Says Pakistan to request China to include KCR in CPEC; Holds talks with MQM-P leaders; Lays floral wreath at Quaid’s Mazar
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday and discussed political, economic and other issues of importance besides matters relating to the overall law and order situation and administration of the province .
The spokesperson of the Chief Minister House told media that the Prime Minister directed the Chief Minister to make all out efforts for the welfare of the people and for the safety of their lives and properties.
The Chief Minister congratulated the Prime Minister for assuming the office of the Prime Minister and assured him that Sindh Government will work closely with the Federal Government for the welfare of the people of the province. The meeting was also attended by Members of National Assembly Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Maryam Aurangzeb, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Maulana Asad Mehmood and Ahsan Iqbal besides other officials. Speaking to journalists, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan would request China to include Karachi Circular Railway in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects. Shehbaz mentioned that earlier Chinese authorities had shown interest in KCR; however, due to political changes, things weren’t finalised. He said he got a detailed briefing from the provincial chief executive about development projects in Sindh.
Terming Karachi’s drinking water issue, the “biggest challenge”, the premier said that he has requested the Chief Minister and other relevant authorities to complete the programme under which half capacity requirement will be fulfilled by 2024 directing him to ensure that full capacity requirement is met. Highlighting Orange Line, and Green Line projects, Shehbaz said he has asked Murad Shah to bring air-conditioned buses to Karachi. “I have suggested Murad to bring thousands of air-conditioned buses in a transparent manner while pre-qualifying transporters followed by a bidding,” he said, adding that transporters will then be allowed to take a loan from banks at minimal interest rates.
He also acknowledged the Sindh government and the chief minister for their warm hospitality. The PM was also presented with ajrak by the Chief Minister.
Prime Minister Shehbaz was received by the Chief Minister and other leaders. PPP’s Manzoor Wassan, Nasir Hussain Shah, Mir Shabbir Bijarani, Mukesh Kumar, Gayan Chand Israni, Zia Shah, Fayaz Ali Butt, Awais Qadir Shah, Shehla Raza, Ismail Rahoo, Jam Khan Shoro, Murtaza Wahab were also present on the occasion.
The prime minister thereafter visited the MQM-P’s Bahadurabad headquarters and met senior party officials.
The MQM-P leadership congratulated the premier on his successful election and pledged to work with the federal government to ensure the welfare of the people and Sindh’s development, with a particular emphasis on Karachi.
The prime minister in turn appreciated the commitment of all allied parties to the welfare of the people. He also called for the timely completion of important development projects, including the Karachi Circular Railway and K-4 water project and announced a new university for the city.
The PM’s special flight landed at the PAF Faisal Air Base. He was accompanied by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Miftah Ismail, MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, JUI-F’s Maulana Asad Mehmood and others.
Soon after his arrival, the premier along with the leaders of allied parties paid his respects at the mausoleum of the Quaid-e-Azam. He also laid floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered Fateha. The purpose of the visit to the mausoleum is to reaffirm adherence to the principles laid down by the nation’s founder regarding the country’s progress and prosperity.
