After being informed that Sindh could again face a flood situation as in the past two years, the provincial government has started preparing to take on any disastrous situation. The centuries-old drainage system would be restored and encroachments would be eliminated. Moreover, the Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) issue would be revisited. A meeting of the Sindh cabinet was held on Monday. Briefing the media after the meeting, Information Minister Shazia Marri, flanked by Women Development Minister Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto, said it has been predicted that this year also flood is expected in July-August. It was decided that until June, all departments concerned should prepare to face any disastrous situation. A three-member committee has been formed to decide about the revival of the centuries-old drainage system and revisit the LBOD issue, she added.
BALOCHISTAN HOUSE: The Balochistan House was constructed in Shirin Jinnah Colony in 1987, but because of oil tankers’ movement in the area, the Balochistan government had sold the house to the Sindh government for Rs 35 million. However, the Balochistan government wants to buy the house back. Marri said the Sindh cabinet has decided to sell the house back.
US CONGRESS: The Sindh cabinet condemned the resolution on the Balochistan issue presented in the US Congress, saying that America was interfering in Pakistan’s domestic issue.
HOTEL TAX: The bill regarding hotel management levies tax from hotels came under discussion, as the Excise & Taxation Department sent it for approval. According to the bill, some hotels in Sindh are not paying their duties to the excise department. However, the bill has been deferred for further review.
ARMED FORCES: The Sindh Home Department has sent a summary for exempting employees of armed forces from paying arms licence fee. It was decided that the summary be sent back to the home department asking it to put it up again as a news summary with review and modification.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Marri and Bhutto told the media that the Sindh cabinet has approved to table the domestic violence against women bill as a government bill in the next Sindh Assembly session.
