Karachi (Web Desk): Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Murad Ali Shah has been elected as the chief minister of Sindh for the third consecutive term.
Shah secured 112 votes, while his opponent Ali Khursheedi received only 36 votes.
Speaking on the floor of the House after his election, CM Murad Ali thanked PPP and its top leadership for choosing him for the post.
“I pay tribute to my party leadership for leading the party and trusting me with this position as it was not an easy decision,” he said.
“Today, I miss Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. She was my mentor,” he said, highlighting that she always encouraged him.
Talking about the Feb 8 polls, Murad said that the PPP had many reservations but had decided to adopt a legal way forward.
“We will not compromise on the sovereignty of the country for a handful of seats. We will not allow anyone to take advantage of our weaknesses,” he asserted, adding that Pakistan is currently facing a tough time and needs stability more than anything else.
Murad thanked the lawmakers who voted for him and acknowledged that abstaining from the voting process was also part of politics, which some members had chosen to do.
He urged all lawmakers to engage in assembly proceedings in a productive manner.
Talking about his priorities, Murad highlighted terrorism as a major issue facing the country and emphasised the need to review operations against criminal gangs in riverine areas.
He highlighted that ensuring access to clean drinking water and education for the people of the province were among his top priorities.
Murad Ali Shah underscored the importance of uniting behind Bilawal’s leadership, asserting that “Bilawal represents the future of Pakistan”.
He reiterated his belief in Bilawal’s potential to become the prime minister in the next general elections.
“We are committed to serving the people of the province for the next five years,” Murad Ali Shah concluded.
Addressing the House, leaders of PPP and MQM congratulated Syed Murad Ali Shah for his election.
They were of the view that Syed Murad Shah deserved this win based on his performance in his last two tenures especially during COVID and the floods.
Meanwhile, Governor of Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori will administer the oath to the newly elected chief minister on Tuesday.
According to the spokesman of the governor, the oath taking ceremony will be held at the Governor House.
Murad Ali Shah was first elected Sindh chief minister in 2016. After the 2018 general elections, he was nominated again for the coveted office by the party leadership.
In the February 8 general elections held on 130 general seats of the Sindh Assembly, the PPP had secured 87 seats.
