PM assures full support for Sindh projects amid Karachi political tensions

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday assured the Sindh government of complete federal cooperation for the timely completion of development projects in the province.

The meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took place against the backdrop of growing tensions between federal coalition partners Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) and the Pakistan Peoples 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 chief minister briefed the premier in detail on the progress of ongoing development initiatives in Sindh.

The prime minister said the federal government would extend all possible support to ensure the early completion of projects in the province and directed relevant ministries to maintain close coordination with the provincial government to accelerate public welfare initiatives.

Read: Sharjeel Memon accuses Governor’s House, federal ministers of conspiring against Sindh govt

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

Appreciating Sindh’s leadership as a key partner in the coalition setup, the premier said strong coordination between the federation and provinces would strengthen the democratic system and help address public issues effectively. Matters relating to Sindh’s political situation and other issues of mutual interest also came under discussion.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar and Ahsan Iqbal, and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah were also present at the meeting.

The development comes amid heightened political friction in Karachi after the Gul Plaza tragedy, which claimed more than 80 lives and triggered criticism of the PPP over governance and infrastructure issues in the city, which it has governed for nearly two decades.

The PPP and MQM-P, both coalition partners at the centre, have come face to face over the city’s administrative status. MQM-P leader and Health Minister Mustafa Kamal called on the federal government to declare Karachi a federal territory by designating it the country’s “financial capital”.

Political tensions further escalated after wall chalking appeared in several neighbourhoods 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’s resolution rejecting the creation of a new province, terming it against the Constitution and a threat to national unity.

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

The issue intensified further today as Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon accused the Governor’s House and certain federal ministers of conspiring against the provincial government and called on the PPP leadership to seek answers from the federal government.