Sindh Cabinet approves $1bn ADB-backed urban programme, cuts wheat price
The Sindh cabinet approved a $1 billion urban development programme supported by the Asian Development Bank for five divisional headquarters. It also cut the release price of official wheat to Rs4,500 per 40 kilograms.
- Cabinet approved ex-post facto a programme preparing a $1 billion urban investment plan for five divisional headquarters.
- Wheat release price cut from Rs5,000 to Rs4,500 per 40kg; flour down Rs17 per kg.
- A Traffic Management Authority is planned for Karachi.
The Sindh cabinet has approved a $1 billion urban development programme backed by the Asian Development Bank for five divisional headquarters of the province, according to The Express Tribune and Daily Times. Daily Times reported that the approval was granted ex post facto for a programme that is preparing the investment plan.
Projects on water supply, drainage, sanitation and solid waste management will be prepared under the programme.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the cabinet reduced the release price of government wheat from Rs5,000 to Rs4,500 per 40 kilograms. The cut has already reduced flour prices by Rs17 per kilogram.
The cabinet approved registration of Lady Dufferin Hospital Trust under the Sindh Trust Act 2020. It also approved Draft Rules 2026 for registering and monitoring charitable organisations under the Sindh Charities Registration and Regulation Act 2019.
Additional funds of Rs502.409 million were approved for five development schemes in Jamshoro district. A scheme to improve water supply and drainage in Nawabshah town was also approved; The Express Tribune put its cost at Rs2.993 billion.
A cabinet committee was formed to resolve katchi abadi issues and propose a one-window operation. The government said 75 per cent of the Ghotki-Kandhkot bridge over the Indus, built under the public-private partnership model, has been completed.
On Karachi, the government said a Traffic Management Authority will be established, with legislation to be presented soon, and a smart traffic management system will be introduced. Action will be taken against vehicles with fancy or illegal number plates and those displaying firearms, and owners of vehicles carrying armed guards would be taken into custody with the guard. Encroachments will be removed from city roads.
Memon also said political parties must obtain permission for public gatherings and that none will be granted for Shahrah-e-Faisal. He said: "MQM should listen carefully, permission to hold a public gathering on Shahrah-e-Faisal will not be granted under any circumstances, and MQM will not be allowed to repeat incidents like May 12."
Why it matters for Pakistan
The programme is meant to shape water, drainage, sanitation and waste services in five Sindh cities, while the wheat price cut has already lowered flour prices for consumers.
