15 January 2004	Thursday	22 Ziqa'ad 1424

KARACHI, Jan 14: Sindh Chief Secretary Dr Muttawakkil Kazi has directed all secretaries of the provincial departments and additional chief secretaries to chalk out plans for "Sindh vision 2015" whose implementation could bring prosperity to the province and strengthen national economy.

Dr Kazi, who was presiding over a high-level meeting on "Sindh vision 2015" at the Sindh Secretariat on Wednesday, said following discovery of gas, petroleum and other mineral and natural resources, the province was emerging as a rich province in energy production in the country.

He said it was necessary to ascertain the provincial development to redefine the economic and social values of the province with reference to falling standards of education, which was producing graduates devoid of sense of commitment and professional duties.

"There is a need to chalk out proper rules of performance and their implementation", he said and added that improvement of the educational system was the core need of the hour.

The chief secretary also highlighted the need for involvement of every forum, including district and provincial assemblies, reputed NGOs, etc., in the preparation of a strategy for the vision.

Referring to problems of Karachi, Mr Kazi said the metropolis being over-populous had been spreading horizontally without any planning and infrastructure which was the main cause of many pressing problems, like increase in illiteracy, unemployment, water and sewerage and transport problems.

These issues, he said, should also be dealt with in the plans of "Sindh vision 2015" . For this purpose, he stressed the need for enhancing mutual coordination. He hoped that the vision would result in strengthening of district governments, improve law and order and social services would be extended.