07 February 2004	Saturday	15 Zilhaj 1424

KARACHI, Feb 6: Sindh Chief Minister Ali Mohammad Mahar, who returned here on Friday morning from a foreign visit, said the creation of new districts should not be opposed.

He was talking to provincial ministers, advisers, party leaders and government officials who called on him at the Chief Minister House. He said that more districts would only be created if needed in public interest.

The chief minister said that he would soon visit different districts of the province to take stock of the problems of the people and redress their grievances.

Mr Mahar said that his government attached top priority to maintaining law and order and generating maximum economic activities so that more job opportunities could be created for the people.

"The government has also initiated the process of recruitment to the 30,000 government jobs for which the vacancies are being advertised through the press," he said.

He advised the jobless youths to apply for the jobs and prepare themselves for appearing in the written tests as all the appointments would be made on merit basis.

About his 11-day visit to London and Dubai, Mr Mahar said he met MQM chief Altaf Hussain, foreign investors and other personalities. He discussed matters pertaining to Sindh with Altaf Hussain, he added.

The chief minister said there was no rift in the ranks of PML and his government enjoyed support of all its members. "The PML and its allies are working in a complete harmony with a determination to serve the masses for which a comprehensive plan would shortly be announced," he said.

Provincial ministers Imtiaz Shaikh, Irfanullah Marwat, Rauf Siddiqui; advisers Waseem Akhtar, Ghulam Rasool Unnar, Fakir Jadam Mangrio, Faisal Malik; chief secretary Dr Mutawakal Kazi; IG Police Syed Kamal Shah; secretaries of various departments were among those who met the chief minister on his arrival.

Later, the chief minister presided over a high-level meeting on law and order. He said that all resources would be fully employed to weed out criminals, dacoits and anti-social elements. He said the government attached top priority to maintaining peace and tranquillity in the province.

The chief minister said that a number of hostages had been got released while many dacoits were killed through the continuous efforts of police in the interior of Sindh.

He called upon the administration to keep a strict watch on criminal forces and curb the activities of anti-state elements. Mr Mahar also appreciated the efforts and steps taken by police and administration for maintaining law and order on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.

Sindh Chief Secretary, Dr Mutawakal Kazi; Additional Chief Secretary Home, Syed Anwar Haider; IG Police Syed Kamal Shah; and others attended the meeting. -PPI/APP