KARACHI – August 1, 2025:
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has called upon universities across the province to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day with renewed national spirit and enthusiasm under the theme Ma’arka-i-Haq (Battle for Truth).
Chairing a meeting with vice chancellors of 64 public and private universities, the chief minister emphasized that the 14th of August should not just be a ceremonial event, but a powerful expression of unity, culture, and patriotism. The meeting, held on Thursday, was also attended by key provincial ministers including Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, Mohammad Bakhsh Mahar, and Zulfiqar Shah, as well as Sindh HEC Chairman Dr. Tariq Rafi.
In his address, Murad Ali Shah urged universities to arrange a wide range of events—educational, cultural, literary, and sports-related—to engage students and staff meaningfully. He also encouraged institutions to decorate their campuses in a way that reflects national pride and values.
“To promote civic responsibility and pride in our identity, we are launching province-wide activities starting August 1,” the CM announced. “Any university, institution, or even shopkeeper that stands out in terms of decoration and participation will be recognized and rewarded by the provincial government.”
In a nod to sustainability, it was also decided during the meeting to kick off a mass tree plantation drive across Sindh. The campaign will run in parallel with Independence Day events and aims to reinforce environmental awareness among the youth.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon briefed the gathering on various programmes being organised at both public and private educational institutions across Sindh, assuring full cooperation from his department.
The meeting concluded with a collective pledge from all participants to celebrate the 78th Independence Day with dignity, energy, and a sense of national purpose.
British High Commissioner Calls on CM Shah
Later the same day, Chief Minister Shah welcomed British High Commissioner Jane Marriott at CM House for a high-level discussion on Sindh-UK cooperation.
The British envoy acknowledged Shah’s third consecutive term in office and praised his administration’s development agenda under PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. During the meeting, the CM provided an overview of major infrastructure upgrades underway in Karachi and beyond—including new road networks, flyovers, underpasses, and drainage systems.
He also shared progress on critical water supply projects such as the K-IV scheme, New Hub Canal, and improvements in DHA water distribution. Enhancements to the city’s sewage system and plans for seawater treatment were also on the agenda.
Marriott reaffirmed the British High Commission’s ongoing support through public-private partnerships. She noted that alongside a $70 million loan from the Asian Development Bank, the UK had contributed a grant of $15.43 million to bolster climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure across Sindh.
Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration further, particularly in areas of climate adaptation, economic development, and disaster resilience.
