Sindh Cabinet Approves Rs8.53bn for Karachi Roads, Rs7bn Compensation for Gul Plaza Fire Victims
Karachi: The Sindh Cabinet has approved Rs8.53 billion for the rehabilitation of roads in Karachi and Rs7 billion in compensation for victims of the Gul Plaza fire incident.
The recommendations of the finance committee were presented by Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah and subsequently approved by the cabinet.
The cabinet also allocated Rs1.57 billion for the preservation of a historic building on I.I. Chundrigar Road. Additionally, a grant of Rs5.20 billion was approved for the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, while Rs560 million will be provided to the Sindh Police for operations in riverine (kacha) areas.
Under the Peoples IT Program Phase-II, Rs900 million was approved for IT initiatives and youth training. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah stated that employment opportunities and IT training are key to the province’s future.
Women Agriculture Workers Rules 2026 Discussed
The cabinet also deliberated on the Women Agriculture Workers Rules 2026, aimed at protecting the rights of women working in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. Officials informed the meeting that the rules would ensure equal wages, fixed working hours, and maternity benefits.
The chief minister said women would be guaranteed access to healthcare and child nutrition services, written contracts, the right to association, and protection from harassment. The rules also provide for the establishment of the Benazir Women Agriculture Worker Card and the Benazir Women Support Program. Violations will be prosecuted in labor courts.
A committee headed by the ministers for agriculture and labor has been formed to review the rules and present recommendations. The chief minister reiterated that safeguarding women’s rights remains the government’s top priority.
UC Chairman Removed in Sukkur
The Sindh Cabinet approved the removal of Shafqatullah Bhutto, Chairman of Union Council 16 Baiji Sharif in Sukkur, after an inquiry found serious allegations of corruption and maladministration to be proven.
Officials said the chairman failed to approve the UC budget and withheld salaries and pensions. The inquiry was initiated following a complaint by Vice Chairman Ali Asghar Kalhoro.
Under the Sindh Local Government Act 2013, the matter will be referred to the Election Commission for fresh elections. In the interim, the vice chairman has been assigned the chairman’s responsibilities. The chief minister directed that administrative matters and pending salaries and pensions be released immediately.
