Latest news with #SharjeelInamMemon
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Recorder
Pakistan International Film Festival opens in Karachi
KARACHI: The opening ceremony of the Pakistan International Film Festival was held at the Karachi Film School, with Sindh's Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, attending as the chief guest. Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed by the President of the Film Festival, Sultana Siddiqui, the organizers, and prominent figures from the media and entertainment industry. Films from several countries, including Pakistan, China, and Germany, will be screened at the festival. On the occasion, an important dialogue on Intellectual Property Rights in the film industry was also organized. Addressing the ceremony, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that, unfortunately, both society and successive governments have consistently overlooked the critical issue of intellectual property rights. He emphasized that existing laws in this regard must be enforced more strictly. He noted that when the copyrights of creative works are not protected, they are easily stolen, which demoralizes artists and creators. Sharjeel Memon said that intellectual property rights should be included in the curriculum to raise awareness among children and youth about the importance of protecting ideas and creative works. He added that the Sindh government began efforts last year to support filmmaking, and filmmakers are being encouraged to promote Pakistan's national narrative across the globe. Sultana Siddiqui said that the youth need to be trained in new technologies and the field of filmmaking so they can fully express their creative talents. She added that the participation of key industry figures in the film society is encouraging, and through films, we can present our national narrative to the world. She also praised the Pakistani media for showing commendable restraint during the recent Pakistan-India tensions. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Good governance: Opposition lawmaker praises Sharjeel
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly's ongoing budget debate for the fiscal year 2025–26 entered its fourth consecutive day on Thursday, showcasing deep a divide between the treasury and opposition benches, while raising concerns over governance, resource allocation, and regional disparities. Despite the significance of the debate, the session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed, was marked by low attendance, suggesting waning interest in the proceedings. In an unusual move of cross-party recognition, an opposition lawmaker praised the Sindh government's Minister, Sharjeel Inam Memon for good governance for their effective leadership, yet called on the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to introduce a new Chief Minister and Finance Minister. The remark underscored the frustration building within opposition ranks over governance issues. The assembly continued with impassioned speeches, but the criticism remained sharp. MQM's Muhammad Rashid Khan praised Pakistan's military leadership, extending national tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir for the unprecedented recognition he received during his recent visit to the United States. He applauded US President Joe Biden's remarks calling the meeting with Munir an 'honor,' which he believed elevated Pakistan's global standing. He also took aim at the leadership of Sindh, questioning why key ministries had been handled by a few, suggesting the assembly had competent individuals who could serve as Chief Minister and Finance Minister. Meanwhile, Rehan Akram of the MQM decried the continued allocation of 90% of development schemes to rural Sindh, asserting that the government's focus was lopsided and failed to address critical urban issues. He also took aim at the Sindh Anti-Corruption Department, accusing it of becoming 'a department of corruption' due to the lack of a functioning minister or secretary. Akram expressed frustration over the ongoing water crisis and deteriorating sewerage systems plaguing his constituency. Muhammad Daniyal of MQM echoed similar sentiments, expressing anger that the party's pre-budget recommendations had been disregarded. He castigated the '18 years of royal rule' under the Chief Minister, pointing to the dilapidated state of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in Karachi. Daniyal sarcastically mocked the city's mayor, who had promised to wash roads with rose water while the city faced a dire drinking water shortage. Representing the Hindu community, Mahesh Kumar Hasija of MQM lamented that the budget had failed to include any significant measures for empowering minorities. He demanded that interest-free loans be provided to them for starting small businesses, emphasizing the need for more targeted support for marginalized communities. Fouzia Hameed, a lady lawmaker from MQM, described the Sindh budget as 'one of destruction,' claiming that it primarily benefitted a few elite families. She called for the reorganization of the entire budget to ensure public resources were spent more equitably and questioned why the Chief Minister had to hold multiple portfolios when there were other capable individuals. In contrast, the PPP side defended the budget with equal fervour. Shahid Thahim, the Sindh Labour Minister, expressed confidence that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would eventually ascend to the position of Prime Minister. He raised concerns over excessive load-shedding in rural Sindh and highlighted ongoing issues in Shahdadpur, including the absence of gas supply despite recent discoveries near the town. Fayaz Ali Butt of PPP praised the Chief Minister for presenting a budget that, in his view, was people-friendly despite the province's challenging financial situation. He pointed to the construction of 2.1 million houses for flood victims as a major achievement. PPP's Giyanoo Mal also praised the party's efforts in protecting minority rights, citing the creation of a dedicated department for minorities and numerous schemes for their welfare. However, he argued that no new initiatives were necessary, given the extensive work already undertaken by PPP. He took a swipe at the Indian government, stating that while he once visited India, he would not do so again due to ongoing tensions. The debate also saw passionate interventions from other PPP members. Jameel Ahmed defended the government's record, asserting that opposition claims of an 'anti-people' budget were exaggerated. He pointed out that taxes had been reduced in the current budget, which he felt was a clear example of the government's pro-people policies. Meanwhile, Khurram Karim Soomro praised Bilawal Bhutto's international advocacy and referenced the recruitment of 74,000 teachers in Sindh's education sector. Women Development Minister Shaheena Sher Ali highlighted her ministry's achievements, including the establishment of Safe Houses and children's play areas across the province. She revealed that Women Complexes in Sukkur and Karachi would be completed by the year's end, and small loans would be provided to women entrepreneurs. She also took a swipe at MQM, accusing them of being politically 'conditioned' to admire the Punjab Chief Minister. The day's heated exchanges culminated in a request from Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon, who called for the removal of certain inappropriate remarks from the Assembly record, including mentions of drugs and the former Prime Minister. Deputy Speaker Naveed complied with the request. As the debate continued, PPP MPA Ghulam Qadir Chandio stressed the importance of thoughtful discourse on sensitive issues such as the potential division of Sindh and controversial canal projects on the Indus River. He emphasized the need for sensitivity when discussing such matters. The session concluded with the promise of further discussions on Friday at 10 a.m., as lawmakers from both sides are expected to continue pressing their points and raising the issues that matter most to their constituencies. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt allocates budget for EV taxis, scooters in FY26
The Sindh government has decided to allocate a significant budget in the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 for the procurement of additional buses and promotion of electric vehicles, including EV taxis and scooters. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of the Sindh Transport and Mass Transit Department held in Karachi, chaired by Sindh Senior Minister and Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon. The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, MD Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kamal Dayo, CEO TransKarachi Fawad Ghaffar Soomro, and other senior officials. A comprehensive review of ongoing and proposed projects, including the Peoples Bus Service and EV scooters initiative, was presented during the meeting. Sindh govt steps up efforts aimed at launching EV taxi service next month Discussions also focused on the development of charging infrastructure for EVs at multiple locations across the province. Minister Memon was briefed on the progress of projects undertaken during FY2024-25 and held in-depth discussions on the proposed initiatives for FY2025-26. The Sindh Mass Transit Authority also informed the minister about potential partnerships under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for launching new bus services. The forum was further informed that the critical segment of the Yellow Line BRT, including the Jam Sadiq Bridge, has been completed and may be inaugurated later this month. Memon instructed concerned authorities to expedite work on the Red Line BRT to ensure its timely completion. Speaking on the occasion, the senior minister said the Sindh government is committed to developing an environmentally sustainable and modern public transport system. 'We are striving to provide affordable and eco-friendly transport options to the public,' he said. He added that more buses are expected to arrive in Karachi soon, and the city will also see the introduction of double-decker buses. 'We've already launched successful initiatives like EV buses and the Peoples Bus Service in Karachi, and we are working to expand this network across the entire province,' he noted. Memon emphasized that the government aims to ensure modern transport services for citizens throughout Sindh. 'Our projects are aimed at streamlining traffic and modernizing the transport system on contemporary lines,' he concluded.
Express Tribune
11-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Hyd-Sukkur Motorwaya must for Pakistan's trade: Sharjeel
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has stressed that the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway is not just vital for Sindh but holds strategic importance for Pakistan's overall trade and connectivity. He pointed out that the Karachi Port is the central hub for the country's imports and exports, and there is no more suitable route than the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway to facilitate this movement. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Memon emphasised that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has repeatedly reminded the federal government of the urgency of this project, even sending official letters. "Recently, federal ministers gave assurances that funds for the project would be included in the upcoming budget," he said. However, Memon clarified that the construction of the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway is the responsibility of the federal government, not the Sindh government. "We were told that this project would start soon and be completed quickly. But with the amount that has been allocated, the project cannot begin promptly, nor can it be completed on time," he added. Calling the allocation mere "token money," Memon said the budgeted amount is wholly inadequate for a project of such scale. "Large infrastructure projects of this nature require full funding, not symbolic allocations," he said. "These are typically multi-year projects, requiring at least 30-40% of the total budget in the first year-just like other national projects receive." He criticised the federal government for allocating only Rs15 billion, saying it reflects neither fairness to the project nor seriousness about national development. "This allocation does not serve the interests of Pakistan," he asserted. Sharjeel Memon also expressed serious reservations over the budgetary allocations for the K-IV water supply project, stating that the funds earmarked were highly insufficient.
Express Tribune
10-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Sharjeel Memon criticises budget for sidelining Sindh, Karachi's development
Listen to article The Sindh government has expressed strong reservations over what it calls the federal government's neglect of key development projects in the province, particularly the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway, in the newly announced Rs17.6 trillion federal budget for fiscal year 2025-26. Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway is not just critical for Sindh but for the entire country due to its central role in national trade routes. 'Karachi Port handles imports and exports for all of Pakistan. There is no viable alternative route to this motorway,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. Memon, who also serves as the provincial minister for Information, noted that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had repeatedly reminded the federal government of the project's importance and had even issued formal letters. He said federal ministers had recently assured the provincial government that funds would be allocated in the budget. However, Memon criticised the allocation as insufficient. 'The construction of the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway is the responsibility of the federal government, not the Sindh government,' he said. 'We were told the road would start soon and be completed quickly, but with the token amount allocated, this project can neither start promptly nor finish on time.' Calling the funding 'token money,' Memon said such large-scale projects require substantial and sustained financing over two to three years. He argued that at least 30 to 40 per cent of the total cost should have been allocated, as is the case with other national projects. 'By allocating just Rs15 billion, neither justice has been done to the project nor have national interests been considered,' he said. He also raised concerns about the underfunding of the K-IV water supply project, describing the allocations for both initiatives as 'highly inadequate.' The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), he said, is taking these budgetary decisions seriously and plans to review the budget in detail. Memon noted that the PPP had submitted formal proposals to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and urged the federal government to cut unnecessary expenditures. 'When income does not increase, it becomes essential to control spending,' he said. 'The budget targets set last time were not met. The FBR failed to meet its revenue goals.' He warned that unless the government adopts a smarter approach to expenditure and reins in financial mismanagement, the economic system would remain under pressure, and the fiscal policy would not be sustainable.
