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KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday asked his principal secretary to slash his motorcade protocol by half and set an example of punctuality for others by arriving at his office at the new Sindh Secretariat building at 9am.
He also asked cabinet members to keep him informed about their activities by posting details in a WhatsApp group he created for review of their performance and better coordination.
Just a day earlier he had directed the bureaucracy to observe punctuality. As the chief minister arrived at his office at 9am, he was received by additional chief secretary (development) Mohammad Waseem and secretary for the general administration, while the chief secretary and secretary (services) were not there, officials said. Both the bureaucrats had gone to appear before the Supreme Court of Pakistan in a case, the officials said, adding that they joined him later.
According to official spokesman, Senator Rehman Malik also called on the chief minister at CM Secretariat and discussed issues of mutual interests.
Officials said that lawmaker of the Sindh Assembly Manzoor Wassan also called on Mr Shah.
Financial aid for ailing cricketer
Earlier, the chief minister visited legendary cricketer Hanif Mohammad at the Aga Khan University Hospital and inquired after his health.
He prayed for his early recovery while saying with enthusiasm that he was his fan. He asked the health secretary accompanying him to ensure that he receives the best health facilities at the hospital.
“He is an asset of the country and he must be honoured accordingly,” said Mr Shah. He also announced Rs1 million as financial assistance for his medical treatment and other expenditures.
Protocol
The chief minister asked his principal secretary to slash his motorcade protocol by half. “I don’t believe in unnecessary protocol and pomp and show ... this huge cavalcade of protocol causes problems in the smooth flow of traffic,” he said.
In reply to a question, the principal secretary informed the chief minister that nine vehicles or police mobile vans usually moved with the chief minister for his security and protocol. The chief minister asked him to reduce them by four. The order was implemented forthwith, said the spokesman.
Cabinet on WhatsApp
Using the latest technology for good governance, Mr Shah created a WhatsApp group titled ‘Cabinet’ and included ministers, advisers and special assistants in it. The chief minister himself is the group administrator.
He asked all the cabinet members to keep him informed about their activities and issues on the group.
Official sources told Dawn that cabinet members had started sharing pictures of their visits and meetings, and details of other activities in the group.
Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2016
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Comments (59) Closed
Aug 02, 2016 08:03am
Sounds good. So far so good.Plz keep it up CM Murad Ali Shah.
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Aug 02, 2016 08:10am
Performance evaluation is an easy task in this modern age now. It is as simple as clicking the pictures from a smartphone right on the working spots. But i am sure these cabinet whatsapp groups, half protocol motorvehicles, punctuality etc are just a stint to show the people a fake picture , just to be in the news media as the time of election is coming very near, ppp wanted to save its face, in reality sindh remains progressless because now corruption is in the blood of sindh government, even corruption has now become a common culture from a mochi chaprasi to top government private officers. Every one needs illegal money to buy high class banglows in expensive societies, to afford watertankers, heavy generators, fuel, luxury cars, bank balance for themselves. Poor masses remain more poor.
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Aug 02, 2016 08:11am
So far he has shown positive sign
But I am afraid as long as he continues to take dictation from Dubai, there will be no major change. I will call him successful if he at least controls corruption by 25%.
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Aug 02, 2016 08:47am
Seems like he's not aware of the "email app" found on almost all computers these days...
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Aug 02, 2016 08:49am
Lol, whatsap group for sharing performance! GOD HELP US!
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Aug 02, 2016 08:51am
Keep it up Mr. CM. We are way behind Punjab and KP. Keep up the good work!
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Aug 02, 2016 09:01am
Positive steps but will see if he brings any changes. Corruption is the root cause in Sindh which is impossible to eliminate
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Aug 02, 2016 09:20am
I want to join this group also for volunteer work, any help.
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Aug 02, 2016 09:28am
Mr. CM, please also provide a WhatsApp number to the people of Karachi to share their problems for speedy action.
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Aug 02, 2016 09:29am
Its one thing to arrive to work on time. Actually working is totally another concept. I hope the CM will also look into this aspect of his job.
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Aug 02, 2016 09:31am
yes he is right person i think he goes to his office on time and his protocol is also half than kaim ali shah.... keep doing like this .
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Aug 02, 2016 09:33am
Whatsapp cabinet. Zardari is smart he knows what the good governance is and how to implement it but he does not want to implement. Right now, this is being done just to win 2018 elections.
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Aug 02, 2016 09:35am
@Hunter-gatherer
Like PMLN cannot control nepotism and favoritism, PPP cannot control corruption.
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Aug 02, 2016 09:45am
Sab drama baazi. Sindh's politicians are THE most lethargic and inefficient of four provinces.
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Aug 02, 2016 10:15am
A sober, highly educated ex-banker, the new CM is indeed a fresh start for Sindh. Let's hope he is allowed to perform and deliver.
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Aug 02, 2016 10:17am
I admire your decisions. Well begun is half done. Keep it up. Hope
other CMs as well as the PM will follow suit. Perhaps this is only
a fond hope.
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Aug 02, 2016 10:18am
The main issue in Karachi is cleanness, law and order situation plus basic necessities of life.
Chief minister should pay attention in this area.
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Aug 02, 2016 10:22am
That's what anyone does on first day of their job. Let's see how long it lasts and what results it produces.
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Aug 02, 2016 10:34am
@bas rehnay do WhatsApp is faster. At my workplace, we're now sending documents (read-only) through whatsapp to potential partners/clients.
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Aug 02, 2016 10:41am
Very Good work by government.
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Aug 02, 2016 10:43am
Time has already arrived that ppp Government finally delivers to its people.
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Aug 02, 2016 10:57am
Well done, he stole my idea.
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Aug 02, 2016 11:07am
Time is running out for PPP. They are mere 18-20 months away from next election. They have to move now before its too late. Priorities should be defined clearly and required resources should be released and execute in transparent manner. Murad Ali Shah and his team would have to work day and night, otherwise they will lose Sindh as well. Action should be seen on ground not on social media and whatsapp group only...
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Aug 02, 2016 11:15am
Good gesture!
At the end of the day we will see what new CM delivers to the people of Sindh in general and Karachi in particular.
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Aug 02, 2016 11:27am
After ruining the whole province and provincial capital for almost 8 years, hope and pray that this sane CM brings good for the people....Finally...
Lets wait and watch how he empowers the local govt. set-up...
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Aug 02, 2016 11:47am
WhatsApp group for cabinet..!!! it is not secure to discuss cabinet issues over an open platform like that..
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Aug 02, 2016 11:49am
I live in DHA Phase II, Karachi, where Mr. Shah the current CM maintains a house. Please let the public know what constitutes as the CM's actual allotted security and motorcade, as there are at least 30 to 35 police personnel along with three police vans are posted at his house ever since Mr. Shah took over office. Was he supposed to be given 60 to 80 men just for his house? Please explain. Dont laud a man who still has yet to deliver and prove him self.
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Aug 02, 2016 11:59am
Of course there will be divergent views - however excellent steps to begin - hope he continues strongly and positively towards his objective of good governance although elections are looming - he is leading by example - well done CM and keep it up - Best wishes
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Aug 02, 2016 12:19pm
will have to wait and see if there is any real development in the remaining 2 years of this government or if this is just for public consumption for the next elections
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Aug 02, 2016 12:45pm
Apparently; he seems to be an educated and sensible person. Let's hope he would be given free hand and allowed to perform and deliver. The issue is with us that we have been criticizing ourselves for years and it hasn’t worked; we must try approving of ourselves and see what happens.
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Aug 02, 2016 12:51pm
Instant communication is the key to drive results in modern era. All top corporates in U.S. use this tool to engage with their team.
Very effective tool but need to use it cautiously as all data will be on what's app server.
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Aug 02, 2016 12:54pm
Good one CM. Keep it up.
So far so good.
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Aug 02, 2016 12:56pm
Good work must be appreciated and time be given to new C.M.
C.M may please also focus on education in Sindh specially in Urban areas, where there is no check on Private Schools and no regulator is there to listen to the hue and cry of parents who are paying hefty amount to schools in the name of fee and other charges and virtually reaping nothing out of such payments for future of their children.
C.M may also set and publicize email for better reach and communication of ideas from commoners.
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Aug 02, 2016 01:02pm
Well done sir please continue the good work and people of Pakistan will support you.
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Aug 02, 2016 01:03pm
@ot-teri Please give this guy benefit of doubt and give him time to prove himself worthy of this responsibility.
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Aug 02, 2016 01:43pm
After all, he WILL HAVE TO DO what the Party Leaders say.
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Aug 02, 2016 02:02pm
An initiative wanted badly. Hope new CM can manage to clean khi and establish safety for travellets and residents
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Aug 02, 2016 02:19pm
@Marium S Thanks for letting general public know. Please keep us updated.
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Aug 02, 2016 02:20pm
Whatsapp group named 'Cabinet'. Cute :)
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Aug 02, 2016 02:40pm
Nine vehicles moves with CM !!!!! is it a joke??? Not less than 25-30 are there with CM...
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Aug 02, 2016 02:43pm
The new CM Sindh is going very well. Wish him all the success in his services to the general public generally and the country particularly. First he ordered removal of barriers and barricades on the roads leading to CM's house and now this. Great going CM Sahib.
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Aug 02, 2016 03:22pm
@Shaikh Salman only nine move with the CM, the others just happen to be going the same way ;)
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Aug 02, 2016 03:26pm
Not that they're doing top secret work or anything, but setting up a WhatsApp group for the provincial Cabinet discussion will be a security risk if the phones are lost or hacked.
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Aug 02, 2016 03:27pm
@MY2PAISAS - Agreed with you..
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Aug 02, 2016 03:32pm
That is more like chief minister of gimmicks.
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Aug 02, 2016 03:50pm
For a poor country like Pakistan five vehicle is still to much. How about having just one extra police mobile?
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Aug 02, 2016 05:12pm
This is the problem with us Pakistanis. When somebody is not performing, we hurl insults at him and say why isn't he performing. Now when somebody at least tries to do some good stuff, the same Pakistanis then label his actions as showoff/gimmicky. We are never happy in any case. Shame on us. I'm not saying the new CM will ease our ills swiftly but at least give him the benefit of the doubt right now. He's not been in office for a week and anything he does is promptly labeled a gimmick. If you can't be a part of the solution, at least don't become a part of the problem.
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Aug 02, 2016 05:54pm
Good move....lets see how long it lasts, Pakistani politicians tend to show off but never follow through and more importantly he should also put his cronies on the same track of reducing pomp and show, come to work on time instead after half the day is gone and then sit and socialise while the public waits hours and days for routine administrative services.
Pakistan needs to overhaul all its politicians, bureaucracy and administrative apparatus. The Prime minister is a classic example of poor example as a politician who never turns up for parliamentary sessions.
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Aug 02, 2016 06:07pm
Although a step in the right direction however it would be more productive if the CM had visibility of his ministers/administrative staff's electronic diary, hold daily brief morning prayers ( relating to business of the day and any challenges), monthly formal meetings with minutes and concerns and counter measures (CCMs) - these will capture the agenda/issues with ownership and timescales.
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Aug 02, 2016 07:20pm
Let's praise our CM after 6 months.
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Aug 02, 2016 07:42pm
After the invention of whatsapp, most of the develop countries get rid of corruption and civic issues like Japan, US, Germany, France, China etc ..
It is the most important thing he has done. Now we can see clean Karachi soon.
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Aug 02, 2016 08:18pm
Wonderful brain-wave Mr. Murad! But, keep clear of the already cooking WhatsApp-Leaks !
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Aug 03, 2016 05:56am
He appears to be an organized executive. WhatsApp is a way to check on the departmental progress of his cabinet ministers right out of the gate.
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Aug 03, 2016 08:23am
Group join
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Aug 03, 2016 05:06pm
as usual the politics of pointless Optics
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Aug 03, 2016 05:53pm
@Hunter-gatherer how much corruption is controlled in lahore. and what is wrong with getting instructions from the party chief. cant understand the point of your comment
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Aug 03, 2016 06:03pm
@Jahan and with our history of complete ignorance you believe this is a step in the wrong direction??? At least give him an opportunity. Will not take him long before people around him will help him fail...
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Aug 03, 2016 06:56pm
That half will be more than enough. Good show.
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Aug 03, 2016 08:26pm
Am I really reading all of this related to a CM????? It seems to good to be true.
Nevertheless, it's an excellent start and hope it continues.
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