IMF conditions for loans criticized: Tribute paid to Z. A. Bhutto
By Our Correspondent
LARKANA, April 4: Pakistan People's Party (Shaheed Bhutto) chairperson Ghinwa Bhutto has said that the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was a leader who had roots in the masses.
Speaking at a public meeting in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh Bhutto on the 25th death anniversary of Mr Bhutto, she lauded him for his political wisdom and said that even today one could seek guidance from his philosophy.
About International Monetary Fund's conditions for advancing loans to the country, she regretted that it had not sanctioned any loan for health, education and development sectors.
She criticized the government for continuing with the controversial Kalabagh dam and Greater Thal canal projects despite opposition from the people of Sindh. She also criticized the government for blaming nuclear proliferation on scientists. She claimed that the rulers feared that the US could take action against the country on the issue of nuclear proliferation.
She said that the nuclear bomb of Pakistan was once people's strength but now it had become the strength of army. The PPP-SB leader observed that the US had supported the martial law imposed by Gen Ziaul Haq who she said was instrumental in the death sentence to Mr Bhutto.
The secretary-general of the PPP-SB, Dr Ghulam Hussain; president, PPP-SB, Sindh chapter, Meenhon Khan Rind; Jawed Iqbal Moazzam, Chaudhri Munir, Seema Rafiq, Safooran Muhabat Khan and others also spoke on the occasion and paid tribute to the late Bhutto.
RESOLUTIONS: The gathering opposed construction of the Greater Thal canal project and called upon the government to develop a consensus on national issues. It expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the province.
It also expressed shock over killings of civilians and army men in Wana and urged the government to resolve the matter through dialogue instead of using force as it could spark hatred among people.
The meeting also demanded re-investigation of the case of Mr Bhutto. It expressed concern over slow proceedings in the Mir Murtaza Bhutto case. The meeting condemned killings on the pretext of Karo-kari.
PEACE MOVES: Barrister Sultan Mehmood, former prime minister of Azad Jumu and Kashmir and the leader of the opposition in the Legislative Assembly, has welcomed peace moves by Pakistan and India.
Talking to journalists here on Sunday, he said the two countries should resolve contentious issues through dialogue. Referring to the Kashmir issue, he said Kashmiri people should be included in talks on the issue. He said the US had lost interest in resolution of the Kashmir problem but after the Sept 11, 2001, incident, it wanted to resolve the issue.
