He stated that large-scale development work has been carried out in Karachi over the past several years, which the opposition may not acknowledge, but the public will certainly feel the impact of these projects.
Speaking during the budget session of the Sindh Assembly, Qaim Ali Shah said that over the past 18 years, historic development projects have been completed in Sindh, and the performance of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the province has been notable.
He added that provinces urgently need a new National Finance Commission (NFC) award, and several departments still under federal control should be transferred to the provinces.
He said that Asif Ali Zardari ensured the implementation of the NFC Award in 2010. He further stated that they would not be intimidated by threats nor come under any pressure.
On the other hand, Leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly, Ali Khurshidi, strongly criticized the provincial government, saying that nothing happens in Sindh without corruption and that some government officials consider commissions their right.
Ali Khurshidi said that the budget being termed successful by the government will actually push the people of Sindh further into financial difficulties.
He stated that if the Pakistan Peoples Party makes its federal officeholders—including the President, Chairman Senate, and Deputy Speaker National Assembly—resign, then MQM-P’s federal ministers would also be ready to resign.
He demanded a 20% increase in the salaries of lower-grade government employees and parity of Sindh Police salaries with those of Punjab Police. He also called for the immediate resolution of pension issues faced by retired employees of various departments.
The opposition leader further said that the people of the province want to know how the Gul Plaza tragedy occurred, and therefore the commission report on the incident should be made public.
