Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) to sort out “issues” work with the Sindh government after Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah threatened not to collect wealth tax for the FBR, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The prime minister issued the directive while addressing a special meeting in Karachi on Wednesday which was also attended by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and members of the provincial cabinet.
On the request of Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon, the prime minister also announced to give 150 buses from the 300 pool to the province.
Shehbaz Sharif said the visits of the delegations of Saudi Arabia and Iran will not only result in increase of foreign investment in the country, but it will also strengthen our economy.
He said following the visits of Saudi Arabian and Iranian delegations, investors and foreign dignitaries from other countries would also come to Pakistan soon. He stressed the need for collective approach of all the political stakeholders to move forward, while respecting the mandate giving by the people in general elections.
PM Shehbaz assured CM Murad of the federal government’s full support, saying that he was present at the chief minister’s “beck and call”.
Shehbaz stressed the need for collective approach of all the political stakeholders to move forward, while respecting the mandate giving by the people in general elections. He said that working together is the only option for the sake of prosperity of the country and that they will make no compromises on this.
The prime minister declared that "no compromises" will be made in resolving the problems of Sindh, assuring Murad Ali Shah that both province and Centre will work together in the interest of the people.
During the special meeting, Murad shared the province's grievances over a lack of support from Islamabad on various matters, particularly about Sindh not being considered for new development schemes.
“In the last four years, the Federation ignored Sindh in new schemes,” the chief minister said.
Shehbaz Sharif responded “We will work together like brothers, like a team in the interest of the people of Pakistan.”
During the meeting, the chief minister hoped that the problems of Sindh would now be solved on a priority basis following the arrival of the prime minister. “The prime minister has the ability to solve big problems quickly,” said the chief minister.
While briefing the premier about the province’s issues, Murad said in the wake of the havoc caused by the 2022 floods, it was agreed that 70% of the funds for rehabilitation, relief and recovery from damage would be provided by donor agencies, while 30% will be given by the federal and Sindh governments.
After the phase of reconstruction began following the floods, donor agencies gave Rs557.79 billion, said the CM and added added the construction of homes for flood victims was a $500 million project in which Sindh released Rs25 billion, while the federal government did not provide any funds.
Murad also lamented the lack of monetary support for a project regarding the construction of schools. He also spoke about the non-return of funds after direct deductions, while development projects also came under discussion.
Following his briefing, Shehbaz Sharif assured CM Murad about jointly resolving all the problems of the province.
PM-CM meeting
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held one-to-one meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at Chief Minister's House in Karachi. They discussed issues relating to development works in the province.
PM Shehbaz visits Quaid’s mausoleum
Earlier, Shehbaz Sharif landed in Karachi on a day-long visit on Wednesday, during which he will meet leaders of the business community also.
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah welcomed the prime minister at the Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.
Soon after arrival, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Mazar-e-Quaid, offered fateha and laid floral wreath. He also wrote his impressions in the book.
During his visit, the prime minister will hold meetings with the governor and the chief minister in which overall political situation and administrative affairs of the province will be discussed.
Shehbaz Sharif will also meet prominent personalities of the business community and a delegation of Karachi Chamber of Commerce. During these meetings, the premier will take suggestions from the business community regarding the improvement in the country's economy.
The prime minister said he was there to pay tribute to the great Quaid for his great struggle to create a separate homeland and show his respects to him.
Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal, Federal Minister for Professional Training and Education Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui were present on the occasion.
PM vows best opportunities for students
Shehbaz Sharif along with youth paid rich tributes to the founding fathers of Pakistan. He took an oath from the youth who performed prominently at Mazar-e-Quaid to serve Pakistan and play their role in the development of the country.
PM Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to work for the country along with the students and youth to provide them with best opportunities.
He expressed the resolve while visiting the mausoleum of Father of Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi today.
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and students of various institutions were also present on the occasion.
He paid tribute to the great leader of the Sub-Continent for his role in acquiring a separate homeland for the Muslims. He also recited the poetry of Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal along with the youth at Mazar-e-Quaid.
He expressed the hope that youth will follow the words and wisdom of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his golden principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline to go forth and work for the development and prosperity of the country.