Murad Ali Shah takes oath as new Sindh CM

KARACHI (Dunya News) - Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday took oath as Sindh Chief Minister (CM) following his victory in the elections held regarding the post in the Sindh Assembly, reported Dunya News.The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Governor s House. Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat ul Ebad Khan took the oath whereas a number of party leaders, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, former

Prime Minister (PM) Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, former Sindh CM Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Syed Khurshid Shah, and others.Pakistan People s Party (PPP) candidate Syed Murad Ali Shah was elected as new Sindh Chief Minister (CM) on Friday after securing the required number of votes.

Shah was up against Khuram Sher Zaman, candidate nominated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Voting took place in Sindh Assembly on Friday afternoon. Two lobbies of the assembly were dedicated for the purpose of voting with each one of the lobby representing the candidates nominated by PPP and PTI. Former Sindh CM Syed Qaim Ali Shah was the first member to cast his vote.

While addressing with the assembly after the process of voting completed, Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani announced that Murad Ali Shah was able to secure 88 votes whereas Khuram Sher Zaman secured only three votes. Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) congratulated Shah upon his victory by desk-thumping.

Durrani then requested the newly elected Sindh CM to take his seat whereas the MPAs also congratulated Murad Ali Shah on individual basis upon his land-slide victory.

While addressing the assembly, PPP MPA Nisar Khuhro congratulated Murad Ali Shah upon his victory and lauded the achievements made by former Sindh CM Syed Qaim Ali Shah during his tenure. Khuhro said that the entire assembly was always able to learn from the experience of Qaim Ali Shah. "Qaim Ali Shah has always served the people and People s Party," he said.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) MPA Rauf Siddiqui, who reached the assembly from the jail after getting exclusive permission, congratulated the newly elected Sindh CM over his success. He stated that a good leader was a blessing from God upon the public, adding that he heard a number of cases of injustice while he was in jail. He said that it was Shah s responsibility to ensure justice and law and order, further stating that Shah should enquire that why did MQM did not took part in the election process despite the fact that the party represented millions of people.

Khuram Sher Zaman, PTI candidate nominated for the designation of Sindh CM, congratulated Murad Ali Shah. He demanded that the authority of the Rangers be extended to all over Sindh.

While addressing in the assembly, former Sindh CM Qaim Ali Shah lauded the sacrifices given by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto regarding democracy. Shah stammered while he addressed the assembly members and termed PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari as ‘Mohtarma’ (lady) whereas he was also seen snoozing in the assembly.

Newly elected Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah while giving his policy statement in the assembly, thanked all the members for putting their trust in him and also showed his gratefulness towards party leaders and all his fellows. He said that he was greatly bothered by the absence of Benazir Bhutto, further stating that he was able to attain this position because of the prayers of his mother and his father’s guidance.

Murad Ali Shah said that for the first time in history, a Pakistani-born was elected as Sindh CM. He stated that he shall try his very best to meet the expectations of the people of the province and shall work in harmony along with other members of the assembly. He added that he shall work on the basis of three priorities: “Public service, public service and public service”.

Sindh CM said that Benazir Bhutto was his political mentor whereas he learned the art of governance from Qaim Ali Shah. “Sindh progressed a great deal during the 8-year rule of Qaim Ali Shah,” he said further adding that the situation of law and order in the country shall be improved.

Murad Ali Shah said that special emphasis shall be laid on the sectors of education whereas reforms shall be introduced in the health sector. He also stated that a clean Karachi and a mighty Thar were also among his priorities.

The decision to remove former Sindh CM Qaim Ali Shah from his post was made during the meeting of PPP held in Dubai under the leadership of party chairman Bilawal Bhutto and co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari. Changes in the cabinet were also suggested in the high-level meeting.

Qaim Ali Shah holds the distinction of serving as Sindh CM for the longest tenure. He served as Chief Minister from 1988 to 1990 and was again appointed CM in 2008 after PPP again came into power. He continued to serve as CM after the general elections held in 2013.