After having collected sufficient funds, PM Imran Khan announced a Rs446 billion development package that aims to uplift 14 previously neglected districts in Sindh. This is one of the many initiatives promised for the betterment of the province which is plagued by a plethora of infrastructural problems and years’ worth of inaction. Improving the living standards of marginalised groups is an honourable aim that the federal government has shown its commitment to; the only thing left is to ensure that such projects materialise and that other issues are resolved side by side.
According to the details released, the developmental package is focused entirely on diversifying the facilities available for the people and on improving the standard of infrastructural development. The construction of the Sukkur to Hyderabad motorway is being promised along with the Nai Gaj dam which will help over 28,000 acres of land to be irrigated. The provision of gas and electricity has been made a priority just as much as the construction of 12 million affordable households under the Ehsaas Programme. While these are just a few examples of what the federal government has planned for Sindh, it is reassuring to see that actual progress is being achieved on this front.
However, throughout the course of PTI’s tenure, there have been ample projects that have been announced and have subsequently faded into insignificance. It is imperative that the authorities do not let this one see the same fate. The people of Sindh deserve to enjoy the benefits of such initiatives as they materialise.
Furthermore, the government could also pick up specific issues that remain simultaneously. For instance, Thar remains to be underdeveloped despite the potential it holds for contributing positively to the economy. As the monsoon season approaches, particular focus must be directed towards installing high-grade sewerage systems to prevent flooding, unsanitary conditions and complete infrastructural collapse. Even revamping electricity distribution systems to make them safer and more durable should be high up on the list of agendas. This is a golden opportunity for the government to make things right for the people of Sindh, it cannot go to waste.