KARACHI: Sindh govt seeks water share as per 1991 accord
By Our Staff Reporter
KARACHI, April 15: The Sindh cabinet on Tuesday reiterated its stand that there shall be no compromise on share of water as stipulated in the 1991 water accord.
However, the cabinet formed a two-member committee to verify the stand taken by the representatives of Sindh in the IRSA meeting and the impact of the decisions taken by IRSA as a consequence of the stand and its related matters.
The committee, comprising Mohammad Irdis Rajput, former Sindh secretary irrigation and power, and Ali Mohammad Baloch, former Sindh secretary communication and works department, would submit its report within 15 days.
Sindh Information Secretary, Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, while briefing newsmen about the decisions of the cabinet meeting, read out a fax message received from IRSA, Islamabad.
The fax message reads: “Recently, there has been a tirade in various sections of the local press that has created a lot of resentment in the concerned quarters of the province of Sindh.
“The issue is related to the chairman IRSA’s views in the press briefing, after the advisory committee meeting held on April 9.
“IRSA’s stand on this uncalled for controversy remains intact insofar as the chairman’s statement is concerned. However, the cause of concern is that the press, as well as the interested parties, misconstrued the matter.
“The fact of ground, in relation to the issue of the downstream Kotri release of water are as follows:
(a) There has been no compromise by IRSA on the downstream Kotri release of water as a requirement in accordance to the provision of the Accord 91. The Authority duly acknowledges the stand of the province of Sindh on the subject.
(b) The escapade of water downstream Kotri to the likely extent of 21 MAF shall remain available during the current Kharif season as per IRSA’s projections for the season”.
LAW AND ORDER: The cabinet expressed its dis-satisfaction over law and order situation in the province, particularly in four districts of upper Sindh and the Superhighway where outlaws strike.
Chief Minister Ali Mohammad Mahar, who was presiding over the cabinet meeting, stressed the need for taking preventive measures, particularly in old matters, like Dargah Lawari Sharif, where incidents keep on repeating.
Directing the law-enforcement agencies to improve the situation, the chief minister assured them that their logistics requirements, would be met through provincial and federal resources.
Earlier, the home secretary and the IGP gave a detailed presentation on the law and order situation.
Chief Secretary K B Rind, summing up the discussion, pointed out that in four upper districts of Sindh — Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Larkana and part of Sukkur — law and order situation could not be termed satisfactory and steps be taken for an improvement.
The cabinet was informed that there was a gradual decline in urban crimes. However, the kidnapping of two employees of Shell from Superhighway was a matter of concern.
The meeting called for ensuring recovery of the abducted persons and said such incidents be checked strictly as their recurrence proves counter-productive to the government efforts for luring investment.
Home Minister Syed Sardar Ahmad informed the meeting that the recommendations about prison reforms and traffic management would be submitted in the next meeting of the cabinet.
Regarding regularisation of contract doctors, the cabinet was informed that the proposed bill would be moved in the next session of the assembly.
The meeting was informed that as the court had allowed the students to appear in the examination, the matter of irregularities in the admission of Sindh Medical College had become subjudice. However, the credential of first, second and third year MBBS students would be ratified and those students will be rusticated whose certificates were found bogus.
The cabinet decided to implement the recommendations of the steering committee formed for disposal of SAZDA equipment and staff as there was no justification for the revival of an organization already disbanded.
The meeting approved appointment of livestock minister as chairman of Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority.
The decision on denotification of reserved forest land (9639 acres) located in Garhi Yasin, which the government had been asked to allot to the families (including of the army) affected by the establishment of capital city, Islamabad, was deferred for seeking a clarification from the federal government.
Likewise, the matter of sugarcane growers and millers problem and policy for next year, denationalisation of Khatoon-i-Pakistan school and shifting of Mehmoodabad Government lower and primary school, amendment in Sindh Local Government Ordinance 2001, establishment of Sindh Revenue authority, upgradation of livestock farms, and withdrawal of the posts of grade 11 to 16 for appointment through the Public Service Commission were deferred to the next meeting as some of the items needed more home-work and clarification from federal institutions.
