By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR: Sindh’s senior minister Nasir Shah said Pakistan was gaining respect and prominence across the world, crediting its diplomatic efforts with helping to ease tensions between major global powers.
Addressing a press conference at the Sukkur Press Club, he said Pakistan’s mediation had averted the risk of a third world war by contributing to the de-escalation of international tensions. He added that the country’s neutral and balanced approach had been recognised globally and had strengthened its standing on the world stage.
Shah attributed this growing recognition to the leadership of Asif Ali Zardari, Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir. He expressed hope that ongoing conflicts would come to an end and prayed for Pakistan’s continued progress in development and energy.
He said the Sindh government was working on development projects across the province, noting that electricity was available and highlighting Thar coal as a major initiative. He acknowledged issues within the NDDC and said efforts were under way to address them, while also warning of an ongoing LNG crisis that could create further challenges.
Referring to past energy plans, he said that President Zardari had signed a gas pipeline agreement with Iran aimed at improving the country’s energy situation. He said that if the project had been implemented, current difficulties would have been less severe, adding that international pressures had prevented it from materialising, though he expressed hope for progress in the future.
The minister said Pakistan’s forces had been confronting Indian proxies for years, during which both soldiers and civilians had lost their lives. He added that terrorism had been largely brought under control due to the policies of Field Marshal Asim Munir.
He said katcha areas had once become “no-go areas”, but Sindh Police and other law enforcement agencies had since cleared them. Following drone strikes, many dacoits had surrendered, he said, adding that operations had also been carried out in Punjab in which several dacoits were killed. He said the government was not appealing to criminals to surrender, and added that action had been taken against those facilitating them.
On jirgas, Shah said tribal leaders had been urged to play their role, warning that decisions made through such forums would be strictly enforced.
He said the Pakistan Peoples Party government was carrying out development work across Sindh, including Karachi. He added that significant work had been done in the city, though some people were unwilling to accept that a party loyalist was serving as mayor.
Criticising what he described as double standards, he said some critics claimed development was taking place across Sindh but not in Karachi, while others portrayed the entire province as underdeveloped. He said it would ultimately be for the public to judge the government’s performance.
On the distribution of pink scooters, Shah said the scheme had been carried out in a fair and careful manner. He urged that men be allowed to ride the scooters temporarily to support newly trained women riders, but warned that any misuse beyond that would lead to legal action.
