The cabinet urged the federal government
to initiate the Flood Protection Plan IV
on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis
Staff Reporter
Karachi: In a pivotal four-and-a-half-hour meeting, the Sindh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, rolled out significant measures, including teacher recruitment, amendments to education laws, and the launch of electric buses in Karachi.
Key highlights from the meeting held at CM House included flood protection plans, tax exemptions for critical projects, and progress on industrial development.
Teacher Recruitment and Education Reforms
The Sindh Cabinet prioritized education by approving the recruitment of 195 teachers and creating 700 additional posts under the Teaching License Policy 2023. Sindh remains the first province to implement this policy aimed at enhancing education standards.
Out of 4,000 candidates tested in March 2024 by Sukkur IBA, 646 candidates passed, with 195 fresh candidates qualifying for direct interviews via the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC). The cabinet instructed the finance department to allocate 348 additional posts to accommodate qualified candidates.
Amendments to education board laws were also approved, introducing civil society members to governing boards and streamlining appointment processes for chairpersons.
Electric Buses for Karachi on Rent-to-Own Model
The cabinet greenlit the deployment of 100 electric buses in Karachi under a rent-to-own model. The project, part of a broader plan to introduce 8,000 electric buses, aims to improve urban transport while promoting sustainability.
Key details:
- Phase 1: 500 buses, including 50 operational buses, already serving four major routes.
- Phase 3: Development of a 1 GW solar plant and advanced charging infrastructure.
An Rs. 1.65 billion annual budget was approved for operational expenses, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Flood Protection Plan IV
The Sindh government urged the federal authorities to support the Flood Protection Plan IV on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis. With a total estimated cost of Rs. 824.5 billion, Sindh emphasized the need for federal financing for critical flood management projects.
Transgender Education Policy Development
The cabinet took a progressive step by directing the development of a Transgender Education Policy (STEP). The Chief Minister highlighted that only 34.16% of transgender individuals in Sindh are literate, necessitating free and compulsory education under Article 25-A of the Constitution.
Tax Exemption for K-IV Project
To expedite the K-IV water supply project, the cabinet approved a tax exemption for WAPDA’s procurement and construction activities, retroactive from 2021.
Industrial Growth Through Dhabeji SEZ and NET Enertech Park
Progress on the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ) under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was discussed, with the sales launch expected by March 2025. An MoU with Power China International was approved to attract Chinese investment.
The cabinet also approved an expansion of the NET Enertech Science & Technology Park project, allocating an additional 3 acres and PKR 1.7 billion.
Infrastructure Development and Budget Approvals
- A Rs. 75 billion joint venture for railway tracks connecting Thar Coal to Karachi was approved.
- The Hyderabad Development Authority (HDA) received Rs. 500 million for pension and salary payments.
- The 2024-25 budget for human settlement and spatial development departments was finalized.
Conclusion
The Sindh Cabinet’s decisions reflect a commitment to sustainable development, education, and transport reforms. With projects like electric buses, a transgender education policy, and CPEC-driven industrial growth, the provincial government aims to foster progress and inclusivity across Sindh.
Tags: Sindh Cabinet, Karachi News, Education Reforms, Electric Buses Karachi, Transgender Rights Pakistan, Dhabeji SEZ, CPEC Updates.
