Karachi: During a solemn event, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah commented on the government’s decisive actions following the incident involving Dr. Shahnawaz Kanbhar, underscoring the Pakistan Peoples Party’s unparalleled commitment to justice. The Chief Minister spoke to the media after laying a wreath to honor the memory of the tragedy, accompanied by several provincial ministers and MPs.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, the provincial government acted transparently and promptly by publicizing the initial report on Dr. Shahnawaz’s incident, ensuring public awareness of the facts. He highlighted the government’s adherence to its manifesto, emphasizing that nothing should remain hidden from the public eye. Murad Ali Shah remarked on the accountability measures taken, including the inclusion of senior police officers’ names in the FIR and their subsequent removal and investigation, though he noted that these steps had not been universally appreciated.

The imposition of Section 144 on the day of the tolerance march, which coincided with a planned religious group march, was a necessary action to prevent potential conflicts, explained Shah. Despite the government’s request to postpone the march due to safety concerns, the order was violated, leading to unfortunate clashes.

Murad Ali Shah also addressed broader societal issues, affirming Sindh’s heritage as a land of peace and tolerance rooted in Sufi traditions. He condemned any acts of violence as contrary to the teachings of Islam and other religions, stating that legal processes must be upheld without interference.

Reflecting on the historical context, the Chief Minister recalled the tragic events surrounding the return of Ms. Benazir Bhutto from exile 17 years ago, noting the enduring devotion of her supporters despite the deadly attack at her welcome procession. He praised Benazir Bhutto’s dedication to democracy and her visits to injured supporters post-attack, illustrating her leadership and compassion.

In response to questions about unresolved cases, Murad Ali Shah expressed frustration over the lack of evidence to bring the perpetrators of past tragedies to justice, attributing this to mishandling by previous administrations.

As for current political challenges, the Chief Minister mentioned ongoing efforts by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to foster consensus on constitutional amendments, aiming to fortify democratic governance in Pakistan.