Sharjeel Memon warns of action against violent protests

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has warned that the government will take action if protests involve arson, vandalism or attempts to use weapons.

Speaking to the media at the Karachi Press Club, Memon said peaceful protest was a political right, but violence and damage to public or private property could not be allowed. He said the government had a responsibility to protect citizens and maintain law and order. Similar remarks by Memon in recent weeks have focused on preventing violence and disruption during protests.

Memon also highlighted what he described as development achievements of the Sindh government. He said several projects in the province had received international recognition and claimed that Sindh’s performance in public-private partnerships was now among the top 10 globally.

He said the Pakistan Peoples Party government had carried out major work in Sindh over the past 18 years. According to him, healthcare facilities, housing schemes and public-private partnership projects were among the areas where the provincial government had made progress.

The senior minister also spoke about press freedom and the role of journalists. He said the PPP had supported freedom of the press and had taken steps to facilitate journalists. He described journalists and political parties as closely connected in a democratic system and said his party had traditionally accepted criticism.

Memon said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had already briefed stakeholders about the province’s development vision. He added that the Information Department was planning conferences on the Sindh Vision in Sukkur and Tharparkar in November. Journalists from across Pakistan would be invited, while foreign journalists would also be brought in to observe development projects in the province.

He further said a high-level Sindh delegation led by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah would visit China in October to attend an international conference in Shanghai. The delegation would discuss investment opportunities, he said.

Memon stressed the need for industrial projects to strengthen Pakistan’s economy. He noted that the country was being governed by three political parties and said economic growth required greater focus on industrial development and investment.

Discussing Karachi’s infrastructure, Memon said work was still under way on roads alongside University Road. He said steps were being taken to improve traffic flow and complete the remaining development work.

He also said the Sindh government planned to expand public transport services across the province. According to him, new transport facilities were being introduced to provide greater convenience to citizens and improve daily commuting