SUKKUR: In one of his first major administrative engagements since assuming office, Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi convened a high-level consultative meeting at the Commissioner’s Office in Sukkur on Thursday regarding improvement in departmental efficiency and addressing people’s grievances.

The meeting brought together a broad coalition of federal and provincial heads, including senior representatives from Nadra, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the National Highway Authority (NHA), and the Sukkur Electric Power Company (Sepco). Also present were officials from the Sui Southern Gas Company, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, and the district administration leadership.

Inter-departmental coordination

Governor Hashmi placed a heavy emphasis on inter-departmental coordination, warning that bureaucratic silos would no longer be tolerated at the expense of public service. He specifically directed the operations head of Sepco to provide an immediate and detailed performance report, while calling for greater transparency within export processing zones (EPZs) and the consumer categorisation framework.

Acknowledging the work of law enforcement and the FIA, the governor also issued a specific mandate to Nadra to prioritise and enhance facilities for persons with disabilities, ensuring that the state’s primary registration body remains inclusive.

A firm hand on online misconduct

Addressing the rise of online misconduct, the governor ordered a robust legal crackdown on individuals utilising social media for “irresponsible activities”. He expressed particular concern regarding digital content that targets women or undermines traditional societal values, advocating instead for a “responsible and positive digital environment” that serves the national interest.

Commitment to M6 Motorway

Speaking to the media in the historic land of saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Governor Hashmi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the M6 Motorway. He noted that while the project — originally the vision of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif — had faced historical delays, the momentum has now shifted.

“Work on two phases is already complete,” the governor stated. “Under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif, we intend to award the remaining contracts shortly. Construction is set to resume in June, with a target to complete the entire link within two years — well ahead of the original schedule.”

On broader economic matters, the governor addressed the NFC Award, clarifying that the federal government remains diligent in distributing provincial shares while ensuring the remainder is funnelled into vital national development.

In a strong statement on foreign policy, he reiterated that Pakistan would never recognise Israel. He attributed Pakistan’s rising global stock to the diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, noting that both regional neighbours like Iran and global powers like the United States have reaffirmed their friendship with Pakistan.

Regarding inflation, the governor urged the public to find perspective in the country’s stability, noting that despite global pressures, Pakistan has avoided the fuel queues and total shortages seen elsewhere in the region.

Concluding his visit, Governor Hashmi struck a populist note, describing himself as a “common man” appointed to serve the entire province from Karachi to Jacobabad. He declared that the doors of the Governor House are now open to every citizen.

Before departing, the governor visited the residences of local PML-N stalwarts to offer condolences following recent losses.

He met with the families of Sukkur PML-N general secretary Adnan Azam Khan and senior leader Badr Rafiq Qureshi, paying tribute to their lifelong dedication to the party and the public.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2026