Sindh Cabinet approves increase in conveyance allowance

Karachi: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced that the Sindh Cabinet has approved an increase in the conveyance allowance for provincial government employees. The revised allowance will apply to employees in Grades 1 to 16, providing financial relief in light of rising transportation costs.

Addressing a press conference following the Sindh Cabinet meeting, Memon said the cabinet had taken several important decisions covering governance, public welfare, economic development, and disaster preparedness. He stated that the meeting approved a six-month extension of the health insurance program for employees working at the Governor House and Chief Minister House to ensure continued access to medical facilities.

The provincial minister further announced the establishment of multiple task forces to strengthen governance in key sectors. According to him, specialized task forces have been formed to focus on the economy, investment, finance, and water resources. In addition, the cabinet approved the creation of dedicated task forces on climate change and artificial intelligence to address emerging challenges and explore opportunities for technological and environmental development in the province.

Memon also revealed that the Sindh Cabinet has approved a strict crackdown against the production, sale, and distribution of gutka and mainpuri, both of which are widely consumed forms of smokeless tobacco. He said the Department of Narcotics Control would be responsible for taking legal action against those involved in the illegal trade of these products. He added that the provincial government is also working on new legislation to further strengthen enforcement and curb the menace of hazardous tobacco products.

Speaking about the agriculture sector, Memon emphasized that the Sindh government does not want farmers to suffer losses. He claimed that existing laws prohibit restrictions on the transportation of wheat, but alleged that Punjab has blocked the movement of wheat by sealing border points. He condemned the restrictions, arguing that they were negatively affecting the free movement of agricultural produce. He further stated that this year’s wheat harvest had been exceptionally good but acknowledged that some individuals in Sindh had engaged in wheat hoarding.

To stabilize wheat supplies and discourage hoarding, Memon announced that the Sindh government plans to import 500,000 metric tons of wheat. He added that the province would also purchase wheat from the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO). According to him, these measures would ensure sufficient wheat availability in the market while causing significant financial losses to those involved in hoarding.

The minister also announced plans to establish a 400-acre truck terminal on Karachi’s Northern Bypass. He said the project would improve transport infrastructure, facilitate logistics operations, and help reduce traffic congestion within the city.

Highlighting preparations for the ongoing monsoon season, Memon said that all relevant provincial departments and emergency response agencies had been placed on high alert. Referring to recent heavy rains across the country, he expressed concern over the loss of lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, claiming that these incidents had not received adequate attention in sections of the media.

He stated that both urban and rural areas of Punjab had been severely affected by heavy rainfall and that widespread destruction had occurred across the country due to the ongoing monsoon. According to Memon, 17 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Punjab, while 20 people were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Commenting on the ongoing elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Memon alleged that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was violating the election code of conduct during the electoral process. He urged all political parties to respect democratic principles and ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.