KARACHI: In a significant move, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has announced the removal of fees for obtaining birth certificates throughout Sindh. This decision aims to encourage public registration and streamline access to essential documents.
During a recent meeting, the Chief Minister outlined urgent directives to address various civic issues in Karachi. He set a deadline for clearing encroachments from 10 to 15 key roads, forming a task force led by Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani. Mr. Shah underscored the detrimental impact of drug addiction on public infrastructure, noting that drug users often steal materials like steel rods and streetlight pipes, further degrading public spaces.
“I want immediate action to relocate drug users living under bridges and in slum areas. Their activities not only harm the city’s appearance but also impede our development efforts,” he stressed, urging civic agencies to enhance vigilance against theft.
Rasheed Solangi, Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), reported that they have begun issuing QR codes for construction approvals, enhancing regulatory oversight. Currently, 201 of the 425 buildings under construction have received QR codes, allowing stakeholders to access crucial information about the projects.
The SBCA has identified 25 commercial buildings in District South that illegally converted approved parking spaces into godowns. With assistance from local authorities, six of these areas have been restored, and three buildings have been sealed. The Chief Minister directed the SBCA to conduct strict enforcement against illegal constructions and to ensure that any approvals granted are well-justified.
Mr. Shah also emphasized the need to prevent the dumping of construction debris on service roads, directing that violations lead to sealing of the offending buildings.
The ongoing construction of the Red Line BRT was highlighted as a factor contributing to traffic congestion in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. Secretary Transport Asad Zamin assured the CM that efforts to expedite the project, particularly between Hassan Square and Tank Chowrangi, are underway. The Chief Minister insisted on completion by December 2024, while also calling for the removal of encroachments along newly opened service roads.
To tackle encroachment, the Chief Minister established a committee, led by Minister Saeed Ghani and including the Mayor of Karachi and other officials, to identify critical roads for immediate clearance of obstructions.
A significant topic was road cutting in Lyari, where funds generated are not reinvested for necessary repairs. The CM ordered the establishment of clear road-cutting regulations, including a two-year moratorium on cuts after initial establishment, and a centralized authority for permission. Fees collected will be returned to local towns for reinvestment.
On illegal parking, the Chief Minister emphasized maintaining smooth traffic flow and reducing congestion. He directed that all designated parking areas in plazas be utilized effectively and instructed local authorities to coordinate with traffic police to eradicate illegal parking practices.
A media campaign will be launched to inform the public about these new regulations and to garner support for the initiatives.
Concerns were raised about the safety of billboards, particularly those on rooftops. The Chief Minister endorsed the need for third-party strength certification and directed the establishment of a regulatory framework to ensure compliance.
In the realm of citizen services, Mr. Shah emphasized the importance of efficient processes for obtaining essential documents like domicile and Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC). By removing fees for birth certificates, he aims to incentivize registration and streamline access to vital services across Karachi. With these directives, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is taking comprehensive steps to enhance urban management and improve the quality of life for residents of Sindh
