KARACHI: The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) on Sunday launched a sharp criticism of the Sindh government of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), accusing it of failing to curb the growing menace of narcotics and alleging that elements within the provincial administration were involved in the drugs trade.

The allegations were made during a consultative meeting of the GDA held at Raja House, which was chaired by GDA Chief Pir Pagara.

The participants, a statement issued after the meeting said, expressed grave concern over the increasing use and smuggling of drugs in Sindh, saying that the provincial government had “completely failed” to eliminate the menace.

The GDA leaders demanded an indiscriminate operation against drug dealers and their alleged patrons.

Among those who attended the meeting were Pir Sadruddin Shah Rashdi, Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi, Dr Safdar Abbasi, Ayaz Latif Palijo, Syed Zain Shah, Saira Bano, Sardar Abdul Rahim and other party leaders.

Discussing the local government system, the GDA leaders said Sindh lacked a genuine grassroots governance structure, adding that the failure to devolve powers to lower levels had deprived citizens of basic civic facilities.

The meeting called for the implementation of an empowered local government system under Article 140-A of the Constitution.

The participants also discussed administrative reforms in Sindh, including the creation of new divisions and administrative units.

The leaders maintained that reforms in the administrative structure were essential for better governance and public convenience, while clarifying that any division of Sindh was unacceptable.

They also criticised alleged corruption and the “killing of merit” in the Sindh Public Service Commission, claiming it was destroying the future of Sindh’s youth.

The meeting observed that Karachi remained the backbone of the national economy, while Gwadar had the potential to emerge as a major regional trade hub.

The leaders emphasised the need to improve infrastructure, law and order, and investment opportunities in both cities.

The GDA reaffirmed its “commitment” to continue its struggle for the rights of the people of Sindh, democracy, constitutional supremacy and the protection of the province’s resources.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2026