KARACHI(The COW News Digital) Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that political and economic stability is essential for Pakistan, arguing that long marches cannot provide a lasting solution to political disputes.
Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, Memon said the ongoing long march was being organized for the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. He added that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would be pleased if Khan were released.
Memon said political issues should be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation. He maintained that the federal government should engage with the protesters and seek a political solution to the dispute.
“We are not the federal government,” Memon said, adding that the federal government should hold talks with the PTI and work toward resolving the issue.
The Sindh minister also criticized the use of force during political protests. He said political workers should not resort to violence and stressed that carrying weapons or setting things on fire could not be considered politics.
Memon further said that political groups should not rely on any “backdoor” arrangements to achieve their objectives. He called for political activity to remain within peaceful and democratic channels.
Referring to the PPP’s previous protest against inflation, Memon said his party had conducted a nine-day march without blocking roads or throwing stones. He contrasted that experience with what he described as the presence of sticks and potentially confrontational elements during the current long march.
During the press conference, Memon also spoke about the PPP government’s relationship with the media. He said the party had consistently supported press freedom and claimed that the Sindh government had undertaken various initiatives for journalists.
He said journalists and political parties were important components of the democratic system and emphasized the need to strengthen journalism in the country.
Memon also discussed the Sindh government’s development initiatives, including healthcare facilities, housing schemes, public-private projects and transport services. He said the government had around 1,000 buses in its pipeline, with another 100 buses expected to arrive.
On the Sindh government’s position regarding the creation of new provinces, Memon said the provincial assembly had already passed a resolution on the matter. He maintained that any constitutional process involving the creation of a province would require approval from the relevant provincial assembly.
The minister also urged journalists to exercise caution when reporting unverified claims. Referring to reports involving federal officials and the presidency, he said speculative or inaccurate reporting could affect individuals and their families.
Memon said news organizations should not publish stories based merely on assumptions or personal wishes and called on press clubs and journalists’ unions to take action against those deliberately spreading false information.
He also announced plans for events related to the Sindh government’s development vision, with conferences expected in Sukkur and Tharparkar. In addition, a high-level Sindh delegation led by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah is scheduled to visit China in October, including participation in an investors’ conference in Shanghai on October 15.
Memon said the Sindh government would seek greater international investment to create employment opportunities and contribute to economic development.
