Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Tuesday that record funds had been disbursed to the federating units under the PML-N government.

Chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet in Islamabad on Tuesday, the prime minister said that all development, energy and security initiatives had either been completed or were in completion phase, “which speaks volumes of the development and energy security endeavours bearing fruit during the PML-N government since 2013”.

Abbasi apprised the cabinet about his recent visit to Karachi, during which he announced Rs25 billion for Karachi and Rs5 billion for Hyderabad under a comprehensive package to be implemented by the federal government under the policy and administrative supervision of Governor Sindh with fixed timelines and fixed costs.

“Under the said package, a hospital and a medical college will be established in Karachi. The Green Line Metro project will be extended to other areas while additional resources would be provided for new water projects,” the premier said.

Abbasi additionally said that 50 fire tenders would be provided for Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) while a series of underpasses and bridges would be constructed to reduce the traffic mess in the port city.

About the Hyderabad package, the prime minister said one university and one medical college would be established in Hyderabad while an additional grant would be provided for Hyderabad Municipal Corporation besides upgradation of infrastructure of all industrial states.

The prime minister also informed his cabinet about the law and order meeting he chaired during his visit in the wake of a recent surge in street crimes in the port city.

“The provincial government has been asked to play its due role in the development work in the province in general and Karachi in particular.”

Abbasi reaffirmed all out support from the federal government to the provincial government in development and ensuring peace and security in Sindh.

The secretary of the interior ministry later briefed the cabinet on the laws relating to weapons' licencing.

Abbasi directed the Ministry of Interior to revalidate data regarding weapons licences issued, adding that a 90 days grace period would be given to all licence holders of “Prohibited Weapons” for registration with NADRA.

The prime minister further announced he would hold a cabinet meeting every Tuesday.