PM assures full support for Sindh projects amid Karachi political tensions

Chief 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 against the backdrop of rising tensions between federal coalition partners Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and 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 Prime Minister briefed the Prime Minister in detail about the progress of the ongoing development initiatives in Sindh.

The prime minister said the federal government would provide 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’s House and federal ministers of conspiring against Sindh government

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

Appreciating the leadership of Sindh as a key partner in shaping the coalition, the prime minister said strong coordination between the federation and provinces would strengthen the democratic system and help address public issues effectively. Issues related to the political situation of Sindh and other issues of mutual interest were also discussed.

Also present in the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar and Ahsan Iqbal, and Advisor to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah.

The development comes amid heightened political friction in Karachi following the Gul Plaza tragedy, which claimed more than 80 lives and sparked 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 centre, have clashed over the city’s administrative status. MQM-P leader and Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has asked the federal government to declare Karachi a federal territory designating it as the “financial capital” of the country.

Political tensions increased further after chalk appeared on walls 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 contrary to the Constitution and a threat to national unity.

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

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