KARACHI: The treasury in the Sindh Assembly used its numerical strength to effortlessly dismiss the opposition’s agenda on Tuesday, rejecting their all resolutions and private motions.

The house with majority votes rejected the resolution of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s Aamir Siddiqui regarding the continuous discharge of untreated sewage into the sea, causing harm to marine life and fishing economy.

Another resolution moved by MQM-P lawmaker Najam Mirza for constitution of the Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) was also rejected.

The MQM-P member in his resolution said that in the absence of a notified PFC Award, development activities were being undertaken through discretionary grants and aid-in-grant mechanisms, undermining transparency.

At Sindh PA session, Lanjar offers apology to PTI lawmaker over ‘police brutality’

However, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar opposed the resolution and when put to a vote it was rejected by majority.

Two other resolutions, moved by MQM-P lawmakers Shariq Jamal and Qurat-ul-Ain Khan, were also rejected.

Besides, a private motion by MQM-P’s Engineer Sabir Hussain Kaimkhani seeking comprehensive plantation programme was also dismissed.

Road closures slammed

Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar tendered an apology to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf lawmaker for the police brutality he had faced during the Feb 8 protest.

He conveyed his regret to PTI MPA Wajid Hussain and said he was deeply sorry for the incident, further informing the house that the relevant police officials had been removed from their posts, marking a rare display of accountability on the floor.

Responding to a point of order raised by PTI Parliamentary Leader Shabbir Ahmed Qureshi, the home minister acknowledged the opposition member’s concerns.

Replying to the point of order raised by the Jamaat-i-Islami’s lone member in the assembly Muhammad Farooq, the home minister emphasised that police should not take any unlawful action, but also criticised the practice of blocking roads and causing inconvenience to people.

He said that an investigation into JI member’s detention was already underway and action would be taken against those responsible.

However, he cautioned that blocking roads and causing public distress was also unacceptable.

Mr Lanjar also criticised the closure of both tracks of the Sharea Faisal and said that the courts had directed authorities to register terrorism cases against those blocking roads.

“It is disturbing to see lawyers and party workers storming police stations and occupying the SHO’s chair,” he added.

Question Hour

While furnishing statement and replies to the lawmakers’ queries during Question Hour, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development Syed Hassan Ali Shah informed the house that Karachi’s air quality was severely impacted by multiple interconnected factors, including industrial activities, vehicular emissions, construction projects and open burning practices.

He said that these elements had consistently placed Karachi among the top cities in the world with high levels of air pollution.

Responding to a query, he said that plastic bags were completely banned in Sindh, with major companies shifting to paper alternatives, while some had appr­oached the courts.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2026