Lawmakers extend greetings to the Christian community as the House adopts Christmas resolution
Lawmakers take oath during the inaugural session of Sindh Assembly. Photo: Express
The Sindh Assembly during its session on Monday passed the amended Thar Coal Energy Board Bill, while also unanimously adopting a congratulatory resolution to mark the upcoming Christian festival – Christmas.
The resolution, moved by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MPA Roma Mushtaq Mato, was supported by both treasury and opposition members, who extended warm wishes to the Christian community. Special Assistant on Minority Affairs Sham Advani said Christmas symbolises love and peace and teaches religious tolerance.
MQM’s Sabir Qaimkhani said Islam is a religion of love and noted that his party was the first to appoint Christians at the ministerial level. PTI’s Shabbir Qureshi and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Muhammad Farooq also conveyed greetings, stressing interfaith harmony.
Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho shared that she studied at a Christian school and was delivered by a Christian midwife, saying her presence was a testament to their services. Law Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said the PPP leadership has always safeguarded minority rights, adding that the Constitution, framed under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, guarantees full religious freedom. Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed termed Sindh a land of Sufis where minorities enjoy complete freedom. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Earlier, the House approved amendments to the Thar Coal Energy Board Act, originally enacted in 2011, with the law minister stating that certain clauses had been revised to meet present requirements.
During Question Hour related to the Local Government Department, Parliamentary Secretary Siraj Qasim Soomro responded to members’ queries in the absence of the minister.
Opposition members raised concerns over the lack of public toilets at public parks. Soomro informed the House that toilets would be constructed in all public parks and dedicated sanitation staff would be deployed. He said the Clean Sindh Project, supported by the World Bank, is underway across the province, including Karachi.
Addressing water shortages, Soomro said Karachi does not receive water as per its demand and acknowledged the existence of FIRs related to water theft. He added that the Sindh High Court has established a tribunal to hear water theft cases and that amendments are being introduced to impose stricter penalties.
He said the K-IV water project would be completed within a year, while proposals are also under consideration to store rainwater in collaboration with the Sindh Building Control Authority. Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi highlighted staff shortages in the fire brigade, questioning government responsibility for fire-related casualties. Soomro said, Rescue 1122 has been strengthened, staff increased, and firefighter training facilities exist in Gadap.
Several calling attention notices were also discussed. MQM’s Qurratul Ain raised concerns over rising drug use, particularly in educational institutions. Excise and Narcotics Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla said, anti-narcotics operations are ongoing and special committees involving parents, teachers, and police have been formed.
MPA Muhammad Awais drew attention to water supply issues in Shah Faisal Colony, while assurances were given that related schemes would be completed within the stipulated timelines. Other members raised issues related to Karachi’s master plan, an alleged child abduction in Lyari, and public transport registration concerns. The session was later adjourned.
