KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali in press conference announced Rs 22.5 billion package for Ramadhan, approved Rs 5.3 billion for Safe City Project, reviewed policy decisions taken by caretaker government and pledged to form Provincial Finance Commission within month.

Press conference was held at CM. He was flanked by Mayor of Karachi Murtaza Wahab and Mayor of Hyderabad Kashif Shoro. Chief Minister announcing package said that last year, government provided grant of Rs 2,000 cash per family and this year, during holy month, eligible families would receive grant of Rs 5,000 cash per family. Grant would be given to 4,413,584 families, which constituted 60 percent of province's population, he said and added amount being distributed was Rs 22.5 billion.

He said that simultaneously, an anti-hoarding operation had been launched which was being monitored by him. "Operation is in progress in which district administration, police and agriculture dept officers are participating," he said.

To question, he said that Punjab government was not giving cash but they had decided to distribute ration bags (atta, ghee, sugar, basen, etc) and each bag cost Rs 3,425. Replying to question, he said that social protection packages for deserving families were being announced by governments all over world.

He expressed dissatisfaction over state of law and order. "I am not satisfied with law-and-order situation in city and even in rural areas, particularly riverine belt," he said and added that he has decided to make major reshuffle in police department.

To another question, he said that his government would approach Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for constitution of National Finance Commission.  Replying to question, CM said that most of MQM demands have already been accommodated in Local Government system of province.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 09 2024

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