KARACHI: Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Advisor to Sindh CM on Information Wednesday said that Pakistan Peoples’ Party is going to talk with the representatives of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) on census and gas distribution issues.

Speaking at an inaugural ceremony of nine new roads at Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industry (FBATI), Murtaza said that MQM and GDA would be approached on census and gas distribution issues. Apparently a belligerent move to convince government allies to step down and join them for much anticipated ‘vote of no confidence’ movement against the incumbent government.

He said that the move not to resign from the parliament was aimed at averting the conspiracy against the 18th constitutional amendment and NFC.

Commenting on anti encroachment drive in Karachi, he said that PPP had a clear stance on anti encroachment drive that no residential settlement should be removed without alternate option and they had no reservation on the removal of commercial encroachment. He said that CM Sindh had informed the Supreme Court that commencement of anti encroachment drive in the city came in the purview of DMCs but not in the Sindh government.

He said that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in his letter spoke about the Constitution of Pakistan and told the facts to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Federal government.

Advisor to CM on information said that out of total gas production of 2400 to 2500 MMCFD gas, the Sindh got only 700 to 800 MMCFD gas against the demand of 1400 to 1500 MMCFD gas and added that industrial zones in Sindh were now facing gas load shedding, despite accepting to procure expensive RLNG.

Furthermore, he said that under the Article 158 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the first right to use natural resources belonged to the province where these resources were produced and added that constitutional right must also be protected.

Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that Sindh government was keen to resolve industry issues and showed his consentience to constitute liaison committees to address law and environmental related issues and announced to convene monthly meeting at his office in order to find sustainable solution.

Earlier, Babar Khan, CEO FITE gave an electronic presentation on the infrastructure development work, which was carried out through a grant of Rs. 380 million given by the Sindh government.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020