KARACHI, Oct 12: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, on Sunday, said that five new housing schemes would be launched soon in the province for the shelterless.

He was talking to the Federal Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, who called on him at the Governor House. Provincial finance minister Syed Sardar Ahmed, minister for industries Adil Siddiqui, chief secretary Dr Mutwakkil Kazi and senior officials were present at the meeting.

He said that the government of Sindh was focussing on the provision of housing facilities to shelterless people in the province in line with the directives of President Musharraf.

Dr Ibad said that Malir Housing Scheme had already been launched in this regard while more housing schemes were in the offing.

The governor also agreed to the proposal of finance minister for launching a housing scheme for government employees and asked the chief secretary to issue directives to the concerned departments in this regard.

Shaukat Aziz assured the governor of all possible support from the federal government on this matter for Sindh and said that funds would be provided for the retirement of debt.

He discussed the issues relating to the industrial and business promotion, housing, sugarcane problems, development schemes and financial matters with the governor.

He also underlined the need for maintaining the image of Karachi as the business city and apprised the governor about the anti-industry activities of various inspectors.

Senior minister Syed Sardar Ahmad also spoke on the occasion. —APP