KARACHI, May 1: Sindh Governor, Mohammedmian Soomro, has said that although a change is always possible, he does not foresee any plan on the cards for change in his cabinet or administration after the people declared their massive support for President Pervez Musharraf in Tuesday’s referendum.

The governor said that people voted for the policies and reform agenda of President Musharraf which gives ample proof of their confidence in him.

He said that his opponents may make tall claims, but the fact is that people have extended full support to President Musharraf, which would pave the way for the restoration of real and deep- rooted democracy in the country.

When asked about reports that he was being tipped for premiership, the Governor said that nothing of the sort was in his knowledge.

To a question about the turnout of voters in his constituency in Jacobabad which the opposition claimed was very low, he said that the turnout was quite good.

Replying to a question that now that the referendum has been held, will the government contact the opposition parties, Mr Soomro said that efforts have been made to work collectively for the good and betterment of the country. He said that those who would like to work with the government would be welcomed.

The governor said that in the referendum, even the workers of opposition parties voted in support of the policies of Pervez Musharraf.

He pointed out that leaders of different opinions were busy motivating people and also their own workers who performed well during the referendum in the respective areas of influence.

He quoted the example of the public meeting of the President in Karachi where workers of various parties made their presence felt in large numbers.

He also said that the government has provided many incentives to the business community so that they work hard and earn for the country, along with payment of due taxes to the government.

The Sindh government, Mr Soomro said, reduced stamp duty by 50 per cent, slashed taxes from 23 to 12pc, inspection visits to industries were cut down from over 44 to a mere six and that too jointly by representatives of various departments.

The governor recalled that in Jan-Feb, when there was tension on the borders, foreign investors arrived here from Hong Kong and invested in major projects costing over Rs1 billion.

In this regard, he quoted the establishment of a weaving, finishing unit in Kotri. He said it became possible only because they saw that they are provided due facilities without putting them into any inconvenience.

Similarly, he pointed out, the CBR is being fully reorganized and the same will be done by Dec 2003.

Mr Soomro said that the budgetary positions of various departments, such as Irrigation, Works, Public Health Engineering, etc, have all been streamlined. Water supply and sewerage schemes are being initiated in the interior of Sindh.

He added that the Sindh development budget has soared from 4pc in the past to 25pc, and will increase further this year.

The KPP projects alone cost Rs6.5 billion, while projects under DERA cost Rs3.5 billion, whereas ADP is in addition, he added.

The governor also referred to the Food Support Programme and the Guzara Allowance. He said that education has been made free in Sindh and primary education made compulsory with free uniform and textbooks as well as stipends for deserving children. He also pointed out that merit is being fully exercised in every field.

When asked if any action will be taken against Nazims, the Governor pointed out that the Local Government Ordinance is quite clear about it.—APP