PM, new Sindh CM have their first one-on-one

• The two discuss law and order situation in Karachi; Sindh CM has a couple of projects he wants to add to CPEC; PM says he will give the matter a favourable ear
• Murad Ali Shah says PM has assured him of cooperation for the betterment of Sindh

The new Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at PM House Friday and discussed overall state affairs in the province and the law and order situation in Karachi.

The prime minister congratulated Syed Murad Ali Shah on being elected Sindh chief minister.

The newly elected CM enquired about the health of the prime minister and discussed various matters related to Sindh with him during the meeting.

“We have always received the support of the prime minister and we are hopeful that the federal government and the PM’s support will continue in future as well,” said the chief minister. Shah praised and acknowledged the full-fledged support the prime minister on Thar coal project.

“It was because of your personal interest that the project was launched and we look forward that support continuing,” said the chief minister.

Shah assured the prime minister of the complete support of the provincial government with respect to implementing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. The chief minister suggested inclusion of a couple of projects under the umbrella of the CPEC. The prime minister, in response, said that the federal government will support the provincial government and assured him that the inclusion of the projects in CPEC will be considered positively.

Syed Murad Ali Shah raised some issues pertaining to the Ministry of Water & Power during the meeting. The prime minister directed the minister and secretary of Water and Power to meet the chief minister and mutually resolve the issues. The prime minister said that he is available to all the chief ministers and provincial governments to fast track development projects in all the provinces.

The prime minister expressed hope that the elected chief minister will strive for the development and uplift of the Sindh province according to the mandate and aspirations of the people of the province. “The federal government will continue to extend all-out support to the provincial government in its endeavours to better serve the people of Sindh,” said the prime minister.

Later addressing a press conference, Syed Murad Ali Shah said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif assured him of cooperation for the betterment of Sindh during the first ever one-on-one meeting between the two.

Shah said the matter of Rangers’ special policing powers was resolved in the meeting.

Answering a question, Shah said that late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had said that politics is the paradise of the people.

Corruption should be eradicated at all costs, he said, adding that he recommended to the prime minister to add two more projects in the CPEC.

He said the premier had told him his recommendations would be given a favourable consideration.

Shah said there will be no compromise on Sindh’s rights and that he would attempt to establish good terms with the federation.

He announced that the cabinet will soon have more new members.

Talking about the issues faced by Sindh he said the province has abundant resources which they will use to cope with future challenges.

But, he said that the government has enough time to right the wrong in the province.

Action will be taken against criminals irrespective of their affiliation with any political party, he said.