DADU: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has criticised the federal government for neglecting its road infrastructure projects in Sindh.

He was speaking to the media at his residence in Wahur, located in Sehwan taluka, while extending Eid greetings to the faithful.

He also expressed his concern over the security situation in the country and region amid the US-Israel war with Iran, and prayed for mercy of Almighty Allah and complete peace in the world.

CM Shah spoke extensively about infrastructure challenges in Sindh, stating that “while provincial roads are in good condition, those under federal projects are in a dilapidated state”. He pointed out that the the Jamshoro-Sehwan road has been incomplete for nine years despite partial funding by the Sindh government made way back in 2017.

He said the condition of major highways, including the Karachi-Hyderabad and Hyderabad-Sukkur sections of motorway, have remained incomplete. Commuters’ travel on these roads has become extremely difficult, he noted. He said that Sindh still lacks a proper motorway network, unlike other provinces.

Referring to the aftermath of the 2022 floods, Mr Shah noted that the condition of the roads built under the federal government have significantly worsened since then. However, he hoped that the assurance given to Sindh by the federal minister concerned would produce positive results and the motorway sections would be completed at the earliest.

Speaking about the austerity measures being taken by his government, he said that 60pc of official vehicles had been grounded to reduce fuel consumption. Provincial government’s offices are operating four days a week with three days of work from home. Salaries of the chief minister, ministers, and assembly members have also been reduced as part of the austerity plan.

He welcomed the prime minister’s recent announcement that petrol prices would not be increased further, and emphasised the need for collective efforts in the face of the challenging times ahead.

“We must curb unnecessary expenses and prepare for the difficulties,” he said.

The CM stated that he was personally overseeing development projects in Sehwan and that contract-based hiring was being carried out across the province in view of budget constraints. He added that future government jobs would also be offered on a contract basis.

Highlighting political developments, he said that local government elections in Sindh were conducted by the Pakistan Peoples Party, and held out the assured that next LG polls in the province would be held soon.

He said that the Sindh government had provided financial support to farmers for seeds and fertilisers, aimed at strengthen the agricultural sector.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2026