PM assures full support for Sindh projects amid political tensions in Karachi

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday assured the Sindh government of full federal cooperation for timely completion of development projects in the province.

The meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took place amid growing tensions between federal coalition partners Muttahida Qaumi Movement – ​​Pakistan (MQM-P) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) over governance and infrastructure issues in Karachi following the Gul Plaza incident in the metropolis.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister in detail about the progress of ongoing development initiatives in Sindh.

The Prime Minister said the federal government would extend all possible support to ensure early completion of projects in the province and directed relevant ministries to maintain close coordination with the provincial government to expedite public welfare initiatives.

Read: Sharjeel Memon accuses Governor House and federal ministers of conspiring against Sindh government

Prime Minister Shehbaz described the PPP as an important ally of the federal government and stressed that national development could be further accelerated through cooperation among the coalition partners. He stressed that harmony and consultation among allied parties were essential to national stability and policy continuity.

Appreciating Sindh’s leadership as a key partner in building the coalition, the Prime Minister said strong coordination between the federation and provinces would strengthen the democratic system and help in effectively resolving public issues. Issues related to the political situation in Sindh and other matters of mutual interest were also discussed.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar and Ahsan Iqbal and Prime Minister’s Advisor Rana Sanaullah were also present in the meeting.

The development comes amid heightened political friction in Karachi after the Gul Plaza tragedy, which claimed more than 80 lives and triggered criticism of the PPP over governance and infrastructure issues in the city, which it has ruled for nearly two decades.

The PPP and MQM-P, both coalition partners at the center, are clashing over the administrative status of the city. MQM-P leader and Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has called on the federal government to declare Karachi a federal territory by designating it as the “financial capital” of the country.

Political tensions further intensified after the appearance of murals in several neighborhoods calling for Karachi to be placed under federal or military control. Last week, the Sindh Assembly passed a resolution declaring that Karachi was and would remain an integral and inseparable part of the province, amid renewed debate over the city’s constitutional status.

In response, the MQM-P condemned the Sindh Assembly resolution rejecting the creation of a new province, calling it unconstitutional and a threat to national unity.

Meanwhile, a meeting at the Governor House drew criticism from Sindhi nationalist leaders, who accused Governor Kamran Tessori of turning the premises into a platform for what they described as ethnic politics.

The issue further intensified today when Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon accused the Governor’s House and some federal ministers of conspiring against the provincial government and called on PPP leaders to seek answers from the federal government.