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Sindh Government Strengthens Anti-Extremism Efforts and Fiscal Management, Says CM Murad Ali Shah
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah outlines plans to combat extremism, enhance police, and improve fiscal management, focusing on safety and flood recovery.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-01
Sindh Government Strengthens Anti-Extremism Efforts and Fiscal Management, Says CM Murad Ali Shah

In a significant address to the National Security and War Course 2024-25 participants at the Chief Minister's House, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah detailed his government's ongoing initiatives to combat extremism and terrorism, emphasizing intelligence sharing and coordinated operations with law enforcement agencies. The event was attended by 240 officers, including armed forces personnel and civil servants from 24 friendly nations, led by Chief Instructor Major General Mohammad Akhtar.

 

CM Murad highlighted the importance of community engagement and outreach programs aimed at preventing radicalization while promoting peace and harmony. He stated, “The Sindh government has implemented various initiatives to strengthen the police force, including training programs and infrastructure development.” This includes enhancements to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and the special branch of the police, along with the launch of the Karachi Safe City Project.

 

Further outlining technological advancements, the Chief Minister introduced the Sindh Smart Surveillance System (S4), which plans to install automatic number plate recognition and facial recognition cameras at 40 toll plazas throughout the province. He emphasized the increase in investigation budgets, allocating Rs4.8 billion directly to police stations, along with health insurance for officers amounting to Rs4.961 billion.

 

The Chief Minister also announced a significant increase in the Shaheed Package, which provides compensation to the families of martyrs, raising the amount from Rs10 million to Rs23 million. This package includes salaries until retirement and job opportunities for the families of those who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

 

CM Murad reiterated the government's commitment to addressing challenges in the Katcha area, focusing on infrastructure development and social services. He stated, “Resources have been allocated for modern technology acquisition, including drones, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), and 12.7 guns, to effectively tackle issues in the region.” Additionally, efforts to construct roads and bridges to improve mobility for effective policing are underway.

 

Fiscal Changes and Economic Challenges

Discussing Sindh's fiscal position for 2024-25, CM Murad announced a total budget outlay of Rs3.056 trillion, which encompasses Rs1.912 trillion for current revenue, Rs959 billion for development projects, and Rs184.8 billion for capital expenditure. Despite these allocations, the province is facing a Rs139 billion shortfall in Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) transfers and a Rs35.9 billion provincial revenue shortfall in the first two months of the fiscal year.

 

The Chief Minister underscored the necessity for improved financial management, stating, “Essential monthly expenditures total Rs143 billion, including salaries and pensions.” He emphasized the ongoing prioritization of infrastructure, social protection, and public services, with Foreign Project Assistance (FPA) playing a crucial role in funding recovery efforts.

 

Recovery from 2022 Floods

Reflecting on the devastating 2022 floods that affected 70% of the province and left 12 million people homeless, CM Murad noted the government's swift response and assessment of losses amounting to $20 billion. He mentioned the presentation of an $11.6 billion recovery plan at the Climate Resilient Pakistan Conference in Geneva, underscoring the government's commitment to long-term recovery and development.

 

In the 2024-25 budget, Sindh has allocated Rs959 billion for development, focusing on infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture. The Chief Minister praised the progress made through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), highlighting that Sindh’s PPP Unit is ranked 6th in Asia.

 

CM Murad further discussed the Sindh Peoples Housing for Flood Affectees program, which aims to facilitate housing reconstruction for 360,000 individuals, providing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and solar power facilities, underscoring the province's resilience.

 

During a question-and-answer session, CM Murad addressed local body funding, revealing an increase from Rs82 billion in 2022-23 to Rs267 billion, aimed at strengthening local governance. He reaffirmed Sindh's status as the only province to hold local body elections and transfer powers to elected representatives.

 

In response to questions about the controversial Kalabagh Dam project, the Chief Minister expressed concerns about the potential agricultural losses resulting from insufficient water availability in the system.

 
Tagged:

SindhGovernment

CounterTerrorism

PublicSafety

FiscalManagement

CMMuradAliShah
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