Summary The Sindh cabinet approved tougher laws against gutka and mawa, increased government employees' allowances, cleared wheat procurement, and endorsed several development initiatives.
KARACHI (Dunya News) -The Sindh cabinet has approved stricter legislation against the manufacture, sale and transportation of gutka, mawa and mainpuri, alongside a relief package for government employees and several development projects, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Memon said the provincial government had approved a 22-point agenda, including proposals to strengthen punishments for those involved in the production, sale and transport of gutka, mawa and mainpuri.
He said authorities would launch a province-wide crackdown against those involved in the illegal trade, citing growing concerns over the increasing number of oral cancer cases linked to the use of smokeless tobacco products.
The cabinet also decided to grant additional powers to the Sindh Narcotics Control Department to improve enforcement of anti-narcotics laws.
On the financial front, the cabinet approved a relief package for provincial government employees. Staff in grades 1 to 16 will receive a 2% differential allowance on the frozen 2022 basic pay.
The provincial government also approved a 50% increase in conveyance allowance for all provincial employees. In addition, the special conveyance allowance for persons with disabilities has been increased from Rs6,000 to Rs10,000 per month. All approved allowances will take effect from July 1, 2026.
Memon said the Sindh government would purchase 665,000 metric tonnes of wheat from PASSCO and import another 500,000 tonnes to discourage hoarding and ensure adequate wheat supplies.
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The cabinet also approved the establishment of a 400-acre modern truck terminal on Karachi's Northern Bypass to reduce heavy traffic congestion and road accidents in the city.
Among other decisions, the cabinet allocated 22 acres of land for the Kunri chilli market, approved the revised cost of the Dumlottee Water Line project, endorsed Sindh's participation in a global forum in China, and approved the formation of task forces on water issues, climate change and artificial intelligence.
During the press conference, Memon also commented on political issues, including the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, the Punjab government, the monsoon situation and federal government policies.
