’s conventional agricultural calendar.

However, whether this farmer-led experiment translates into commercial relief for the domestic textile industry depends as much on agronomic resilience through the winter as on resolving data distortions that are currently clouding market pricing.

Traditionally, cotton sowing in Punjab takes place between May and June, while Sindh begins in February and March — a cycle that exposes the crop to peak summer heat stress and post-monsoon pest attacks, particularly from the pink bollworm. By utilising land cleared after the paddy harvest and intercropping directly into standing tomato fields, growers in coastal Sindh are attempting a multi-season model.

Dr Tasawwar Hussain Malik, a plant breeding and genetics specialist at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) in Sakrand, notes that while the initiative originated with farmers, CCRI researchers are closely monitoring the fields and conducting parallel trials to assess the viability of “off-season” planting in frost-free pockets of lower Sindh, where winter temperatures remain comparatively mild.

November sowing in coastal areas could bring early lint supplies, but crop resilience and fibre quality remain uncertain

If the November-sown crop matures through winter and yields lint by February and March, domestic spinners could see fresh arrivals months ahead of the traditional August peak. Such an early injection of raw material would bridge the annual inter-season supply gap and curb reliance on costly imported lint.

For ginning factories, a March start would also extend operational capacity beyond their usual three-to-four-month window, though overlapping with the late wheat harvest could strain local transport, labour and warehousing.

Despite initial optimism, cotton scientists urge caution against declaring November sowing a proven model before the crop completes its full cycle.

Sajid Mahmood, head of technology transfer at CCRI in Multan, points out that while daytime temperatures of 33-34 degrees Celsius and night-time lows of 21-22°C in mid-November appear favourable for germination, air temperature alone does not govern crop success.

Seed germination requires warm soil at seed depth, and the decisive test will arrive between December and February. Falling night and soil temperatures during peak winter can retard root development, delay flowering, and impair boll formation.

Furthermore, prolonged fog, dew, and cool, overly moist soil heighten the risk of the Seedling Disease Complex, driven by soil-borne pathogens such as Rhizoctonia and Pythium, alongside fungal leaf infections.

From an industrial standpoint, sub-optimal winter warmth and reduced sunlight can compromise fibre maturity, lowering micronaire values and staple length. Should early-spring lint fail to meet export-grade spinning specifications, textile mills would inevitably discount the crop, eroding farmer profitability.

Equally concerning is the potential disruption to natural pest cycles. Keeping cotton plants in the ground from November until the conventional spring sowing season could create a continuous green bridge for pink bollworm larvae to multiply and migrate into the main summer crop, he warns, stressing that multi-location comparative trials over at least two to three seasons — tracking soil temperatures, fog days, pest dynamics, and fibre quality alongside strict crop-residue management — are essential before scaling up off-season cultivation.

Compounding these field uncertainties is a stark reporting gap for the 2026-27 season. While the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association recorded Punjab arrivals at 1.999 million bales by Oct 31, the Punjab Crop Reporting Service (CRS) projected provincial output at 3.7m bales, claiming arrivals reached 3.64m bales by Nov 5.

This over 1.6-million-bale discrepancy distorts price discovery across the value chain. Inflated official supply estimates artificially depress local lint prices — currently hovering around Rs18,500 per maund — making growers and ginners hesitant to sell.

Simultaneously, overstated projections risk delaying spinners’ forward import contracts, exposing mills to panic buying on global spot markets at steep premiums if domestic shortfalls emerge, while driving up bank risk premiums and borrowing costs for warehouse financing.

Ultimately, translating coastal Sindh’s November sowing into lasting relief for Pakistan’s textile sector requires institutional alignment: targeted PARC-CCRI seed research for cold-tolerant, pest-resistant varieties paired with credible, unified crop statistics to restore market stability.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2026

The financing will support the Sindh Trans­formational Accele­rated Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services Phase 1 Project (STAR WASH-1), the World Bank’s resident mission in Islamabad announced on Saturday. The project is expected to generate more than 14,000 jobs and support the formalisation of the Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees as a rural water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) utility company.

“Stunting is among Pakistan’s most severe and persistent human capital challenges, and unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene is a major underlying driver. By expanding access to these services for 1.5m people in rural Sindh, this project will help address one of the root causes of child stunting,” said Bolormaa Amgaabazar, the World Bank country director for Pakistan.

Unsafe water and poor sanitation expose young children to repeated bouts of diarrhoea, impairing nutrient absorption and limiting their physical and cognitive development. More than half of children under five in rural Sindh are stunted.

STAR WASH-1 aims to provide 1.5m people with access to safe drinking water and safely managed sanitation and hygiene services.

The project will finance climate-resilient infrastructure, including solar-powered water supply systems and improved sanitation facilities.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2026

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Austerity, chaired by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and attended by Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah.

The meeting reviewed measures to reduce government expenditure, save fuel and assess the vehicle requirements of various departments.

According to a press statement, the meeting decided to purchase vehicles for the home department, the Anti-Corruption Establishment and the universities and boards department, and agreed that electric vehicles would be given preference in future purchases for government departments.

Mr Memon, who also holds the portfolios of information, transport and mass transit, said that saving official resources was among the provincial government’s priorities.

He said that the provincial government wanted EVs to be given preference over conventional vehicles in future purchases and to gradually shift the entire government vehicle system to environment-friendly technology.

“The future belongs to EVs and the Sindh government wants its institutions to adopt environment-friendly technology and reduce dependence on conventional fuels,” he added.

The senior minister said that the gradual transition to EVs would also help reduce the day-to-day expenditure of government departments.

The LG minister said that smoke emitted by conventional vehicles affected the urban environment and air quality. “We also want to promote the use of EVs instead of conventional vehicles in local government institutions,” he added.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2026

The NCCIA said a woman fell victim to financial fraud through a Facebook page titled “Qurani Wazaif,” operated by a woman posing as a peerni. It said the complainant had paid Rs2.5m through different bank accounts since November 2025. She later realised that she had been defrauded and approached the agency.=

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2026

The two Chinese engineers along with the local driver were on their way from Defence to the SITE area in a car on July 28, 2021. When they reached near Gulbai Bridge, an armed pillion rider opened fire on the vehicle and fled. One of the foreigners had suffered bullets wounds on different parts of his body while others remained safe during the attack.

After the incident, the banned BLF claimed responsibility for the gun attack.

Iqbal Meo Rajput, Deputy Prosecutor General of Sindh told Dawn, accused Dad Bux was held in the university bomb blast case as he had allegedly carried out surveillance and reconnaissance of the varsity at the behest of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the case was still in trial phase.

He added that during the initial interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed his crime that in 2021, he along with co-accused Nasir Baloch had attacked the Chinese engineers.

On Friday, the judge of the ATC-IV, after hearing arguments from both sides, pronounced the verdict in which he convicted the accused on seven counts and sentenced him to 14 years in prison for terrorism, 10 years each for attempted murder and possession of an illegal weapon, and an additional 14 years for causing injuries to the victim in the attack.

However, all the sentences will run concurrently, the court ruled, adding that the case file will remain dormant until the arrest of co-accused persons.

It observed that the attack on foreign nationals was “motivated by ethnic considerations and intended to incite hatred against foreign nationals, create internal disturbance and foment violence within the country”.

The judge observed that an attack deliberately directed against Chinese nationals for the purpose of “creating fear, insecurity or disruption in relation to such bilateral cooperation may extend beyond an ordinary offence against individual persons and may involve an attempt to sabotage Pak-China strategic friendship and CPEC; deter foreign investment and damage the national economy; undermine the sovereignty and foreign policy of Pakistan; and create terror and insecurity in the state, as contemplated under Section 6 of the ATA”.

The court noted that the attack on Chinese nationals, in the circumstances established in the present case, could not be treated merely as an ordinary offence of attempted murder.

The deliberate selection of Chinese nationals as specific targets, prior reconnaissance of their movements, the alleged involvement of more than one assailant, the use of firearms in a public place and the subsequent claim of responsibility attributed to the Balochistan Liberation Front through a press release produced before the court were circumstances that required consideration in determining the object and purpose of the occurrence.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2026

The WWF-P in collaboration with the Gulberg Town Municipal Corporation and GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) has introduced a unique urban green space design at Jamali Park in Federal B Area, Block 8, to manage rainwater, enhance infiltration and reduce surface run-off.

The experts described it as a practical example of how local governments can turn climate commitments into actual demonstrable experience.

Spread over one acre, the redesigned park now has rain gardens — green spaces that temporarily hold runoff in shallow planted areas, allowing it to support groundwater recharge after some retention and permeable pathways allow water to pass through to the soil below — bioswales and permeable pathways that allow the park to behave like a sponge.

Beyond the sponge elements, the park has introduced features such as native trees and dedicated biodiversity zone and a pollinator zone, which have been established to improve habitat for urban wildlife.

A community learning area has also been made part of the sponge park to allow the visitors the experiential learning opportunity and connect with nature.

The Jamali sponge park, according to officials, is a model that other municipalities can adapt, as the city loses much of the rainwater that falls on its paved streets and concrete paths, flowing into drains and eventually reaching the sea.

It was officially inaugurated as Pakistan’s first water sensitive sponge park at a ceremony that brought together representatives from government, academia, civil society members, corporate partners and local residents.

Jamali Park in Gulberg has rain gardens, bioswales and permeable pathways that let it soak up rainwater like a sponge

“The successful collaboration in redesigning the public park into a sponge space offers a practical example of how local governments can turn climate commitments into actual demonstrable experience in the public spaces residents use every day,” said Anum Farhan, senior programme adviser Asia – conservation, advocacy and policy, WWF UK.

Naeem Ashraf Raja, director of the Biodiversity Programme at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, commended the WWF-P’s newly introduced sponge park intervention as a demonstration of how urban green spaces can support biodiversity and contribute to the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Sohail Ali Naqvi, director freshwater programme, WWF Pakistan highlighting the value of the Jamali Park as a demonstration site, emphasised that this water sensitive park put climate and water policy into practice.

“From nature-based features that support groundwater recharge and native vegetation, the park offers practical approaches to sustainable urban water management that municipalities can replicate and scale up across Karachi and other cities in Pakistan,” he said.

Gulberg Town Chairman Nusratullah shared that the town planned to replicate similar nature positive concepts in other parks across Gulberg.

As Karachi’s municipalities work to expand green cover, experts say, Jamali park shows how parks development and rehabilitation works can also complement the rainwater management and ground water recharge, promote urban biodiversity, reduce urban heat island effect and improve overall microclimate of the area.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2026

Last month, a judicial commission constituted by the Sindh government recommended an inquiry against Qureshi, who was suspended from duty, over the possible facilitation of the destruction of evidence. Subsequently, the home department wrote to the Sindh police chief, seeking action against police officials found responsible for negligence by the commission.

According to the dismissal order seen by Dawn, Qureshi failed to secure the crime scene where Ali’s body was found and did not call in the Crime Scene Unit (CSU) as per regulations.

“As a result, the crime scene could not be processed promptly, which caused [a] delay in forensic examination and possible loss of important circumstantial evidence which [is] tantamount to gross misconduct, inefficiency [and] dereliction of duty. Thus, you have rendered yourself liable to be awarded one of the major punishment[s] under the Sindh Police (E&D) Rules, 1988,“ the order read.

The order further noted that an inquiry was conducted by Central Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Muhammad Imran Khan, who observed that Qureshi not only failed to discharge his duties in securing the crime scene and evidence, but did not even visit the site. The Central SSP recommended major punishment.

The order said that Qureshi also failed to submit a reply to a show-cause notice.

“He was called in [the] orderly room and heard in person on Nov 13. His oral explanation has been considered and found unsatisfactory, as he could not add any cogent reason to repudiate the allegations levelled against him,” the order read.

“Therefore, agreeing with the recommendation of [the] inquiry officer, he is hereby awarded major punishment of dismissal from service,” the order said.

The case

Ali, a 25-year-old businessman, had gone missing on July 28 after leaving his home in PECHS, and his body, bearing a gunshot wound, was found in the bushes in Gulistan-i-Jauhar a day later.

Initially, the police built the case around suicide on the basis of the first autopsy, which indicated a bullet entry wound on the chest, and by pointing out business losses and money borrowed by the victim.

Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed had disputed the findings of the first post-mortem conducted by medico-legal officer Dr Osama Sheikh.

The second post-mortem report termed the findings of the first report “inconsistent” with suicide as the manner of Ali’s death. It said the Exhumation Board was of the unanimous opinion that the death was caused by a gunshot wound to the back.

Last month, a judicial commission formed to probe the case had pointed out the police’s “epic failure” in their investigation of the case. In its 62-page report, the commission, while severely criticising the police investigation, came to the conclusion that it was a “murder”, and made a host of recommendations, including formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the case.

The report was made public by the Sindh government.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar announced on Oct 22 that a JIT would be formed in accordance with the recommendations of the judicial commission.

Day later, the government formed the JIT, led by DIG Irfan Baloch, and asked the Inter-Services Intelligence, Intelligence Bureau, Pakistan Rangers and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency to nominate senior officers to join the team.

Earlier this week, the JIT seized the licensed pistol of Ali’s business partner and said that the North Nazimabad branch of the deceased’s food chain had also been sealed for further investigation.

Three-year-old Shahid Razzaq drowned in the Lyari river near Sohrab Goth on Wednesday evening while watching animals passing along its bank, the family said.

An Edhi Foundation spokesperson said in a statement that the strong water current had apparently carried the body away from the spot where the boy drowned.

Edhi volunteers launched a search operation and later found his body floating in the river near Gulbahar.

Two die in hit-and-run accident

Two people were killed when an unidentified vehicle hit their motorcycle on the Superhighway.

The victims were travelling towards Hyderabad when the vehicle hit their motorcycle opposite Bismillah Market. They sustained critical injuries and were taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where Abbas Mumtaz, 16, and an unidentified man in his early 30s were pronounced dead.

The accident occurred at around 5pm. The driver fled the scene along with the vehicle.

In the second incident, a motorcyclist, identified as Qasim Khan, 65, was killed when an unidentified vehicle hit him near the Sunday Bazaar in Ayub Goth, New Karachi. His body was shifted to the ASH.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2026

Without naming the partner, West DIG Irfan Baloch, who heads the JIT, said on Thursday that the North Nazimabad branch of Mir Raza’s food chain has also been sealed for further investigation.

The JIT was formed on the recommendation of the judicial commission headed by a Sindh High Court judge to probe the alleged murder of Mir Raza.

According to an official statement issued by the DIG Baloch: “The police have recovered the licensed pistol of the partner, took [control of] the food chain previously run by him and seized its record”.

The seized weapon has been sent to the police’s forensic science lab for analysis.

“The JIT is thoroughly examining all aspects of the case,” said the DIG.

Further investigation of the case in the light of evidence and seized record is underway, according to the statement.

Mir Raza, 25, had gone missing from his PECHS residence on July 28, 2026 and his body bearing a gunshot wound was found the next day in the bushes opposite University of Karachi’s main gate in Gulistan-i-Jauhar.

The investigators during preliminary probe termed it a suicide case, a claim rejected by his family.

The judicial commission led by Justice Omar Sial of the SHC, while severely criticising the police investigation, came to the conclusion that it was a ‘murder’, and made a host of recommendations, including formation of a JIT to probe the murder.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2026

The high court also noted that despite categorical findings of a committee about serious illegalities and irregularities in the alienation of the subject land, the authorities concerned have failed to take effective remedial measures for restoration of the land.

A two-judge constitutional bench of the SHC headed by Justice Riazat Ali Sahar further noted that the prolonged inaction and perfunctory steps taken so far have created a legitimate apprehension that the beneficiaries of such illegal transactions as well as public officials concerned were being afforded undue protection rather than being proceeded against as per law.

It directed the mayor to file a comprehensive compliance report within 30 days specifying concrete measures for restoration of the land to its original public purpose, and initiate civil, criminal and departmental proceedings against all persons found responsible for illegal allotment, leasing, occupation and conversion of land, including public functionaries.

Two petitions were filed in 2022, with the petitioners asserting that the plot in question was located in Sector 16, Block-I, Orangi Town and, as per the approved layout plan, the land was meant for a Norwegian school and technical institute, including football and hockey grounds for school children.

Court directs KMC chief to cancel illegal leases on the land and initiate civil, criminal and departmental proceedings against those responsible

However, they also contended that the land grabbers had encroached upon the land, illegally carved out residential plots and unlawfully obtained leases of such plots in collusion with the officials concerned.

The bench, in its order, noted that while disposing of these petitions in September 2024, the SHC had ordered the Sindh chief secretary to constitute a committee to examine the status of the subject land and submit its findings/recommendations.

It also said the committee, in its report, categorically established that serious illegalities and irregularities were committed in the issuance of leases in respect of the subject land, which was originally reserved as amenity land exclusively for public purposes, particularly educational and healthcare facilities.

The bench further stated that the committee had also recommended immediate corrective measures for restoration of the land to its original status and appropriate legal and administrative action against those responsible officials and persons. However, it said that a report regarding restoration of the land, filed by the KMC officials, did not reflect any concrete and meaningful step to retrieve and restore it, as the steps taken so far have largely been confined to correspondence and paper formalities without any tangible progress on the ground.report regarding restoration of the land, filed by the KMC officials, did not reflect any concrete and meaningful step to retrieve and restore it, as the steps taken so far have largely been confined to correspondence and paper formalities without any tangible progress on the ground.

The bench also observed that such superficial compliance can hardly be regarded as implementation of the committee’s recommendations and appeared to be nothing more than an eyewash. When confronted, the KMC officials conceded that the civil suits against the lessees were filed only three days ago and no criminal or departmental proceedings have been initiated yet against persons for illegal transactions and officials concerned.

“We express our serious dissatisfaction and displeasure over the wholly unsatisfactory pace and manner in which this matter has been dealt with by the concerned authorities. Despite the categorical findings of the committee regarding serious illegalities and irregularities in the alienation of valuable public amenity land, the authorities have failed to demonstrate the requisite seriousness, diligence and promptitude in taking effective remedial measures,” the order stated.

The bench further stated that the prolonged inaction and perfunctory steps taken so far have created a legitimate apprehension that the beneficiaries of such illegal transactions as well as public officials concerned, who had facilitated them, were being afforded undue protection rather than being proceeded against them as per law.

It said such an approach is unacceptable, particularly when the matter concerns valuable public property reserved for the welfare of the community.

“It must be emphasized that public amenity land is held by the state and its functionaries in trust for the benefit of the general public. Such land cannot lawfully be diverted, alienated or utilized for private benefit in disregard of the purpose for which it was reserved. Any unauthorised conversion or alienation of land earmarked for educational and healthcare facilities not only defeats the very object of its reservation but also adversely affects the fundamental rights and legitimate interests of the community,” the order added.

The bench also ruled that public authorities, entrusted with the protection and management of such property, were under a legal obligation to safeguard it against unlawful occupation, misuse and alienation and cannot remain passive spectators or treat the recovery of public property as a matter of administrative convenience.

Therefore, it directed the mayor to personally examine the matter and ensure that immediate, concrete and effective measures were undertaken to retrieve the subject amenity land and restore it to the purpose for which it was originally reserved.

The bench also ordered that all appropriate legal remedies be pursued for cancellation of the illegally issued leases and recovery of possession of the land, as well as the institution of civil, criminal and departmental proceedings against all persons found responsible for or involved in the illegal allotment, leasing, occupation, conversion or misuse of the subject land.

It further said that no person found responsible must be extended any undue favour or protection merely on account of their official position or influence.

Adjourning the hearing till Dec 15, it further directed the mayor to file a comprehensive compliance report, supported by relevant documentary material, within 30 days, specifying concrete measures for restoration of land as well as civil, criminal and departmental proceedings initiated against all persons and officials concerned.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2026

He also ordered authorities to accelerate work on irrigation efficiency, drainage, rainwater harvesting and safe drinking water projects for flood-affected communities.

Presiding over a meeting on climate change at CM House, Mr Shah said that climate resilience was not merely an environmental concern, but a developmental necessity, particularly for Sindh, which remains highly vulnerable to floods, droughts, water scarcity and coastal erosion.

He said that every climate initiative must translate into tangible benefits for the people. “Our priority is to protect lives and livelihoods, secure water resources and build infrastructure that can withstand future climate shocks,” he added.

The meeting participants reviewed progress on flood protection, housing reconstruction, mangrove restoration, renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture.

According to a press statement issued by CM House, the chief minister emphasised improving irrigation efficiency, strengthening drainage infrastructure and expanding rainwater harvesting.

Says water security, protection of people’s livelihoods should be among top priorities

The briefing highlighted the rehabilitation of 552 miles of canals across 23 districts.

Sindh has constructed 207 small dams with a combined storage capacity of 0.65 million acre-feet, the meeting was told.

The chief minister directed the irrigation department to maintain the improved flood-protection infrastructure, expedite ongoing drainage schemes and ensure efficient use of available water resources.

He also reviewed the proposed STAR-WASH programme, a $540 million initiative aimed at providing safe water and sanitation facilities in flood-affected villages, with Phase I targeting 1.2 to 1.5 million people.

The meeting also reviewed the restoration of 126,000 hectares of mangroves under the Delta Blue Carbon initiatives. The government aims to expand mangrove restoration, while the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project will protect more than 500,000 people in Thatta, Sujawal and Badin through improved coastal defences, drainage and nature-based solutions.

The chief minister emphasised protecting the Indus Delta, strengthening natural barriers against coastal erosion and safeguarding the livelihood of communities dependent on coastal resources.

The meeting reviewed the pipeline of 2,360 megawatts of additional wind power, solar energy initiatives for 275,000 low-income and off-grid households and opportunities for generating clean energy from waste.

Mr Shah stressed the need to promote renewable energy, encourage private-sector investment and advanc climate-smart agricultural practices, including solar-powered irrigation, groundwater recharge and digital climate advisories.

The CM directed the relevant departments to ensure close coordination and accelerate implementation of priority projects, particularly those addressing water scarcity, flooding and the vulnerability of coastal communities.

He said that the government would continue to strengthen partnerships with international development institutions and private investors to mobilise resources, technology and expertise for climate-resilient development.

The chief minister said that the provincial government would continue to place communities at the centre of its climate-resilience strategy, ensuring that development initiatives deliver lasting improvements in people’s lives.

The meeting was attended among others by Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Planning and Development Chairman Najam Shah, Environment Secretary Faisal Uqaili and Energy Secretary Shahab Ansari.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2026

South DIG Syed Asad Raza said Rs25 million had been recovered from the held suspect later in the evening.

He said Mohammed Hanif Metlo had reported to Gizri police that he was travelling along Khayaban-i-Bahria, near Sultan Masjid, when two armed men riding a motorcycle intercepted him and snatched a bag containing Rs37.5 million.

“Mohammed Hanif Metlo works as an accountant for a Chinese organic meat company based in Korangi,” the DIG said.

He added that the accountant had withdrawn cheques worth the said amount from I.I. Chundrigar Road and was on his way to DHA Phase VII when he was reportedly intercepted. The suspects allegedly snatched his satchel, which was placed on the motorcycle’s rear carrier.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that he himself is involved and that the alleged robbers are purportedly his henchmen,” Mr Raza said, adding that the employee had been detained for questioning. The DIG said the incident raised serious concerns about the security of cash transfers.

He pointed out that it was the second reported incident of a robbery involving Chinese nationals. The first such incident had also been reported within the jurisdiction of Gizri police about a month earlier.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2026

The city normally receives around 650 MGD but supply will drop to 520 MGD during the shutdown.

According to a KWSC spokesperson, KE has formally notified the water utility of the scheduled power shutdown. “Electricity supply to Dhabeji Grid Station will remain suspended on Nov 13 for annual maintenance,” he said.

The power shutdown will last 14 hours, from 10am to midnight on Nov 13. During this period, nine of the 21 pumps at Dhabeji will remain non-operational, the spokesperson added.

He said the power outage would affect water supply to Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Shah Faisal, Gulshan, Clifton, Saddar and Lyari. Supplies to various towns including Jinnah, Chanesar, Liaquatabad and North Karachi would also be affected.

Water supply to Nazimabad and Gulberg towns would be partially disrupted while the Landhi and Sherpao hydrants would remain closed during the shutdown.

The spokesperson said that once KE completed its annual maintenance, six of the nine affected pumps at Dhabeji would be made operational. With these pumps back in service, water supply would return to normal in all affected areas except Landhi, Korangi, Malir and Shah Faisal.

He added that the KWSC’s annual maintenance work would continue for another 22 hours after KE’s shutdown ended. During this period, only three pumps at Dhabeji would remain non-operational, resulting in a partial disruption of water supply to Landhi, Korangi, Malir and Shah Faisal.

Meanwhile, a KE spokesperson said the scheduled maintenance shutdown at Dhabeji Grid Station would take place on Friday and that advance notice had been shared with the KWSC.

The work would include testing and servicing the grid’s power transformer, as well as testing and maintaining its vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) switches. Technical faults would also be addressed while cleaning the relevant substation, the spokesperson added.

The maintenance activities are essential to ensuring a continuous and reliable power supply, he said.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2026

He said this while talking to the media after attending the urs of Pir Syed Ghulam Jilani Shah Jilani in Makli on Wednesday evening.

He made it clear that the division of Sindh was “neither legally nor politically acceptable, as the people of the province had repeatedly rejected the idea through their elected representatives”.

The chief minister said the people of Sindh had repeatedly expressed their opposition to the division of the province through their elected representatives.

CM says no referendum can override Constitution as final decision rests with assemblies

“Constitutionally, the boundaries of a province cannot be altered unless its people want such a change,” he said, adding that the Punjab Assembly had already passed several resolutions seeking the creation of new provinces.

“If Punjab wants to create new provinces, we have no objection,” he said.

Mr Shah said the Constitution also provided a mechanism for holding a referendum, but maintained that a referendum could only be held on an issue where there was ambiguity. “Even after a referendum, the final decision would rest with the assemblies, as no referendum could override the Constitution,” he said.

He categorically stated that the division of Sindh was not possible, either legally or in terms of public opinion.

Speaking about the water-sharing issue, the chief minister said Sindh’s case for distribution of water in accordance with the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord was already before the Council of Common Interests.

He rejected the notion that the downstream province was responsible for water shortages, saying it was unfair to blame Sindh for the problem.

“How can Sindh be accused of stealing water when water does not reach the province in the first place,” he asked.

He said Sindh was still facing a severe water shortage and that the provincial government had taken up the matter with the federal government.

Visit to Makli

Earlier, the CM visited Jilani House, Makli, accompanied by party MNA Sadiq Memon.

He was received by Pir Ghulam Rizwani, Pir Ghulam Haqqani, Pir Ghulam Rehmani, Zain-ul-Abideen, provincial minister Muhammad Ali Malkani, Riaz Shah Shirazi and members of the provincial assembly.

The chief minister attended the urs of Pir Syed Ghulam Jilani Shah Jilani and addressed the gathering at the shrine.

He said Sindh was the land of Sufis, whose teachings had promoted peace, tolerance and brotherhood in the province.

The teachings of Sufi saints encouraged people to respect one another and live with love, harmony and mutual understanding, he said.

Mr Shah said Sindh would remain strong and secure as long as the PPP continued to stand with the people of the province. “No one can dare cast an evil eye on Sindh,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2026

Health department officials shared the information during a meeting held on Wednesday.

The meeting, chaired by Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Peechuho, was attended by Secretary Health Tahir Hussain Sangi, EPI Project Director Dr Raj Kumar, Additional Project Director Suhail Raza Shaikh, EOC Coordinator Sindh Shehryar Gul Memon, representatives of development and implementing partners, among others.

The minister was informed that over 7.43m household visits were conducted across the province during the Nov 2-8 anti-polio campaign. More than 5.93m children were vaccinated through household visits across Sindh, while an additional 1.16m children were vaccinated at schools, on streets and at fixed and transit points.

EOC officials informed the meeting that over 98 per cent of the household vaccination target had been achieved during the campaign; over 2.3m children were vaccinated through household visits in Karachi.

It was pointed out that EPI vaccination activities were underway in 121 priority union councils in all seven districts of Karachi. The Nov 10-14 drive aims to ensure that children who have missed routine vaccinations receive their doses.

The officials encouraged parents to complete their children’s routine immunisation and ensure that no vaccine dose is missed. Efforts to reach the remaining children would continue through targeted follow-up and routine immunisation activities, they said.

At another meeting, officials reviewed the progress of routine immunisation.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2026

An FIA spokesperson said that the agency’s Commercial Banking Circle, Karachi, conducted a raid in Al-Hilal Society, located on University Road and arrested Waqas, director of land management at the MDA, and Yameen, a dispatch rider.

The FIA also recovered Rs20 million in cash and stamps bearing the names of different banks during the operation, pointing to an alleged network involved in generating and using fake bank challans to facilitate financial fraud.

Agency claims to have recovered Rs20m in cash and stamps bearing names of different banks during raid

“The recovered cash is believed to have been generated through these alleged illegal activities. A case has been registered in connection with the incident, while further investigation is underway,” the official said.

According to a statement, the arrested suspects disclosed that they used fake bank stamps but did not deposit the corresponding cash. The recovered amount was allegedly part of the proceeds of this illegal activity.

The cases involving MDA officials are not limited to the latest allegations of forgery and illegal land dealings. Several officials of the authority have faced similar cases in the past, with some of the investigations and legal proceedings still ongoing.

In November 2023, the Anti-Corruption Establishment Sindh registered two separate cases against several serving and retired officers and private individuals on charges of corruption, misuse of power and fraud in the allotment of plots through balloting.

The officers facing corruption charges included the former director general of the MDA, along with several serving directors and private contractors.

Likewise, in February 2025, the National Accountability Bureau filed a reference against several former senior government functionaries and officials for converting, exchanging and transferring government land to Bahria Town.

The accountability watchdog alleged that the entire hierarchy of the executive, the revenue board and the MDA had conspired to cede valuable public property to an individual in exchange for personal gains.

The fresh arrests have raised further questions about the possible involvement of other officials within the MDA and individuals outside the authority in the alleged fraud.

The case has brought renewed attention to the authority’s internal financial procedures and the mechanisms in place to verify payments made against government transactions.

However, the FIA maintains that the extent of the alleged network and whether other officials or bank employees facilitated the fraud remain to be established through the ongoing investigation.

“The FIA is also ascertaining the possible involvement of other MDA officials and employees of various banks. An inquiry is underway to identify more suspects allegedly involved in the network,” said the spokesman.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2026

According to an official handout, the decision came during a meeting chaired by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon.

“According to the decision of the Sindh government, in the first phase, an operation will be carried out on a priority basis on major roads of the city, including University Road, as well as various routes of the People’s Bus Service,” the statement said.

“It was decided that the police, city administration and transport department would jointly take action against encroachments,” it added.

According to the statement, the concerned departments were directed to take “immediate measures” to remove established encroachments along the bus service routes as well as illegal encroachments that blocked traffic flow.

It was also decided that measures would be taken to shift illegal bus terminals established in various parts of the city, including Sohrab Goth, to outside the city.

The senior minister said that encroachments on the roads and bus routes caused “serious difficulties for citizens and passengers”.

“Illegal occupations and obstructions on roads affect the smooth flow of traffic, increase fuel expenses and also create difficulties in the movement of public transport,” Memon was quoted as saying.

“To provide better travel facilities to citizens, it is necessary to make major roads and bus routes free from encroachments,” he said.

He directed the concerned departments to take action against illegal encroachments under a joint strategy, and to launch an operation against illegal bus terminals “so that traffic pressure on the city’s roads could be reduced and citizens could be provided with ease in their daily commute”.

According to the statement, the meeting also discussed establishing modern bus terminals outside Karachi under a public-private partnership and the project for the expansion of the Karachi Bus Terminal.

Memon directed the concerned officials to accelerate efforts for the establishment of a logistics park, saying that “all relevant departments should work together to improve traffic flow in the city and organise the transport system”, the statement concluded.

University Road, a main thoroughfare in the metropolitan city, faces severe traffic congestion due to the construction of the Bus Rapid Transit Red Line project, which was launched in March 2022 and estimated to complete within 30 months after its ground-breaking.

In September, Memon said that the difficulties faced by the commuters on University Road were “almost over”. Earlier in August, the minister had promised that the government would make University Road “100 per cent motorable” by Sept 15.

Presiding over a meeting at the CM House, he reviewed Sindh’s coal and non-coal mineral resources, ongoing mining projects and opportunities for domestic and international investment.

According to a press statement issued by the CM House, Mines and Minerals Minister Syed Sardar Shah gave a detailed briefing on the province’s mineral reserves, existing operations, investment potential and the government’s strategy for sustainable mineral development.

The meeting was told that the Thar coalfield holds reserves of 175 billion tonnes, with an estimated energy equivalent of 50 billion tonnes of oil and coal-related gas-equivalent resources of 2,000 trillion cubic feet, giving it enormous potential for indigenous energy production and industrial development.

Mr Shah reviewed two major Thar coal mining and power generation projects developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) early harvest programme.

The Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), set up as a public-private partnership, has a mining capacity of 11.2 million tonnes a year and a power generation capacity of 1,980 megawatts. The Sindh government holds 54.7 per cent of the company and Engro and its associates 45.3 per cent. The provincial government invested Rs12.9 billion in equity.

The Sino-Sindh Resources Limited (SSRL), established by Chinese investors, has a mining capacity of 7.8 million tonnes a year and a power generation capacity of 1,320MW, with private investment of more than $2.6 billion. The project is also helping save foreign exchange by replacing coal imports.

Investment in other minerals

The minister briefed the chief minister on investment opportunities in non-coal minerals, including granite, iron ore, marble, limestone, celestite, China clay, silica sand and lake salt.

Granite deposits in Nagarparkar, Tharparkar, offer opportunities for dimension stone, decorative products and cutting and polishing industries, the meeting heard, while iron ore deposits in Thatta, Jamshoro and Tharparkar have potential for steel-related industries, exploration and beneficiation. Marble deposits in Thatta and Jamshoro could support finished stone products, and limestone reserves across Khairpur, Dadu, Jamshoro, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Thatta and Karachi could support the cement and construction industries.

The meeting was also told that the province offered investment opportunities in celestite in Jamshoro, China clay in Tharparkar, silica sand in Jamshoro and Thatta, and lake salt in Dadu, Sanghar and Tharparkar, particularly in processing, refining, manufacturing and value-added products.

Local development

The meeting also reviewed the government’s framework for ethical governance, social responsibility and environmental protection in the mining sector.

The minister cited the Thar coal projects as examples of how mining could contribute to local development through jobs, education, healthcare, clean drinking water and community infrastructure.

Under Block-I, he said, about 5,000 jobs had been created, with around 97 per cent of the workforce drawn from Sindh. More than 20,000 direct local jobs had been reported cumulatively during project development and implementation. The project had also provided a 250-bed hospital in Islamkot, healthcare facilities, reverse osmosis plants and technical training for local youth.

Under Block-II, about 2,350 local people were employed through SECMC-related operations, 94 per cent of the workforce being from Sindh, including 60 per cent from Thar. Seven medical facilities provide free healthcare, and 33 reverse osmosis plants supply clean drinking water to local communities.

The briefing also covered environmental initiatives, including the planting of more than 1.3 million trees under the Thar Million Tree Programme, water treatment and reuse, biodiversity conservation, bio-saline agriculture and progressive land rehabilitation. It also highlighted alternative uses of Thar coal, particularly briquetting and coal-to-urea production, which could support industrial growth, food security and foreign exchange savings.

The chief minister reaffirmed that the Sindh government would open up the province’s mineral resources, saying that coal and other minerals had enormous potential to drive industrialisation, strengthen energy security, create jobs and accelerate economic growth.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2026

Presiding over the 53rd meeting of the board, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also approved a revised joint venture model for Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ), bridge financing of Rs2 billion for the Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge and several initiatives to strengthen Karachi’s infrastructure, expand industrial investment and introduce modern digital facilities.

According to an official statement, the board approved outsourcing of 750 schools under the Sindh Secondary Education Improvement Project (SSEIP), the Sindh Early Learning Enhancement through Classroom Transformation (SELECT) programme and the Peoples Schools initiative.

The programme covers 453 SSEIP schools, including 401 under additional financing and 52 under original financing, 295 SELECT schools and two English-medium Peoples Schools.

Over 188,000 students studying in 750 schools with combined capacity of 345,940, meeting told

The private operators will be responsible for teachers’ salaries, non-teaching staff, operational expenses, uniforms, stationery and other essential services, while the government will provide the funding.

The 750 schools have a combined capacity of 345,940 students, against a current enrolment of 188,852, offering considerable potential to expand access to quality education.

The board also approved the constitution of a Technical and Financial Evaluation Committee and the initiation of open national competitive bidding through the e-PADS platform, using the Quality and Cost-Based Selection.

It may be noted that the province had introduced the Education Management Organisation (EMO) model in 2015 under the Sindh PPP Act 2010, starting with 106 USAID-rebuilt schools after the 2010 floods.

Initiatives for Karachi

The board considered key matters relating to the 16.5-kilometre Karachi Port to Qayumabad corridor, an access-controlled, four-lane expressway connecting Shahrah-i-Bhutto with Karachi Port’s East Wharf.

For Shahrah-i-Bhutto Expressway, the board approved riverbank protection works, including submerged groynes, an additional loop and ramp at Interchange No. 5 at Memon Goth, and street lighting along designated sections.

The board approved the concept of a multi-level Karachi Development Authority (KDA) Parking Plaza near Ziauddin Hospital, Clifton Block-2.

The proposed facility will be developed on a 1,352-square-yard KDA-owned plot and provide 96 car parking spaces and 160 motorcycle spaces, along with limited commercial facilities.

The board also approved the inclusion of an assessment of 41 additional KDA-owned parking sites across Clifton blocks 1 to 7 and 9 in the transaction advisers’ scope, for possible development under the PPP framework.

The board also approved the concept of the proposed Karachi Financial Centre, aimed at strengthening Karachi’s position as a regional financial and investment hub.

The initiative seeks to attract domestic and international investment in financial services, infrastructure, energy, housing and technology. Funding from the project development facility (PDF) was approved to engage transaction advisers for a comprehensive feasibility study and development of the transaction structure.

The board approved the proposed PPP structure for establishing and operating the Sindh Institute of Teacher Education, Karachi, through a proposal submitted by M/s Durbeen.

The degree-awarding institution will focus on improving teacher education, educational leadership, research-based learning, modern teaching practices and professional development of faculty.

Dhabeji SEZ and other schemes

The board approved a revised transaction structure for Dhabeji SEZ, replacing the earlier build-operate-transfer model with a joint venture between the provincial government, through Sindh Economic Zones Management Company (SEZMC), and private investors.

The project covers approximately 1,171 acres of saleable land, including 1,071 acres for industrial activities and 100 acres for commercial use. Development is planned in two phases over 36 months.

The board approved the project concept for developing Keti Bandar into an integrated maritime, industrial, logistics and energy hub.

It also approved funding through the PDF to engage transaction advisers for detailed feasibility studies and preparation of a bankable PPP structure, paving the way for private-sector participation.

Reviewing the Ghotki-Kandhkot bridge project, the chief minister examined construction, financial closure, additional works and pending clearances from the National Highway Authority.

The board ratified the chairman’s approval of a Rs2bn bridge financing facility to maintain construction activities until commercial debt financing becomes available. The board approved the transaction structure for the Sukkur Water Supply Project, paving the way for seeking investors under the PPP framework.

Based on an estimated population of structure for the Sukkur Water Supply Project, paving the way for seeking investors under the PPP framework.

Based on an estimated population of 608,095 in 2026, water demand is projected to rise from the current 30 million gallons per day to 32 MGD in 2029 and 41 MGD by 2048.

The board meeting was attended, among others, by provincial ministers Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Syed Sardar Shah and Jam Khan Shoro, Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, MPAs Ghulam Qadir Chandio and Qasim Siraj Soomro, special assistants Syed Qasim Naveed and Muhammad Ali Rashid, Chairman Planning & Development Board Najam Shah and senior member Board of Revenue Khalid Hyder Shah.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2026

Each and everything, including fixture and furniture, electrical and electronic apparatuses, equipment and carpets and curtains, were reduced to ashes, owners of the Pakistan Club Hotel that houses the hall, said, adding that the losses ran into millions of rupees.

Management of the hotel, located near the City Point Bypass, confirmed to local reporters that the blaze was caused by the fireworks set off during the celebration.

According to the hotel staff, people started rushing to safety as soon as the fire intensified. They said no one was killed or injured in the incident.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2026

Speaking at a press conference in Sukkur, he said there would be no compromise on Sindh’s unity, provincial autonomy, resources or coastal belt.

Mr Shah said any constitutional amendment or action in the name of creating new provinces or administrative units was contrary to federalism, provincial autonomy and democratic rights. The debate over new provinces, he added, was not an administrative necessity but an attempt to weaken provincial autonomy and the stability of the federation.

Criticising the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, he accused both of exhibiting political double standards. If they were speaking the truth, he said, they should take practical steps and come out on the streets, and millions of people would stand with them. They should not ask for concessions but demand their rights, he said, and urged the PTI likewise to struggle for its rights rather than seek concessions.

Answering questions, Mr Shah called for transparent elections and strict accountability of the local government system. He proposed a commission to investigate alleged corruption involving billions and trillions of rupees from the union council level upwards.

He said his party had launched a political and public outreach campaign to raise issues concerning Sindh’s rights and national affairs, and that the struggle to protect the province’s unity, resources and coastline would continue.

He was accompanied by Roshan Buriro, Advocate Fayyaz Khamisani, Eidan Jagirani, Majid Dhanwar and others.

Separately, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Larkana emir Maulana Nasir Mahmood Soomro and general secretary Mohabbat Ali Khuhro expressed their party’s concern over proposals to create 12 new provinces in Pakistan.

In a press statement issued in Larkana on Tuesday, they said no one would be allowed to tamper with Sindh’s unity, historical identity, geographical position, natural resources and the basic rights of its people in the name of new provinces.

Sindh was not a laboratory for administrative experiments, they said, and the rulers should not keep raising the issue of dividing provinces to divert attention from their political and administrative failures. The public was already grappling with inflation, unemployment, poverty, lawlessness, poor education and healthcare, a lack of clean drinking water, power shortages and other basic problems. Instead of drawing up maps of new provinces, the rulers should provide people with their constitutional rights and basic facilities.

Increasing the number of provinces did not guarantee good governance or prosperity, they said, and new administrative structures, assemblies, government offices and institutions could place an additional financial burden on the national exchequer. What was needed was an end to corruption, a fair distribution of powers, empowered local government institutions and the development of backward areas.

Sindh’s unity was not merely a matter of geographical boundaries but part of its historical, cultural and civilisational identity, they said, and any administrative division imposed without taking the people of Sindh into confidence would be unacceptable.

The JUI-F was not opposed to administrative improvement or public development, they said, but would not allow the unity, autonomy, resources and rights of Sindh to be harmed under the guise of such goals. The constitutional rights of the people of Sindh over their land, coastline, river waters and natural reserves had to be protected, and any constitutional change should be decided on the basis of public opinion, democratic principles and national consensus rather than political interests.

The leaders said the party would play its role on every democratic, constitutional and political forum to protect the rights of the people of Sindh.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2026

The Jirga, held in Mirpur Bhutto on Monday evening, was jointly presided over by Amir Bakhsh Bhutto, Abid Jatoi, Pir Junaid Shah Rashidi, Muazzam Abbasi, Hussain Bakhsh Narejo, Pir Dinal Shah, Azhar Khan Kamario and heads of certain other communities involved in the disputes.

The meeting imposed heavy fines on the communities found responsible for murders, injuries and property damage caused to their rivals. The total amount of fines came to Rs15.8 million.

During the proceedings, representatives of the Bhutto, Kuriya and Narejo communities appeared on behalf of one party and those of the Khokhar and Kharoos communities for the other.

Their arguments were weighed by consultants, who assisted the heads of the pleading communities to reach case-to-case decisions.

After prolonged consultations, the Jirga pronounced its ruling, according to which a fine of Rs9.5 million was imposed on the side comprising the Bhutto, Kuriya and Narejo communities. The Khokhar-Kharoos side was ordered to pay a fine of Rs6.3 million to its rivals.

Another Jirga in Shikarpur settles six-year-old dispute between two communities

The ruling was accepted by the two sides and they declared an end to their long-running hostilities.

The community elders and members of the embattled rivals embraced each other after the Jirga proceedings. The Jirga warned that an additional fine of Rs4 million would be imposed if any side violated the ruling.

The settlement sent a wave of joy across the Naudero riverine area with thousands of people greeting each other over the expected end to bloodshed and tension after 14 years of feud violence. They were telling their rivals that the settlement would not only restore law and order in this riverine area, but would also improve inter-community relationship.

Extraordinary security arrangements were made for the holding of the Jirga.

The community heads noted that the Khokhar-Kharoos side disowned two murders, of Imamuddin Narejo and Azeem Kuriya, and causing injuries to another man, Sarwar Kuriya. The Jirga kept the matter pending and bound down the two sides to ensure provision of related evidence.

Chandio-Magsi feud

Another Jirga, held in Qambar town, settled an old dispute between the Chandio and Magsi communities by imposing heavy fines on both the sides and ordering them to stop further bloodshed.

A fine of Rs8.3 million was imposed on the Magsi side over killing a young man, Suleman Chandio, and wounding two others two years ago in Qambar’s Ghausia locality.

The Jirga was chaired by PPP MPA Burhan Khan Chandio, who found accused Ali Jan Magsi guilty of the murder.

Both sides accepted the ruling and part of the fine amount, Rs500,000, was deposited with the Jirga on behalf of the Magsi side. The remaining amount was pledged to be paid off in two installments.

Shikarpur Jirga

In Shikarpur, a Jirga settled a six-year-old dispute between the Jeeha and Dahani communities. The hostility had claimed no fewer than 26 lives.

The Jirga was presided over by Sardar Zulfiqar Khan Kamario and MPA Mir Nadir Khan Magsi at Kamariyo House in Tarai village of Shikarpur district.

On behalf of the Jeeha community, Sardarzada Azhar Khan Kamario, MPA Mohammad Arif Khan Mahar, Sardar Zulfiqar Khan Sarki, Sardarzada Najaf Khan Kamario, Dr Saleem Khan Abro, Wadero Ghulam Mustafa Kakhirani, and others acted as advisers.

On behalf of the Dahani community, Sardar Moazzam Khan Abbasi, Sardar Attaullah Khan Buledi, Sardar Agha Ali Nawaz Khan Jalbani, Rehan Khan Buledi, Ali Hassan Dahani and served as advisers.

Both sides presented their respective accounts of the incidents leading to each and every casualty and loss of properties. Most of the violent incidents appeared to be related to ‘honour’.

After several hours of consultations between community elders and their advisers in a closed session, the Jirga ruling was pronounced.

The Dahani community was ordered to pay Rs46.7million to the rival side on account of 13 murders and the death of a woman who was caught in crossfire.

The Jeeha community was ordered to pay a fine of Rs40.2 million to the other side against murder of nine people, including two women and a minor girl.

A large number of people belonging to the rival communities celebrated the peaceful settlement of the dispute.

The area police escorted the community elders and their advisers back to their homes under stringent security arrangements made across the routes.

The hostility between the two sides had begun over a couple’s freewill marriage.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2026

The PPP chairperson was addressing an event to mark the completion of one million houses for flood affectees under the Sindh Flood Resilience Project (SFRP), which he said “made history” by being the largest house-building programme in the world.

“The Sindh government has built one million houses, and when this project is completed, we would have built two million houses,” Bilawal said.

Referring to the ongoing oil and energy crisis due to the US-Iran war, he said that Pakistan and the world were facing an “economic catastrophe” and stressed that “Pakistan’s politics will definitely have to be reset” to combat it.

“But via this reset, political parties will have to work together instead of fighting,” he added.

Emphasising that the public did not want to witness further fighting, the Bhutto scion reiterated, “We need a political reset.”

He invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to first “restore the trust of his allies”, then of opposition parties, “instead of picking new fights with them”.

The former foreign minister contended that the ongoing economic crisis was one of the worst in the world’s history, and therefore, the support of all Pakistanis, including those in the opposition, was needed to face it.

“Unless we face this crisis together, we will not be able to save our people from this difficulty.”

Bilawal’s remarks follow exchanges of harsh remarks in recent weeks between federal ministers and veteran politician Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who has now decided to strengthen his ties with the opposition alliance.

These developments came after the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief joined the opposition in criticising the Centre’s imposition of governor’s rule and emergency in the PTI-ruled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

On its part, the Centre has repeatedly cited the KP government’s “deliberate disengagement” from the counterterrorism fight for its decision, following which the PPP’s governor now heads the provincial administration.

As he highlighted the efforts of the Sindh government post the 2022 floods, Bilawal particularly thanked the premier for the Centre’s support in the flood rehabilitation projects.

Without naming PTI founder Imran Khan, the PPP chairman said that a predecessor of PM Shehbaz “did not give us a single penny” to help the flood-hit people of Sindh.

“He even said ‘Sindh is not ours’, but Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has at least not made us feel this,” Bilawal said. He attributed SFRP’s success to Sindh’s efforts, international support and “cooperation of the Centre”.

The PPP chairman said that some politicians believed that the country would make progress if it was reset and run according to the wishes of the rich; however, he believed that it should be run according to the will of the poor and homeless.

“During the days of the flooding, our enemies were saying that we [PPP] were only making this much effort to make money,” he said, referring to the initiative to build homes for those affected by the 2022 floods.

He also suggested that the Sindh chief minister write to international corruption monitors and invite them to investigate the housing initiative, declaring that “there is no corruption in this scheme”.

“As we are facing a financial crisis, the people of Sindh who are enduring historic poverty, inflation and unemployment are receiving financial security,” the PPP chairman said.

“This is the responsibility of every government, party and Pakistan’s people.”

“I can tell the people of Sindh that every project, whether it is a historic housing project or free hospital care, aims to lift the financial burden off the people’s shoulders,” he added.

The European Investment Bank’s international development arm, EIB Global, is providing a €100m loan to the government for the initiative, which aims to rebuild around 2.1m rural homes damaged by devastating floods in 2022.

The project has a total cost of almost $2 billion and covers 40 per cent of rural households in Sindh.

The provincial government has also sought financial assistance of $350m from the World Bank for the project for the fiscal year 2026-2027.

“Karachi’s water requirements are increasing, and we must take every possible measure to improve its supply. Saving water through better canal management and lining works is as important as developing new water infrastructure,” he said while chairing a meeting held here at CM House.

The chief minister reviewed a series of measures to improve Karachi’s water supply by reducing losses in the canal system, enhancing water conveyance efficiency and strengthening the supply arrangements under the much-awaited K-IV project.

He said the lining of the Kalri Baghar (KB) Feeder — the main conduit supplying water to Karachi — was expected to save valuable water and increase the quantity available for Karachi.

Reviewing the storage position of Keenjhar Lake and the feasibility of Kotri Barrage, the chief minister directed the relevant departments to ensure uninterrupted water supply to Karachi and Hyderabad during the forthcoming canal and barrage closure.

Says KB Feeder lining work will increase water availability for Karachi

The meeting, held at the CM House, was attended by Minister for Planning and Development and Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Planning and Development Board Chairman Najam Shah, Irrigation Secretary Zarif Khero and other senior officials.

Mr Shoro and the irrigation secretary gave a detailed briefing on the progress of the K-IV-related KB Feeder lining works, the anticipated water savings through improved conveyance efficiency and the current storage and availability position of Keenjhar Lake.

He also briefed the meeting on the feasibility report of Kotri Barrage and its significance for the province’s long-term water management and security.

The meeting reviewed how the KB Feeder lining works could contribute to reducing water losses and improving the efficiency of the conveyance system supplying the K-IV project.

The participants also discussed the need to align the progress of these works with Karachi’s growing bulk water requirements.

He said that reducing losses during conveyance and improving the efficiency of the canal network were essential to ensuring that more water reached the city.

Discussing Keenjhar Lake, the CM emphasised the need for continuous monitoring of its storage and available water resources.

He directed the irrigation department and Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to remain in close coordination and base their supply arrangements on an updated and realistic assessment of water availability.

The chief minister directed the irrigation department and KWSC to jointly assess the requirements of Karachi and Hyderabad, prepare advance arrangements and ensure timely communication between the agencies concerned to avoid any disruption.

“Water supply to Karachi and Hyderabad must remain a priority. Citizens should not face avoidable hardship because of inadequate planning or coordination. All departments must work together and ensure that the necessary arrangements are completed well before the closure period,” he directed.

The feasibility report of Kotri Barrage also came under discussion. The chief minister emphasised that decisions concerning major water infrastructure should be based on sound technical assessments, long-term sustainability and the water requirements of the province. He called for a coordinated approach to strengthen water security while minimising any impact on urban supplies.

He further directed the authorities to closely monitor progress on the KB Feeder lining works and ensure that the anticipated water savings were properly assessed and factored into future supply planning for Karachi.

Reaffirming the Sindh government’s commitment to improving urban water services, Mr Shah said that the government would continue to invest in water infrastructure, improve the efficiency of existing systems and strengthen coordination between the irrigation department and urban water utilities.

He said that the government was focused on addressing immediate supply challenges as well as developing sustainable arrangements to meet the growing water needs of Karachi and Hyderabad.

The CM directed all departments to remain vigilant, maintain close coordination and take timely measures to ensure that the forthcoming closure did not disrupt water supplies to the two cities.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2026

• Chanesar Town chairman says arrangements being made to resolve parking problem

• Rules out violation of any court order; rejects comparison of project with Burns Road food street

KARACHI: When Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the Sindhi Muslim Food Walk last week, he was, in the words of Advocate Irfan Aziz, actually violating a court order that restricts the closure of roads to vehicular traffic.

Advocate Aziz said the food walk has been set up by closing a main road to traffic, a move he believes goes against a February 2023 order of the Sindh High Court in a similar case involving the Burns Road Food Street.

The lawyer, who had represented the petitioners in the Burns Road food street case, says the Sindhi Muslim Food Walk runs contrary to the SHC order passed in 2023. In that case, the court has directed the local administration to end the evening food street set up on a portion of Burns Road and restore the road to vehicular traffic.

The advocate argues that the court’s directions are meant to prevent the closure of public thoroughfares in the name of “food streets”.

Therefore, the decision to close the road in Sindhi Muslim Cooperative Housing Society (SMCHS) for the Food Walk raises serious questions about the administration’s compliance with the court order.

“The court had issued the order in the Burns Road case but it had generalised the principle through that order,” he added. “And what was that principle? It is that any individual, group, administration or government department cannot block any thoroughfare or two-way road disallowing the public or general traffic. Whoever does this in fact violates the court order. Even if the CM is attending such a ceremony, which is meant to open the food street while blocking the main road or access to the road, he’s violating the court orders.”

He also referred to another order of the SHC, passed on a petition he had filed a few years ago, in which the court had directed the city administration not to close roads leading from New Town to Dalmia and from Nipa to Sabzi Mandi during cricket matches on grounds of security at National Stadium.

However, Farhan Ghani, the chairman of Chanesar Town which developed the food street, ruled out any violation of court orders in this case and said a comparison of the food street on Burns Road with the Sindhi Muslim Food Walk was not justified.

“Burns Road is a narrow lane with no arteries around to connect with it. Here, on this road, there are multiple roads and alternative links to connect the area with other parts or roads in the surroundings,” he said while replying to Dawn’s queries.

Parking lot for visitors

For residents of the SMCHS and the neighbouring blocks of the PECHS, the issue goes beyond legal points and the closure of roads.

The residents say the Food Walk has disrupted their daily lives, restricting their movement in and out of the area during certain hours and turning their residential area into a parking lot for dozens of vehicles brought in by valet parking operators.

The resulting congestion prevents even emergency vehicles, including ambulances, from reaching their homes, they believe.

Naveed Bashir, a long-time SMCHS resident who once served as its secretary, says he is baffled by what the government has achieved by blocking the road and designating it a Food Walk, when the area was already known as one of the city’s popular dining destinations.

“Food outlets and eateries are operating here for decades, and people used to visit the area in large numbers even without such arrangements,” he said.

“So, what prompted the authorities to block the road connecting two major thoroughfares — Sharea Faisal and Shahrah-i-Quaideen? The food street has now expanded into the adjoining residential neighbourhoods.

“Another major issue is that, since parking is not allowed within the designated Food Walk, valet parking operators have started using the streets of our neighbourhoods — SMCHS and PECHS — to park visitors’ vehicles. As a result, from sunset until midnight, our streets are lined almost entirely with visitors’ cars, leaving residents virtually confined to their homes.”

Naureen Rehan, a housewife and mother of three, who lives in PECHS, recounted an incident from last weekend when she was stopped from driving home after returning from her mother’s house in Gulshan-i-Iqbal late at night.

“I was staying at my mother’s place for a couple of days and was unaware of the new arrangements,” she said. “When I returned on Friday night, I found the roads leading to my home in PECHS Block 2 barricaded. I was then told that I could not drive to my own home until midnight or even the following morning as access to our neighbourhood is routinely blocked after sunset because of the Food Walk. Is this meant to be a recreational facility or a nuisance for the residents?”

Another resident, Amir Shamsi, appears to have become so frustrated with the situation that he is even considering moving out of the neighbourhood. He has enough reasons to consider such a decision.

“I dread to think what will happen if any house in these neighbourhoods faces an emergency one day,” he said. “Even in the event of a medical emergency, residents cannot leave their homes between evening and midnight. Even an ambulance would be unable to enter these areas during those hours.”

Regarding residents’ concern, Chanesar Town Chairman Ghani agreed with their complaints.

“For that, we are making arrangements to introduce a system under which only residents of a particular street will be permitted to bring vehicles into and park on that street during designated hours. This system will be implemented soon,” he told Dawn.

City Council Leader of the Opposition Advocate Saifuddin, who is the elected chairman of the union committee within whose jurisdiction the food walk has been established, also questioned the rationale behind the project and the allocation of public funds for it.

He argued that the initiative had done little beyond adding cosmetic features to an already developed area while creating considerable inconvenience for residents.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2026