Opposition and Treasury benches exchange harsh barbs as sixth day debate continues in heated atmosphere
KARACHI:
The Sindh Assembly on Saturday continued its sixth day of general debate on the provincial budget for the next fiscal year, with senior parliamentarians from both the government and opposition engaging in intense and often heated discussion.
The provincial cabinet members defended the government’s performance, stating that record development projects have been completed under the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government.
Opposition members, however, rejected these claims, arguing that public difficulties had increased during the 18 years of PPP rule. They urged the government to abandon confrontation and adopt a culture of dialogue for the benefit of the province.
Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said the government was continuing with its development agenda and hoped for greater electoral support in the upcoming elections. He said hundreds of projects had been completed, with improvements to parks, roads and urban amenities.
He said the solid waste management system had improved, with 15,000 tonnes of rubbish lifted daily, adding that carbon credit benefits were expected from ongoing reforms.
Meanwhile, opposition members sharply criticized the provincial government, rejecting claims of record development and arguing that public hardships have increased over the past 18 years of PPP rule.
Speaking on the floor of the House, opposition lawmakers said the government’s progress narrative did not reflect the realities on the ground and urged the treasury benches to move away from confrontation and adopt a policy of dialogue in the broader interest of the province.
Opposition members said repeated claims of improvements in education, health and infrastructure were not backed by results visible to ordinary citizens. They called for greater transparency in development spending and urged the government to focus on measurable improvements in public services.
The Sindh Assembly session was subsequently adjourned till 10 am on Sunday.
