• Asks other provinces to follow Sindh’s example to ensure effective governance
• Inaugurates Rs631m Sindh Institute of Animal Health in Korangi

KARACHI: Rejecting any plan to divide Sindh, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday announced that the provincial government was going to further strengthen and empower local government institutions as devolving authority to the grassroots level remained a core part of the Pakistan Peoples Party’s political philosophy.

Speaking to the media during his visit to the Sindh Institute of Animal Health in Korangi, the chief minister said that the provincial government would continue to strengthen and empower local government institutions. “Along with greater authority, there is also a need to enhance accountability, administrative capacity and service delivery,” he said.

Sindh was the only province with an operational local government framework and elected local bodies functioning under a dedicated law, he added.

“Other provinces should follow Sindh’s example to ensure effective governance and public participation at the grassroots level,” he added.

Responding to questions on proposals regarding the division of Sindh, the chief minister categorically rejected any such move, saying that the Sindh Assembly had passed six separate resolutions opposing the division of the province.

“I am accountable to the Sindh Assembly, its elected members and the people of Sindh,” he said, adding that ultimately, the people of the province would decide what they want.

He said that neither his wishes nor anyone else’s personal preferences could override the will of the people.

Mr Shah said continuous improvement was needed wherever health services exist in Pakistan. “The incident at PIMS Islamabad is deeply tragic. My thoughts and sympathies are with the affected families,” he said.

Keti Bandar termed potential game-changing project for Pakistan

The chief minister described the proposed Keti Bandar Deep-Sea Port as a long-standing vision of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and said that the provincial government, under the guidance of President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, was committed to developing it through a public-private partnership model.

Highlighting its strategic importance, Mr Shah noted that Keti Bandar predated both Karachi Ports, established in 1854, and Port Qasim, developed in 1972. “Evolving global trade dynamics have further strengthened the case for the port,” he added.

The chief minister said that given the current global situation, there was a pressing need for a modern deep-sea port at Keti Bandar. “This project has the potential to transform the economic landscape of the region,” he said.

Earlier, the chief minister inaugurated the Rs631.798 million state-of-the-art Sindh Institute of Animal Health (SIAH) in Korangi, calling it the beginning of a new chapter in veterinary healthcare in Sindh.

The project, completed under the Annual Development Programme after starting in December 2022, includes a modern Pets Hospital, Diagnostic and Research Complex, Academic and Administrative Block, upgraded laboratories, post-mortem facilities, and a fleet of motorcycles for field services.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Shah said that livestock was a key pillar of Sindh’s economy, supporting millions of rural families. “Our vision extends beyond animal healthcare. We aim to build a modern, competitive and sustainable livestock economy that contributes to exports, food security, employment generation and rural development,” he said.

According to a statement, issued by CM House, the SIAH is Pakistan’s first dedicated ‘One Health’ institute, integrating animal, public and environmental health. It is also the country’s largest veterinary vaccine production facility with capacity to manufacture over 250 million doses annually against 75 animal diseases.

The Pets Hospital offers 24-hour care, operating theatres and diagnostic imaging for animals, while new laboratories will strengthen surveillance of dairy, meat and poultry products.

Speaking on the occasion, Livestock and Fisheries Minister Muhammad Ali Malkani said that 150 motorcycles had been provided to expand outreach to farmers. He requested additional funds for further modernisation.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2026