Speaking to the media on Wednesday after inaugurating the Centre of Excellence for Disability Inclusion (CEDI) in Koarngi, the CM recalled that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had called for the declaration of an agricultural emergency in response to the extensive flood damage. “The farmers have suffered enormous losses due to the floods, and a solution must be devised. I am grateful to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for declaring an agricultural emergency and establishing a committee,” he said.
Shah mentioned that the Sindh government had already drafted a relief package following the directives of the PPP chairman to support the farming community. “We will assist our farmers in every possible manner,” he assured, while also endorsing the federal government’s decision to seek aid from the United Nations.
Regarding the flood situation, the CM said Sindh had taken prompt precautionary measures. “The flood peak at the Guddu Barrage has begun to recede, although the Sukkur Barrage is still experiencing high flows which are expected to decrease soon. The KK Bund, Shank Bund and Torhi Bund remain safe,” he explained, adding that the Kotri Barrage would receive peak flows in the next seven to 10 days, and teams were already deployed downstream to manage the situation.
Acknowledging the collective response to the flood emergency, he said, “We had anticipated inflows of 0.8 to 1.1 million cusecs, but by the grace of Almighty Allah, everything is so far under control. I am grateful to all departments, individuals, and the media for playing their role.”
Responding to questions, the CM said the police operation against dacoits in the Katcha areas had commenced well before the floods. “A comprehensive meeting was held a month ago, followed by a review yesterday, and another session will take place next week. We are working steadily towards our targets,” he said.
On financial matters, Shah explained that the National Finance Commission (NFC) was established under the Article 160 of the Constitution and it comprised the federal finance minister and finance ministers of all the four provinces. He noted that agricultural taxation would need to be reviewed and stated: “We cannot abolish taxes on farmers entirely, but we will ensure that our revenue targets are met.”
The CM warned that without a fully fledged agricultural emergency, the country could face a wheat shortage after December and January. “Last year, because farmers were denied fair prices, wheat output dropped by 20 per cent. If this trend continues, the crisis will deepen. Bilawal Bhutto’s demand for an agricultural emergency is in the interest of the entire nation, not just farmers,” he stressed.
He also highlighted governance challenges in Karachi, where multiple authorities, including the towns, industrial areas, cantonments, Karachi Port Trust and Civil Aviation Authority, operated separately. “Despite this fragmentation, the responsibility lies with us, the government, and we will resolve the city’s problems,” he said.
Disability Inclusion
Earlier, the CM inaugurated the CEDI in Korangi launched by the provincial government’s Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) in partnership with NOWPDP and in collaboration with leading national and multinational companies. He described the centre as the country’s largest and most innovative facility of its kind.
“This centre is a landmark step for empowering differently-abled persons. It will provide vocational training, economic independence, and dignified employment opportunities,” he said. Spread over 34,000 square feet, the facility includes a wheelchair manufacturing unit, IT and textile training labs, industrial stitching rooms, packaging workshops, culinary and beautician programmes, as well as rehabilitation services for neurodiverse individuals.
Touring the centre, the CM interacted with trainees, including children with hearing and visual impairments engaged in IT and creative work, women learning beauty skills, and youth being trained in cooking and textile manufacturing. “I was delighted to see their talent. These children and young people will make Pakistan proud,” he remarked.
The CM said the Sindh government would continue to invest in the public welfare and inclusion. “This is only the beginning. Together, we will build a brighter future for the coming generations,” he pledged, appreciating the efforts of the DEPD and NOWPDP in establishing the facility.
During his visit, differently-abled persons requested the CM to facilitate acquisition of driving licences for those who had learnt how to operate rickshaws. On the spot, Shah summoned Driving Licence Branch DIG Younus Chandio and directed him to conduct professional driving tests at the centre and issue licences to those who qualified.
The CM personally took a short rickshaw ride with one of the drivers. “They are good drivers. Complete the formalities and issue them licences,” he said to the DIG. Shah concluded by reaffirming his government’s dual focus, which was restoring peace and security across Sindh and ensuring inclusive development where no community was left behind. “We will support our farmers in every possible way,” he said as he endorsed the federal government’s decision to seek assistance from the United Nations.
Published in The News on September 18, 2025.