KARACHI, Sept 7: Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has advised elected representatives to speed up their efforts for the development of the province within the available resources. He has also stressed on ensuring merit, good governance and a transparent management.

His remarks came during his meeting with ministers and senior officials of the provincial government at Governor House here on Saturday night. Chief Minister Ali Mohammad Mahar also addressed the meeting.

Dr Ibad underlined the need for effective contacts between the elected representatives and masses and monitoring of officials’ performance.

He noted that the desired results could be achieved by appointing honest, hardworking and dutiful officers.

The governor stressed that disciplinary action against corrupt and inefficient officers was a must as their mere transfer was not a solution to the problem.

He also underscored the need for a reward to honest and dedicated officers and said that such people’s services should be utilized fully. Appointments and promotions should be based on performance and result-oriented working, he added.

He observed that the peaceful and normal life in the cities and villages of Sindh was a pointer of a satisfactory performance of the coalition as well as their efforts for the welfare of people.

Dispelling the impression that the coalition was not taking off, the governor said that the coalition partners should not be discouraged by such negative propaganda.

Dr Ibad suggested that the coalition parties should strengthen and speed up their team work for the progress and welfare of the province and its people.

He pointed out that maintaining law and order in the province was the government’s top priority as this would ensure development in the province and would lead to further improvement in the standard of life of common citizen.

He lauded the services and team work of the police and Rangers in improving law and order in the province.

The observed that the coalition partners were custodian of the rights of Sindh people and that they should serve them and solve their problems without any discrimination.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Ali Mohammad Mehar said that the coalition partners were working jointly for the welfare and prosperity of Sindh people.

He said that his government stood for serving the province and its people. He said the government needed time to prove its efficiency.

Mr Mahar pointed out that a positive and result-oriented progress had been achieved within a short span of time.

The governor and chief minister said they were working together in close coordination in an atmosphere of mutual trust.

Provincial ministers Syed Sardar Ahmad, Shoaib Bukhari, Arbab Rahim, Imtiaz Sheikh, Rauf Siddiqui and Irfan Magsi; advisers to the CM Syed Salahuddin Haider, Waseem Akhtar, Nauman Saigal and Aftab Sheikh; and the Deputy Speaker Raheela Tiwana also spoke on the occasion.

Chief Secretary Dr Mutawakkil Qazi, home secretary, IG Sindh and DG Rangers apprised the meeting of the measures taken for maintaining law and order in the province. —APP