December 12, 2002	Thursday	Shawwal 7, 1423

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KARACHI, Dec 11: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on Wednesday categorically stated that the federal government was not interfering in the formation of government in Sindh.

Talking to newsmen at the Mazar of Quaid-i-Azam shortly after his arrival in Karachi, the prime minister denied that some members of the Sindh Assembly were being “pressurized.”

“I want to make it clear that I have not said anything to any MPA of Sindh.”

Zafarullah Jamali said he had been telling Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians leaders and “saying it again today” that since they (PPP) are the “single majority party” in Sindh Assembly, they have the first right to form the government in the province.

“We will have no objection if the PPP forms the government in Sindh. But if they fail, the provincial government would be formed by others,” he said while replying to a question.

The prime minister spoke of his meeting with PPP leader Makhdoom Amin Fahim in Islamabad on Monday and Tuesday and said: “Our doors are open as all are my friends and colleagues.”

“But the problem with the PPP is that they have three to four candidates for the office of Sindh chief minister and therefore are unable to take a decision. Now, shifting the blame (for this) by the PPP (onto the government) is not fair,” he observed.

Zafarullah Jamali emphasized that the formation of government in Sindh province was “a must.”

“There are elected governments in Punjab, the NWFP and Balochistan. The non-existence of government in Sindh would negate the concept of democracy.”

Asked about the nominee for Sindh CM’s post, the prime minister said that the Grand National Alliance would take a decision in this regard.

“Our friends are in Karachi for the last two days, having talks with leaders of various parties and groups represented in the Sindh Assembly. We would also sit and consult friends on this matter,” he stated.

Talking about the reduction in the electricity tariff by 12 paisa per unit, Jamali said this step was very much in the interest of the people and would contribute towards alleviating their problems.

He also declared that more relief would be provided in the future.

He reminisced that he had the honour of meeting Quaid-i-Azam when he was a child.

“When I grew up, I had the honour of being the personal bodyguard of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah.

“What else can be a bigger honour for me,” he remarked, and added that he had recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book at the Qauid’s mausoleum.

The prime minister said that his pledge was with Pakistan as well as its founders.

The prime minister was accompanied by the Sindh Governor, Mohammadmian Soomro, federal ministers Shaikh Rasheed Ahmed, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, Liaquat Ali Jatoi, PML-Q parliamentary party leader in the National Assembly, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Nazim Karachi, Naimatullah Khan, and some high-ranking officials. —PPI/APP