Karachi: Sindh Minister for Energy, Development, and Planning, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, addressed concerns about perceived inequities in both development and legislative salaries during a recent press briefing. Shah refuted claims that Karachi has received stepmotherly treatment, asserting that the highest number of development projects in the city occurred during the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) era from 2008 to 2025.
Shah highlighted that Sindh Assembly members receive lower salaries than their counterparts in other provinces, a disparity he attributes to a lack of periodic salary adjustments in Sindh. He revealed that the Chief Minister has agreed to address this by aligning salaries with those of legislators in Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A committee has been tasked with reviewing salary structures in other provinces to make appropriate recommendations.
On development matters, Shah cited infrastructure projects, including underpasses, overhead bridges, and water supply schemes, as evidence of PPP’s commitment to Karachi’s progress. He emphasized that projects worth billions of rupees have been completed across Sindh, even in areas lacking electoral support for the PPP, underscoring the party’s focus on public welfare over political gain.
Shah also noted the challenges posed by rapid urbanization in Karachi, particularly the expansion of informal settlements. He reiterated that the government is constitutionally bound to allow Pakistanis to settle in the city, despite the resulting urban planning difficulties.
Additionally, Shah pointed to initiatives like the Sindh Rural Support Program, which has empowered over 1.2 million women, as part of PPP’s broader public service agenda. He outlined upcoming projects to alleviate traffic congestion in Karachi, including new link roads and loops designed to improve commuting options for residents.
The minister’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about the need for balanced development and equitable compensation for public servants in Sindh.