Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah conducted a startling and unannounced inspection of the Sindh Secretariat on Friday, only to discover a troubling scene of absenteeism among the province's top bureaucrats. The surprise visit, which took place on January 2, 2026, was intended to assess the working environment and efficiency of the administrative hub but instead exposed significant lapses in duty.
A Chief Minister's Frustration
Arriving without prior notice, CM Murad Ali Shah expected to find the secretaries of various departments at their posts, actively engaged in their official responsibilities. However, his tour of the secretariat building revealed a different reality. To his clear dismay, several key secretaries were not present in their offices during official working hours.
The Chief Minister's irritation was palpable as he moved from one empty office to another. He immediately sought explanations for the unexplained absences, questioning the attending staff about the whereabouts of their superiors. This direct encounter with what appeared to be administrative negligence and a lack of commitment left the provincial leader deeply concerned about the operational discipline within the government's core offices.
Immediate Repercussions and Directives
In response to the situation, Chief Minister Shah did not mince words. He issued strict, on-the-spot instructions to the officials who were present, emphasizing the non-negotiable requirement for punctuality and presence. He underscored that such absenteeism directly hinders public service delivery and creates bottlenecks in governance.
The CM made it unequivocally clear that he expects all secretaries and senior officers to be physically present at their desks during official hours, fully accessible to the public and their staff. He warned that any future instances of such unauthorized absence would be met with serious disciplinary action. The surprise visit served as a stark reminder that the leadership is watching and that accountability starts with being present and accountable at one's designated place of work.
A Wake-Up Call for Sindh's Bureaucracy
This event is more than a simple administrative check; it is a powerful signal from the highest office in Sindh. The Chief Minister's surprise visit highlights a growing intolerance for lax attitudes and a renewed push for efficiency and responsiveness in the provincial machinery. The incident at the Sindh Secretariat is expected to trigger a broader review of attendance and performance protocols across all government departments.
The message from the top is now crystal clear: public service demands presence, punctuality, and professionalism. The bureaucrats of Sindh have been put on notice, and the government's commitment to ensuring a functional and responsible administration has been forcefully reiterated. The people of Sindh, the CM implied, deserve officials who are at work, working for them.
