Sindh Assembly Informed of Industrial Unit Closures Due to Power Crisis; Narcotic Control Bill Passed
During the Sindh Assembly session, it was revealed that around 81 industrial units, including 10 textile mills and five sugar mills, had shut down over the past five years due to the province’s ongoing electricity crisis. Parliamentary Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department, Ali Ahmed, explained that the power shortages had severely impacted industrial activities. While the provincial government is offering support, Leader of Opposition Ali Khurshidi expressed dissatisfaction with the answers provided, requesting details about how many units had closed and how many new ones were established between 2018 and 2023.
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In response to concerns, Ali Ahmed noted that 81 industrial units, including a cement factory, had closed, but he also highlighted that 915 new industrial units were established, and 6,856 units remain operational across the province. The discussion underscored the need for better solutions to address the electricity crisis, with Saeed Ghani, Local Government Minister, stepping in to clarify that some questions pertained to the labor department, not the industries department.
Additionally, the Sindh Assembly unanimously passed the “Sindh Control of Narcotic Substances Bill, 2024,” aimed at regulating narcotics and psychotropic substances such as meth, ecstasy, and crystal. The new law empowers narcotics officers to enter premises without warrants if they suspect drug concealment. These officers are authorized to arrest suspects and document all raids and seizures through video recordings, further strengthening anti-narcotics enforcement in the province.
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The assembly also discussed subsoil water extraction, with Saeed Ghani mentioning that 13 licenses had been issued for water extraction under revised rules, while 20 previously issued licenses were rescinded due to violations. This marks an effort to regulate the extraction of water resources more effectively.
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