KARACHI: Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday launched a sharp critique of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government in Sindh, accusing it of mismanaging resources and failing to address the worsening crisis in the metropolis.

Speaking at a press conference here on University Road at one of the sites of the under-construction Bus Rapid Transit Red Line, Mr Abbasi, who also heads the Awaam Pakistan Party (APP), said that despite a provincial budget of around Rs3,600 billion, the people of Sindh were still deprived of basic services.

“Sindh’s budget is approximately Rs3,600 billion, yet the public does not have access even to basic facilities,” he said, questioning the transparency and accountability of public spending. “Where is such a huge amount being spent, and who will account for it?

Flanked by senior APP leaders Miftah Ismail and Nasiruddin Mahmood, Mr Abbasi alleged that corruption remained rampant across the province, with particular concern over Karachi’s water crisis.

He claimed that the tanker and hydrant mafia was generating billions of rupees while residents continue to struggle for access to clean water.

Highlighting infrastructure failures, he pointed to the prolonged delays in major development projects, including University Road, which he said remains incomplete even after five years.

The former premier criticised the provincial administration’s capacity to deliver, stating that if authorities cannot complete a single major road project, they are unlikely to resolve broader urban challenges.

He also extended his criticism to rural Sindh, describing conditions there as equally alarming and expressing concern over the deteriorating state of public schools and hospitals.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2026