The Leader of the Opposition in Sindh Assembly, Khuwaja Izharul Hassan, on Friday demanded to hold new census under the supervision of Pakistan Army and Rangers to ensure distribution of equitable resources amongst the provinces.
Speaking on the floor of Sindh Assembly to conclude his speech on budget, Khuwaja Izharul Hassan said distribution of equitable resources amongst the provinces and districts was a must. He said: “We have no confidence on provincial government machinery, therefore, the new census should be held under the supervision of army and Rangers.”
He demanded to use biometric system in coming elections. He asked that the Sindh chief minister should present the Thar Commission report in his concluding speech on budget. He asked to complete constitution of the election commission at the earliest and give powers to the elected local government representatives.
Expressing concern that not a single member of Sindh Public Service Commission belongs to the urban area, he asked to appoint four SPSC members from the urban areas, besides appointing one female member.
He regretted that the universities of Sindh – Karachi University and NED University of Engineering and Technology – had been running in huge deficit. He demanded that grants amongst the government-run universities of Sindh should be distributed on the basis of their enrollment; hence, the varsities having more enrolment should be given more funds proportionally.
Criticising the provincial budget, he said the government was introducing old schemes in budget with increased costs. Law and order situation of Sindh was worse than law and order of Nigeria, he added. The government was not recovering taxes from traders, rather they were receiving ‘extortion’ from them. He demanded to end corruption from the provincial government departments.
Senior Minister for Finance Syed Murad Ali Shah in his concluding speech said: “We are generating resources. Our performance in many sectors is better than other provinces. We will rationalise agriculture and property taxes. Less expenditure is due to ban related to election. We oppose the idea of division of Sindh.” Later, the speaker adjourned the House till Saturday at 12:00 noon.
