KARACHI, June 23: Sindh Governor Mohammedmian Soomro has said the government is trying to better the lot of the common man and paying equal attention to the urban and rural areas of the province.

He said this aspect had specially been taken care of in the next year’s budget with attention focussed on the problems of all parts without any discrimination.

He was talking to leaders of public opinion from various areas of the province here in the Governor’s House on Sunday.

Besides discussing the overall affairs of Sindh, the leaders also exchanged views with the governor on the ongoing development schemes in various cities and towns as well as the problems faced by the people.

Those who called on the governor were Sardar Ghaus Bux Maher, Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi, Capt Haleem Siddiqi (retd), Maqbool Shaikh, Jalal Mohammed Shah, Dr Ibrahim Jatoi, Alhaj Shamimuddin, Sardar Amir Hasan Khan Khoso, Syed Ali Nawaz Shah and others.

Chief Secretary Javed Ashraf Husain, Principal Secretary Brig Akhtar Zamin (retd), Home Secretary Mukhtar Ahmed, Secretary Local Government Qamar Zaman, IG Police Syed Kamal Shah and other officials were also present on the occasion.

They appreciated the efforts made by the governor for taking steps in the budget for the progress and welfare of the province.

The governor informed them that the pension fund, endowment fund for deserving students, scholarships for girl students of class six to eight would provide for a solid foundation for future progress and prosperity of the province.

He said special attention had been paid to the social sector along with provision of drinking water, disposal of sewerage and other schemes of health and education.

The home secretary and the IG told them that the government were making sustained efforts to establish the rule of law.

The governor said the government was ensuring the participation of the community in every sector. He stressed the need for collective working and asked the leaders to play their due role towards attaining this end. —APP