Sindh Govt Considers Maritime Police Force

The Sindh Assembly on Friday held an extensive discussion on beach safety in Karachi after five people drowned at Himalaya Beach earlier this week.

MQM-P lawmaker Quratulain Khan raised the issue, asking the government what measures were in place to protect beachgoers.

Responding, Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said that while coastal security primarily falls under the Coast Guards, the Sindh government has deployed police pickets and lifeguards at popular beaches.

Lanjar added that the government is now considering establishing a Sindh Maritime Police, and a formal letter will be sent to Coast Guards officials to strengthen cooperation.

He noted that dozens of picnickers drown every year due to high tides, strong undercurrents, lack of swimming skills, and absence of lifejackets, despite Section 144 being imposed during peak seasons.

“Implementation of Section 144 remains a major challenge. Many people ignore warnings, and tragedies occur,” Lanjar said, expressing hope that a maritime police force would improve beach security.

People’s Bus Service to Start in Hyderabad Soon

Sindh Senior Minister for Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon told the Assembly that the People’s Bus Service will soon operate on “every road in Sindh”.

He confirmed that new routes for Hyderabad, including Gaari Khata to Guddu Chowk and Tando Mohammad Khan Road, are under consideration.

Sharjeel said traffic administration had performed well but stressed the need for traffic management reforms, noting that responsibility in trailer–motorcycle accidents must be determined case by case.

Lawmakers Raise Issues of Mineral Safety, Pollution, and Recruitment

During the question hour, JI MPA Muhammad Farooq alleged that salt extracted from sewage water was being sold in markets.

Parliamentary Secretary Yousuf Baloch said no complaints had been received but promised action if evidence emerged.

Fauzia Hameed questioned the recruitment for Grade 14 and 16 posts. Baloch replied that appointments were made through the Sindh Public Service Commission on merit.

He added that although a nationwide geological survey had been conducted, Sindh’s mineral quality and quantity were still undetermined.

Waste Management and Campus Autonomy Debated

MQM-P’s Aamir Siddiqui criticised the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, saying garbage collection remained poor despite monthly charges.

Parliamentary Secretary Qasim Siraj Soomro countered that Siddiqui had earlier praised officials for resolving complaints, noting that 127 sanitary workers and 146 garbage bins had been deployed in his constituency.

Farooq also objected to the proposed autonomy of Karachi University’s ECCBS institute, warning it could limit access for ordinary students.

MQM’s Shariq Jamal highlighted Karachi’s worsening water shortages and thanked the government for repairing Model Colony Road after eight years.