Sindh Minister for Local Government, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, has said that tenders have been issued for the development works of Karachi Press Club’s residential projects. All development work will be completed under the supervision of the Press Club. The approval for the 80-20 formula in the Malir Development Authority (MDA) has also been granted, while balloting for plots for new Press Club members will be conducted this month.
He said the Sindh government, under the directives of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, is making sincere efforts to resolve all issues faced by journalists. Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, is also taking a personal interest in this matter. The minister expressed these views during his visit to Karachi Press Club, where he met with the office bearers and members of the governing body. President Fazil Jamili, Secretary Sohail Afzal Khan, Treasurer Imran Ayub, Joint Secretary Muhammad Munsif, and governing body members Abdul Hafeez Baloch, Mona Siddiqui, Kafeel Ahmed, Qazi Muhammad Yasir, Muhammad Farooq, and Hammad Hussain welcomed the minister.
During the meeting, matters related to the welfare of journalists, housing schemes, and the Press Club’s development needs were discussed in detail. Talking to the media, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said that, along with major roads, inner city roads of Karachi will also be constructed. “I will continue Saeed Ghani’s development work,” he said, adding that “our goal is not only road construction but also the improvement of the sewerage system.”
He stated that this year, the highest number of development schemes have been completed. Efforts are being made to improve the performance of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, and a task team is being formed for better oversight. The minister said that issues related to water supply and building control are being addressed. Alternative arrangements are being made for residents of dangerous buildings to ensure their safety.
He dismissed claims that newly constructed roads are substandard, saying, “If that were true, even Shahrah-e-Faisal would have crumbled; but whenever such complaints arise, we take immediate action.”
Referring to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s recent remarks, the minister said Bilawal only called for assistance for the distressed people of Punjab, and his words are being misrepresented. “There is nothing wrong in standing with the people,” he said. “The PPP has responded appropriately to unwarranted criticism of its Chairman.”
He invited PML-N leaders Uzma Bukhari and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to visit Sindh and observe the development firsthand, saying, “Politics should not be driven by hostility; such conflicts only harm the federation.”
Syed Nasir Hussain Shah emphasized that the country is finally moving toward stability due to the efforts of the military leadership, Prime Minister, and President Asif Ali Zardari, who played a key role in steering Pakistan out of default.
He added that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz is a respected woman and deserves due regard. “The PPP does not need validation from anyone – it is elected by the people’s votes,” he said confidently, adding that “in 2029, the PPP will achieve victory nationwide, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will become the next Prime Minister.”
Addressing the Press Club officials, the minister said that the Sindh government is fully aware of journalists’ challenges and is taking concrete steps for their welfare. Karachi Press Club, he said, is a historic and representative institution of journalists in the province, which has always played a vital role in promoting democracy, freedom of expression, and public awareness. He stated that the development projects under the Karachi Press Club will benefit not only the current members but also new ones joining the fraternity. “All related files have been submitted to the relevant departments, and approvals are in the final stage,” he added.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting journalists in housing, protection, and professional facilities, ensuring a better future for them and their families.
President Fazil Jamili thanked the minister and appreciated the Sindh government’s approval of welfare schemes for journalists. Secretary Sohail Afzal Khan also expressed gratitude, saying that the minister’s announcement to prioritize journalists’ issues has brought relief and joy to the media community.
At the end of the visit, Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah was presented with Sindh’s traditional Ajrak by the Karachi Press Club as a token of respect.