HYDERABAD, June 8: The leaders of the Sindh Democratic Alliance have advised the government to refrain from launching controversial projects like Kalabagh dam and greater Thal canal at this crucial juncture when war threat was looming large at the border.

They asserted since the army was a symbol of unity, it would be better for it to refer disputed projects of Kalabagh dam and Thal canal to the Council of Common Interests or leave it to elected government.

These views were expressed by the SDA leaders Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh, Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi, Arbab Ghulam Raheem, Syed Jalal Mehmood Shah and Raheela Tiwana while speaking at a news conference and some receptions in the city and Qasimabad.

The SDA leaders said unfortunately 1991 Water Accord contained a clause on Thal canal.

They said they would continue to lodge protest against this controversial project and represent people of Sindh in a “civilized way”.

They added “if needed” the SDA leaders would resort to protest practically with people of Sindh.

They said they would put an end to the hatred, created due to unwise policies of the Centre.

The leaders said the SDA had joined the National Alliance in order to ensure provincial autonomy for Sindh.

They asked President Gen Pervez Musharraf to withdraw armed forces from Wapda and the KESC because they were needed at borders.

They said now United States of America must prove its friendship with Pakistan after the latter had been playing a front-line role in war against terrorism in post 9/11 scenario.

They added people of Pakistan rightly felt USA did not support Pakistan the way it was expected and its tilt continued to be towards India even in present situation.

They maintained USA must come forward to play its role in deescalating the situation.

They said people of Sindh would fight shoulder to shoulder with the army if India forced war on Pakistan.

Our Bureau adds: The retired teachers of the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, were given shields on Friday in recognition of their services in various departments of the university.

Those who were presented shields included Prof A.R. Siddiqui, Prof Abdur Razzaque Memon, Prof Aslam Chaudhry, Prof Kulsoom Pathan and Prof Mehrunnisa Panhwar.

The ceremony was held at the residence of the vice chancellor of the university.

HOSTEL ALLOTMENT: The deputy registrar of the Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, has notified that the registration and hostel allotment of first term for academic session 2001 in all the classes of faculties will start from June 15 to June 22 with usual fee and from June 24 to June 29 with late fee of Rs100.