KARACHI, Sept 4: Sindh Governor Mohammadmian Soomro has directed the police and administration to take all possible steps for holding peaceful and transparent elections in the province.
In this regard, he called for the creation of an environment in tandem with the code of conduct devised by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Presiding over a meeting of the Sindh cabinet at the New Sindh Secretariat, the governor hoped that the candidates and parties participating in the elections would also extend complete cooperation in this respect.
The cabinet stressed the need for providing parking space in all multi-storeyed buildings, and called for the restoration of parking facilities which were converted for use in other purposes.
While re-organizing the charged parking system, the cabinet decided to incorporate the provisions whereby vehicles could be protected against theft.
In this regard, a committee comprising of the home secretary, finance secretary, DIG Traffic and DCO was set up, which would devise the line of action with regard to the protection of vehicles against theft in the charged parking system.
LAW AND ORDER: The Inspector General Police, Syed Kamal Shah and Home Secretary, Brig Mukhtar Ahmed (R), briefed the cabinet about the law and order situation in the province.
They apprised the meeting about the steps taken to ensure maintenance of law and order in connection with the approaching elections and holding of the Defence Exhibition IDEAS-2002.
Governor Soomro called for maintaining a strict vigil against cases of kidnapping for ransom and other crimes, besides maintaining a coordinated and effective intelligence network.
He specially stressed on aerial-patrolling, use of zoom cameras and special protection of places of worship. In this regard, he directed that cooperation of the community should also be solicited.
The governor asked people to maintain a vigil against alien faces in their respective areas, as well as at places of worship, and in case of any suspicion, inform law enforcement agencies immediately.
Sindh Chief Secretary K.B. Rind stressed the need to end tribal disputes from the Sukkur Region.
The home secretary informed that the situation in this regard has been peaceful for the last fortnight, and steps were being taken to ensure this would be the case in future as well.
IG police informed that cases of car theft have substantially reduced for sometime now, while there has been an improvement in the recovery of stolen vehicles.
ART AND CULTURE: Governor Soomro stressed the implementation of a coordinated programme in the fields of tourism, art, folk art and archaeology.
The governor also issued directives for paying timely attention to the welfare of old and sick artists, and an increase in their honoraria. He asked the secretary culture to start a health insurance programme for artists.
The Secretary Culture, Ashiq Hussain Memon told the meeting that display centres are being set up in Karachi, Sukkur and Hyderabad to promote the skills of craftsmen. The Hyderabad centre has been established, while one more centre in Hyderabad and ones in Karachi and Sukkur will start working next week.
COTTON CROP: Secretary Agriculture, Aftab Qureshi apprised the meeting about the Agriculture Export Processing Zone and the cotton crop situation. The governor called for working out a proper time frame for the Agriculture Processing Zone.
He directed that a district-wise survey of the cotton crop be carried out to ascertain the factual position. He also issued directives for ascertaining the causes of infestation of the cotton crop in certain areas, so that the same could be rectified.
It was informed that encouraging results have been achieved with the cultivation of cotton crop in rice growing areas. The meeting was told that cotton has been grown on 15,000 acres, and its cultivation and growth was satisfactory.
Governor Soomro asked the board of revenue to identify places for establishment of hotels and resorts in the coastal areas so that the same could be provided to needy parties through their auction. He said the task should be completed in 10 days.
CORRUPTION: The Secretary Services, Mohammad Sarwar Khehro informed the cabinet about the steps taken regarding good governance and the disciplinary action being taken against government officials involved in negligence from duty and corruption.
The governor called for expediting action in this regard and to accomplish the same in time.
The secretary services said that reports in this regard have been received from 17 provincial departments, according to which 2,581 cases have been registered since January 2000. Of them, decision was taken on 1,463 cases, with major penalty awarded in 466 cases, and minor penalty in 624 cases, while people in 373 cases were acquitted. He said that at present, 1,115 cases are under process.—APP
