Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has refuted claims regarding the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) concerns over Pakistan’s National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and the 18th Amendment. Speaking to the media after attending the launch of the World Bank’s South Asia Development Update, CM Shah clarified that neither the IMF nor the federal government has raised such issues with him.
He emphasized that the federal government has begun implementing the 18th Amendment, which involves devolving some ministries to provincial authorities. CM Shah added that his administration supports actions in the nation’s best interest, noting that while they have other concerns, they are in ongoing discussions with the federal government.
Regarding economic reforms, the chief minister suggested that surplus electricity should be utilized by offering it to industrial units at subsidized rates, thus enhancing production and creating employment opportunities. He also addressed the electricity tariff cuts expected from the termination of power purchase agreements with independent power producers (IPPs).
During the event, CM Shah discussed Sindh’s efforts to recover from the devastating 2022 floods and improve infrastructure. He reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to alleviating poverty and controlling inflation, mentioning initiatives like the Emergency Housing Reconstruction Project, which aims to provide housing for over two million people. Shah also stressed cooperation with federal agencies to curb electricity theft and reduce circular debt in the power sector(
Geo News
)(
The Nation
).
