December 17, 2003	Wednesday	Shawwal 22, 1424

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JACOBABAD, Dec 16: Sindh Chief Minister Ali Mohammad Mahar has denied that there are differences between him and Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali and said such reports are baseless.

Talking to journalists after inaugurating the Gymkhana building here on Tuesday, he however admitted that there were some MPAs who were disappointed with the government but said efforts were being made to resolve the differences.

He said the law and order situation had improved during one year of his government and the water problem would also be resolved soon with joint efforts of federal and Sindh governments.

He maintained that to eliminate corruption, which he said was a major issue, was his priority.

The chief minister said his government did not believe in political victimization and it stood for the prosperity of the people of the province.

He gave an assurance that problems confronting the people would be resolved.

He told the journalists that the wastage of water was a big problem and efforts were afoot to rehabilitate the irrigation system and ensure the supply of water to all growers.

Mr Mahar said the Centre had granted billions of rupees for the farm sector.

Answering a question about the hoarding of flour, he said those who stocked flour would be taken to task.

The chief minister said to overcome the flour shortage, he had talked to the Punjab government and Federal Minister Shaukat Aziz.

He also directed the EDO, works, Ghulam Qadir Leghari, to release the sanctioned amount of Rs1 million to construct the remaining portion of the Gymkhana.

Speaking at a gathering in Garhi Khero, Mr Mahar said he had come Jacobabad on the invitation of Sindh Minister Manzoor Khan Panhwar to address problems of the people of the district.

He ordered chairmen of local Zakat and Ushr committees to distribute Rs10,000 among 100 deserving people.

He also announced a fire brigade for Garhi Khero.

On this occasion, District Nazim Shabbir Bijarani lauded the efforts of the chief minister for the development of the province.

Asghar Panhwar, Agha Ghulam Ali Baloch and Sardar Yar Mohammad Jamali also spoke on the occasion.

Later, Mr Mahar visited Madadpur Khoso, the hometown of Naseer Khan Khoso, the adviser to the chief minister.

On the demand of the adviser, the chief minister announced construction of a 15-kilometre road with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank.

He also announced installation of three telephone exchanges and construction of bridges.

honorarium:Jacobabad District Council convener Asghar Khan Panwhar on Monday said council members would be given honorarium of Rs3,000.

He was speaking at a meeting of the district council after taking over the charge following by-elections.

He said development works were in progress in the district and members would be provided with funds to launch uplift schemes in their constituencies.

He said efforts would be made to resolve problems of the people.

The members on this occasion complained against the behaviour of officials.