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Former Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for not devolving powers to the local level despite the 18th Amendment, claiming the Chief Minister controls all resources while Karachi faces severe neglect and corruption. He accused the PPP of rejecting the 26th Amendment, which would empower local bodies, due to personal political and financial interests, not a principled stand against new provinces. Kamal emphasized that the slogan "We will die, but not give up Sindh" is the voice of the Sindhi people, not just political parties, reflecting public frustration over Karachi's deteriorating infrastructure and lack of basic services. Former finance minister Miftah Ismail attributed the debate over new provinces to the PPP's poor, incompetent, and corrupt governance in Sindh, highlighting Karachi's disproportionate share of resources despite its large population. Speakers advocated for empowered local government systems, suggesting that every division in the country should become an administrative unit responsible for local services.
In Karachi, Pakistan, a detailed report has been released indicating a devastating toll from traffic accidents in the current year, 2026. Over the initial 235 days, 603 people have died and 7,467 have been injured in various road incidents. Heavy vehicles, including water tankers, trailers, and dumpers, were responsible for 184 fatalities during this period. Specifically, trailers caused 84 deaths, water tankers 46, buses 24, Mazda vehicles 18, and dumpers 12. The overall fatalities include 463 men, 73 women, 51 boys, and 16 girls, while the injured comprise 5,649 men, 1,322 women, 378 boys, and 118 girls, highlighting a significant public safety concern.
In Karachi's Shah Latif Town, Sector 17-A, an armed robbery occurred where armed assailants looted 2.4 million Pakistani Rupees and mobile phones before fleeing. The incident took place this morning, and CCTV footage of the event has emerged, showing the perpetrators exiting a vehicle and carrying out the robbery. Police are currently searching for the suspects involved in the incident and have initiated further investigation into the matter. This robbery highlights ongoing security concerns in the area, prompting police to intensify efforts to apprehend the culprits and enhance public safety.
The article discusses the ongoing political debate in Pakistan regarding the creation of new administrative units or provinces, particularly focusing on its implications for Sindh. The author suggests that this discussion might be a tactic to pressure civilian rulers, rather than a genuine move towards new provinces. In Sindh, the issue extends beyond new provinces to include concerns about six canals and corporate farming, which directly impact the region's land, water, and livelihoods. The article highlights the difficulty of creating new provinces due to legal requirements, such as the need for consensus in the provincial assembly, and suggests that major political parties like PPP and N-League are wary of supporting such a move due to the potential political backlash. It also speculates that the new province debate might be a diversionary tactic.
Lawyers in Karachi, Pakistan, staged a rally and sit-in near the Chief Minister's House, protesting against discussions about the division of Sindh, the 28th amendment, and the extraction of canals from rivers. The protest, led by the Save Sindh Lawyers Committee, attracted local government minister Nasir Hussain Shah and the Mayor of Karachi. Negotiations between government representatives and the lawyers were successful, leading to the formation of a six-member committee to review the lawyers' demands, with both sides providing three representatives. The lawyers ended their protest after the government assured them of the committee's formation, emphasizing that the division of Sindh is unacceptable and will continue their peaceful struggle for their rights, including opposing the 28th constitutional amendment and advocating for the release of political prisoners.
Journalists, editors, digital media experts, artists, academics, and human rights defenders from across Pakistan, convened by the Pakistan Commission for Human Rights (HRCP) with support from the European Union, have decided to form a broad national alliance to counter increasing attacks on freedom of expression. Participants warned that Pakistan is facing one of its worst crises regarding freedom of expression in decades, highlighting issues like the misuse of PECA, rising censorship, surveillance, restrictions on online expression, limited access to information, intimidation of journalists, and pressure on independent, regional, and digital media. The proposed alliance will include journalists' unions, press clubs, lawyers, artists, and civil society organizations, aiming for joint advocacy, strategic litigation, documentation, emergency response systems, and public mobilization. They also agreed on a reform agenda, demanding the repeal or amendment of laws that criminalize dissent or enable censorship, an end to impunity for attacks on journalists, and stronger guarantees for editorial independence, while emphasizing safer environments for women journalists and protection for freelance and digital media professionals.
Gangaram Samrat, a prominent Sindhi historian, scholar, journalist, and writer, passed away on August 20th, his death anniversary. Born in Sann village, Sindh, in 1918, Samrat dedicated his life to Sindhi history, literature, and the preservation of knowledge. He was influenced by the Arya Samaj, translated works into English, and later joined the Sindhi newspaper 'Sansar Samachar'. His book 'Aryavart', which argued for the indigenous origin of Aryans in India, earned him significant recognition, leading people to call him 'Gangaram Samrat', though it also sparked controversy and was banned. Samrat was known for his rigorous, evidence-based approach to history, amassing a personal library of approximately 4,000 books and various historical records.
Ayaz Latif Palijo, leader of the Qaumi Awami Tehreek, has strongly condemned ongoing efforts to divide Sindh. In a statement released on Facebook, Palijo asserted that powerful individuals are currently envisioning and creating maps to partition Sindh. He emphasized that historical decisions are not solely made at the tables of power, but are rather shaped by the collective consciousness of nations. Palijo vowed that any attempt to undermine the unity of Sindh would be rejected.
A nationwide conference in Karachi, organized by The Intellectual Forum Sindh and Pakistan American Cultural Center, strongly condemned proposals to administratively divide Sindh, calling it a threat to the province's existence, unity, and history. Intellectuals, writers, legal experts, journalists, and social leaders asserted that Sindh is and will remain one, viewing discussions about new provinces as a diversion from core issues. Speakers like Naseer Memon argued that in a debt-ridden and economically struggling nation, creating new provinces is ill-advised and potentially a move to install a 'dummy' prime minister, while also criticizing the Urdu media for its biased coverage of Sindh's problems. The conference emphasized direct action beyond speeches to counter such proposals and ensure justice.
The article "Sindh: The Lawless State!" by Noor Muhammed Marri Advocate describes Sindh as a modern land facing political decay and a governance crisis, drawing parallels to Shakespeare's Hamlet and Richard II. The author argues that justice is absent, with unqualified individuals in positions of power, while competent and principled professionals are marginalized. This corruption has led to the deterioration of essential services, such as the agricultural system, and has silenced intellectuals and civil society, making the public vulnerable to a transactional and corrupt ruling elite. The article highlights the severe consequences of this systemic rot, including widespread despair and tragedy among the populace.
The Sindh Cabinet has approved a subsidy package for wheat farmers owning up to 25 acres of land, specifically for DAP fertilizer. This initiative includes the registration of new farmers and the re-verification of already registered ones, with a total subsidy of 20 billion rupees allocated for 313,000 registered farmers. Additionally, the Cabinet approved handing over the 193 km Naukot-Mithi-Islamkot-Nagar Parkar-Chelhar water supply system to PHED and increasing the capacity of RO plants in Mithi. Other approvals include a draft agreement for the Star Wash Program in flood-affected districts, aiming to provide water and sanitation facilities to 1.2 to 1.5 million people in four districts in its first phase, and the establishment of Pif Tech Headquarters and a modern data center with an AI hub and field coordination rooms, with an additional 441.9 million rupees approved for this project. Senior Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also stated that the price of flour has been fixed at 112 rupees per kg for flour mills, which will be strictly enforced.
Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has reopened numerous high-profile corruption cases in Sindh, involving illegal land allotments, fraudulent appointments, and misuse of power, with a total estimated value exceeding 40 billion Pakistani Rupees. A special unit has been established by NAB Karachi to investigate cases including the alleged illegal allotment and regularization of over 6,000 acres of government land, much of it in prime Karachi areas, despite a 2012 Supreme Court ban. Additionally, NAB is investigating over 13,000 illegal appointments in local bodies made between 2011 and 2014 based on political influence and bribery. Ten major NAB references, previously sent to provincial anti-corruption bodies under the NAB Ordinance 2022, have also been returned to NAB and accountability courts following a Sindh High Court order, signaling a significant crackdown on long-standing corruption in the province.
Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani strongly opposed the creation of new provinces, stating it is the work of Parliament and politicians, not ISPR, and that forceful implementation would lead to dangerous resentment in Sindh. He dismissed Punjab caretaker CM Mohsin Naqvi's political standing in Sindh and criticized MQM for advocating for new provinces, emphasizing that the people of Sindh are against such a move. Ghani acknowledged the resource shortage in Town Municipal Corporations but highlighted ongoing development work in Karachi, including IT, grounds, roads, and streets, alongside the need for quality education and health facilities. He urged public responsibility for maintaining improved institutions and affirmed that the People's Party government is committed to large-scale development and resolving public issues in Karachi.
Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab officially inaugurated "Khatam-e-Nabuwat Chowk" in the Saddar area of Karachi, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad and City Council members. This follows his announcement last month to rename the Regal Chowk in Saddar to Khatam-e-Nabuwat Chowk. Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Wahab stated that the chowk beautifully reflects the city's religious identity, emphasizing that Karachi is a city of lovers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He added that while the mayoral position is temporary, he would remain a 'lover of the Prophet' until his death, and expressed his intention to undertake projects that future generations will remember.
Sindhi political parties, writers, and intellectuals issued a strong message to the establishment, stating that millions of Sindhi people are ready for a long and historic struggle to protect Sindh, its coast, and resources, and reject any division of their homeland. If anti-Sindh projects are not rejected, every road and square in Sindh will become a battleground. Speakers at a conference in Hyderabad, including Advocate Vasand Thari, Jami Chandio, and Hoot Khan Gadhi, accused Pakistan's establishment of systematically seizing resources and undermining the national identity of Sindhis since the country's inception. They vowed to resist any attempts to divide Sindh, create new administrative units, or diminish provincial autonomy, emphasizing that past resistance movements have successfully thwarted similar plots like the Kalabagh Dam. The leaders urged unity among all oppressed nations, including those in Punjab, and called upon the Sindhi people to take to the streets if any resolution for the division of Sindh or creation of new provinces is presented in the assembly.
Ayaz Latif Palijo, leader of the Qaumi Awami Tehreek, has been issued a 19-question questionnaire by the NCCAI regarding his statements on the division of Sindh and the creation of new provinces. The questions probe the intent and content of his social media address, asking if his speech aimed to incite fear or hostility among groups in Sindh, and seeking clarification on his claims that Sindh has been betrayed. Palijo is also asked to confirm the authenticity of the video and audio recordings of his speech, identify the host and attendees of the gathering where he spoke, and provide details about the uploading of the content to social media. He has been given 24 hours to respond to the questionnaire.
The National Council for Civil Liberties (NCCI) has sent a 19-question questionnaire to Ayaz Latif Palijo, the leader of the Qaumi Awami Tehreek, regarding a speech he made about administrative units in Sindh. The investigating officer from NCCI specifically questioned whether Palijo prepared the viral social media speech himself or if someone else provided the content. This inquiry seeks detailed information about the origin and preparation of the speech that has garnered significant attention and raises questions about its implications within the political landscape of Sindh.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has unequivocally stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) rejects any division of Sindh, clarifying the party's consistent constitutional stance on the creation of new provinces. He emphasized that the Sindh Assembly has repeatedly passed resolutions with 100% consensus against any provincial division, asserting that the people of Sindh will not compromise on their provincial unity. Addressing accusations of a dual stance, Shah explained that while the Punjab Assembly has already approved a resolution for new provinces, requiring the PPP to speak in accordance, the constitutional amendment for new provinces in the National Assembly needs a two-thirds majority, which is currently lacking. He stressed that the formation of new provinces is only possible through broad political consensus among all stakeholders within constitutional frameworks, not mere discussions, and reaffirmed the PPP's commitment to protecting Sindh's geographical and constitutional integrity.
The Sindh Students Action Committee, along with various student organizations, held an All Parties Students Conference in Hyderabad, Pakistan, following 19 days of protest against the violation of merit in the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC). Student leaders criticized the Sindh government's policies, alleging that jobs in SPSC and other institutions are being sold or given through nepotism. They announced a province-wide awareness campaign, seminars, and intellectual gatherings, threatening a 'historic long march' from Ghotki to Karachi, culminating at the Chief Minister and Governor Houses, if their demands are not met. The movement aims to protect the future of current and upcoming generations by ensuring merit-based job appointments and reforming the entire system, not just the SPSC.
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, the head of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for its alleged failure to apprehend the killers of Benazir Bhutto, questioning how it could deliver justice to the public. During a press conference, he highlighted the exposure of the Sindh Police system in the Mir Raza case and demanded that any undue pressure in the investigation be brought to light. He also criticized the government's stance on petrol prices, stating that uninformed statements do not solve problems and questioned the relevance of an 80-rupee levy. Naeem-ur-Rehman accused the current government of collecting 1900 billion rupees in levies over a year, benefiting a specific class while the general populace suffers from a lack of peace and employment, describing the current system as a 'masterpiece of incompetence' and demanding concrete actions beyond mere acknowledgment of failure. He called for transparency regarding those who facilitated dictators and manipulated elections, emphasizing that governments not formed according to public opinion lead to a crisis of confidence.
Federal Minister Muhsin Naqvi stirred controversy by stating at an economic summit in Karachi that the current system had collapsed and needed immediate overhaul, proposing more administrative units. This statement, made after meeting President Asif Ali Zardari, has been interpreted as a reflection of a deeper scheme of governance, possibly backed by the establishment. The Sharif family and the Zardari dynasty, along with other mainstream political parties like JUI, are reportedly upset. The Pakistan People's Party has even demanded Naqvi's resignation, despite President Zardari previously endorsing him, indicating significant political friction within the ruling coalition.
Ayaz Palijo, leader of the Qaumi Awami Tehreek, stated that if four provinces cannot be managed, then 20 provinces cannot be managed either. After an appearance before the NCCI (National Crisis and Consequence Management Center) in Karachi, Palijo addressed the media, emphasizing that the people of Sindh are prepared to defend their land and resources with arguments, not violence. He questioned the viability of creating more provinces when the writ of the government is weak in existing border areas and advocated for empowering local governments instead of creating new provinces. Palijo highlighted that Sindh is their homeland, Pakistan is their country, and pushing Sindh towards instability, like other provinces such as KP and Balochistan, is detrimental for national progress. He also mentioned that the NCCI asked for his address and will send further questions for his inquiry, which he considers an honor for Sindh.
Ayaz Latif Palijo, head of the Qaumi Awami Tehreek, warned against any 'adventures' in Sindh and Punjab, fearing they could lead to public unrest, similar to the situations in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit, and Kashmir, and the loss of East Pakistan. His remarks came after he appeared before the NCCIA (National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency) in Karachi, where he questioned its mandate, its connection to the FIA, and Pakistan's significant lag in cyber security expertise compared to other nations. Palijo emphasized that Sindh, as the founder of Pakistan, must uphold meritocracy, ensure its resources benefit its people, and that any actions that distress the people of Sindh would not serve Pakistan's interests. He urged for adherence to the rule of law and the constitution to maintain peace and stability.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shared a video of a national song prepared in the Balochi language on Pakistan's Independence Day. Expressing his pride, the Prime Minister stated that his heart was filled with honor by the beautiful and patriotic national song presented from Balochistan. He lauded the artists, singers, and producers for their splendid effort, noting that the national song beautifully highlighted the spirit and essence of love for the homeland. This initiative underscores an effort to include and celebrate regional cultures and languages within national festivities, promoting unity and diversity.
