KARACHI, Jan 8: The Sindh Cabinet on Tuesday described reports about transfer of some villages of Sindh to the Punjab as baseless, mischievous and unfounded.
The cabinet, which met here at the governors house under the chairmanship of governor Mohammedmian Soomro, noted that certain elements were exploiting it making a source of disinformation against the government despite the fact that the government had time and again clarified the position in this respect.
Addressing the meeting, Governor Soomro observed that it was not in the interest of Sindh to create hatred among the provinces through such tactics and added that the present government keeps high the interests of this province and have concentrated on its economic development. It is the present government which has promoted inter-provincial coordination and cooperation, he said.
He stated that present government had not only completed several schemes struck-up since last many years but also launched new development projects worth billions of rupees. It was also striving for bringing about a positive change in the lifestyle of the people with implementation on welfare schemes, he added.
The cabinet also reviewed law and order situation of the province. Apprising the cabinet members of the prevailing situation and the steps taken for maintaining law & order, IGP Syed Kamal Shah said conditions in the rural areas have improved as compared to previous period and a decline had been registered in the crimes.
The governor observed on this point that it would only be proved if the police performance leaves any positive effects on society and they are appreciated by the general public after getting any relief.
He directed the IGP to keep the media abreast of the incidents of car-snatching and thefts and steps taken to combat such crimes.
Stressing on an effective intelligence system, the governor also directed to encourage people in the rural areas having experience of tracking and said this tradition must be preserved.
The cabinet also took serious note of lawlessness in district Badin and stressed on taking strict action for elimination of criminals. The cabinet observed that Badin was known as the peaceful district of the province in the past, therefore it was important to control the crime there.
The IGP informed that incidents of vehicle theft in Karachi constitute 25 per cent of the total number of crimes. In this regard, the anti-car lifting cell has been reorganised and mini cells established in all districts of Sindh, including Karachi with the posting of hard working and honest officials.
It was informed that check-posts are being setup at different places. The cabinet called for implementing various measures for elimination of this heinous crime.
It was decided to carry out strict monitoring of those garages and workshops where stolen vehicles are brought for changes.
The IGP informed that from Dec 1 to Jan 7, some 87 cases of vehicle theft were detected whereas 17 gangs busted, 102 culprits arrested and 249 vehicles recovered which included 157 four-wheelers and 92 motorcycles.
He also informed the cabinet about the arrest of RAW agents involved in acts of terrorism in the interior of Sindh. He said these people were experts in the production of equipment used in terrorism.
He said they had obtained training in terrorism from India and details of various subversion plans and documents had been recovered from them.
The IGP said hopeful headway had been made in the investigation into the murder case of Ehteshamuddin Haider and some other ghastly crimes committed in the province.
Syed Nasir Ali Shah Bukhari, chairman Sindh Privatisation Commission, also presented a report on the progress of privatisation process.
The cabinet gave its approval to finalise the privatisation of Dadu Sugar Mills, Trauma Centre, assets of defunct Sindh Road Transport Corporation, Stationary & Printing Department, surplus assets of forest department and the land belonging to Directorate of Manpower & Training in Mirpur Mathelo, by the end of March 2002 in a transparent manner.
The cabinet also accorded approval to grant of 100 acres of land on lease at a rate of Rs.0.250 million per acre in Deh Chuhar, to Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation.
The governor directed to take steps for controlling incidents of water theft and directed to provide required help to the irrigation officials in this respect. He expressed dissatisfaction on pace of development work and directed the chief secretary for effective monitoring of development projects. The officials showing slackness or found involved in corruption should be punished, he ordered.—APP/ PPI
