KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah convened a meeting of the vice chancellors of 64 universities to devise a detailed programme for celebrating Independence Day under the theme of Ma’arka-i-Haq.

According to a press release, the CM 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, Sindh Higher Education Commission chairman Tariq Rafi and others attended the meeting on Thursday.

The CM highlighted that the Independence Day festivities are set to commence on August 1. He 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.

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.

British high commissioner calls on CM

Also on Thursday, the CM met with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott at CM House to discuss ongoing collaboration between Sindh and the United Kingdom.

The meeting recognised Mr Shah’s consecutive third term as chief minister and the extensive development efforts under PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, said a media release issued by the CM House.

Mr Shah 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.

Mr 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 British High Commission has supported Sindh through a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative, providing a grant of $15.43 million alongside an Asian Development Bank loan of $70m for sustainable infrastructure projects.

CM Shah discussed ways to strengthen cooperation further with the UK. The two sides 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 UK mission.

Published in Dawn, Aug 1st, 2025