Sindh Cabinet Reshapes Judiciary and Prioritizes Development Initiatives
Sindh Anti-Terrorism Courts Abolished: Major Reform,The Sindh cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has approved significant reforms, including the abolition of 14 Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) across the province. This pivotal decision, driven by a declining caseload and an improved law and order situation, sees these courts re-designated to address the rising tide of drug-related offenses.
Re-designating Anti-Terrorism Courts
A total of 13 ATCs in Karachi and one in Hyderabad will be transformed into special anti-narcotics courts. This strategic shift aims to expedite the processing of drug cases, establishing dedicated courts across various divisions including Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, and Larkana. The remaining ATCs in Sindh will undergo reorganization to ensure efficient handling of existing dockets, as reported by SindhNews.com.
The proposal for this re-designation aligns with Section 13 of the Anti-Terrorism (Sindh Amendment) Act, 2025, which grants the provincial government the authority to adjust the number of courts as operational needs dictate. This move reflects a proactive stance by the Sindh cabinet to adapt its judicial resources to evolving societal challenges.
Focus on Counter-Extremism and Healthcare
Beyond judicial restructuring, the Sindh cabinet also approved the establishment of the Sindh Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism. Operating under the home department, this new centre is a direct outcome of the Sindh Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism Act, 2025, designed to combat terrorism, militancy, and subversive activities effectively.
In a move to bolster healthcare infrastructure, the cabinet sanctioned a $15 million grant for the new 12-storey Emergency Tower at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in Karachi. This grant-in-aid, payable in two equal installments, will support medical equipment and utilities for the $35 million project, with a consortium of donors committing the remaining $20 million.
Digital Transformation and Community Support
The Sindh cabinet also gave in-principle approval for acquiring the Habib Insurance/HBL heritage building on M.A. Jinnah Road. This structure is earmarked to become the Sindh IT Tower, signifying the government’s commitment to digital development. Relevant departments, including the Board of Revenue and NED University, have been directed to conduct necessary assessments.
Further underscoring its commitment to community welfare, the cabinet approved the allocation of 639 additional residential plots for members of the Karachi Press Club (KPC). These plots, located in Hawksbay Scheme-42 and other housing schemes, build upon an existing 80/20 cost-sharing policy involving 1,271 existing allottees, providing significant relief to the journalist community. The Chief Minister announced that cabinet meetings will now be held every fortnight, with the next session scheduled for December 2.
Conclusion
The recent decisions by the Sindh cabinet represent a multifaceted approach to governance, addressing judicial efficiency, security, healthcare, public infrastructure, and community support. By abolishing underutilized ATCs and re-purposing them for anti-narcotics efforts, alongside significant investments in counter-extremism and urban development, the provincial government aims to enhance both public safety and quality of life for its citizens.