Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Thursday claimed that Pakistan People’s Party had been serving the masses for the past four decades, adding that recent allegations of corruption were “baseless and ill-intended”.
“Our opponents and critics are levelling baseless allegations of corruption just to discredit our performance and sacrifices,” said Shah during a ‘surprise’ visit to the old city areas of the metropolis, according to a handout by the CM’s office.
During his visit to the District South, the chief minister was accompanied by senior officials of city administration.
Shah said “corruption is not a phenomenon limited to Sindh or Pakistan,” adding that it was a global phenomenon.
“The drum beating of corruption is aimed at defaming and discrediting the elected governments.”
The chief minister termed the masses as better judges of PPP’s performance. “Had we not served them they wouldn’t have voted PPP to power again and again.”
“We are going to establish an Ehtesab Commission of Sindh. It would be made so strong and effective that it would not spare any corrupt element. It is my commitment with the people of Sindh,” the chief minister reiterated.
Replying to a question, Shah said private schools had been asked to reduce their fees, otherwise action would be taken against them accordingly.
“I have respect for educational institutions and their teaching staff. I cannot deny their role in spreading quality education and improving the literacy ratio. But, I have complaint against them since they are turning this prophetic profession into a profit-making business,” he deplored.
This he said while talking to media at Golimar Chowrangi during his visit to District South.
The chief minister paid a surprise visit to the old areas of the city including Pakistan Chowk, Timber Market, Ghasmandi, Ranchhor Lane, Garden, Golimar and Rizvia Chowrangi.
At Ranchhor Lane, the chief minister came out of his vehicle and met residents and heard their grievances.
The people of the area gathered around him and told him about their problems which included cleanliness issues, water shortage and encroachment.
The chief minister expressed displeasure on the issues of cleanliness and directed the DMC South to remove the heaps of garbage from the area, warning of strict action otherwise.
“I would be visiting different areas of the city and will personally monitor the performance of the officers,” he said.
He also directed the provincial police chief to improve traffic management in old areas.
“This problem would be solved if encroachments are removed,” he said, and directed the minister for local government to evolve close coordination between traffic police and local bodies.
Shah inspected the development works such as construction of sewerage system at Golimar and ongoing work on Golimar flyover/underpass.
The chief minister directed authorities to complete the project as soon as possible in the larger interest of the people of Karachi.
Shah was accompanied by Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Shah, Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Siddiqui, Administrator KMC Sajid Abbasi, MD Water Board Misbahuddin and others.
