KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah held a meeting with a high-level delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), led by Regional Director Dr Walid Abdelwahab, here on Thursday.

Two key provincial schemes, the Sindh Flood Emergency Housing Reconstruction Project (SFEHRP) and Sindh Integrated Health and Women Empowerment Project, were focused during the discussion.

The meeting was held at the CM House and attended by Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Secretary Health Rehan Baloch, and CEO SPHF Khalid Shaikh. The IsDB delegation included Country Manager Ishtiaq Akbar and IsDB Pakistan Representative Muhammad Alio Yazdai, among others.

The IsDB is financing $200 million for the reconstruction of houses for those affected by the flooding. The chief minister stated that the Sindh government, in partnership with international collaborators and NGOs, is actively implementing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects in various districts to improve public health, particularly in flood-affected and underserved communities. In response to the CM’s request, the IsDB agreed to provide additional support for the WASH project.

Islamic bank pledges additional support for water, sanitation schemes

Mr Shah emphasised that the SFEHRP and WASH projects have been designed to enable owner-driven, multi-hazard resilient reconstruction of core housing units following the 2022 floods.

Mutual cooperation discussed with US diplomats

CM Shah also met with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker to discuss mutual cooperation between the United States and the Sindh government, emphasising climate change and its impact.

The meeting was held at the CM House and attended by US Consul General Scott Oberum, Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif and other senior officials.

The CM and Natalie Baker exchanged views on various bilateral matters, including agricultural development and the use of modern farming technologies. They also explored collaboration in education, healthcare, and investment, with both sides underscoring the need for joint measures to address environmental challenges.

The rehabilitation of flood-affected communities and the reconstruction of homes were key points of discussion. The CM stated that his government is building 2.1m homes for flood victims and has granted them ownership rights.

Ms Baker expressed satisfaction with the developmental efforts of the Sindh government and assured continued US support and cooperation.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2025