14 May 2004	Friday	23 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

KARACHI, May 13: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan said on Thursday that a probe into the incidents of violence on by-polls in the city has been initiated and those involved in terrorist activities will be taken to task.

Speaking at a hurriedly-called press conference at the Governor's House, Mr Ibad said that administration officials would be taken to task, if slackness proved on their part during the by-elections.

He observed that the Karachiites were peaceful and wanted to live peacefully, but some unscrupulous elements wanted to disturb the peace of the city. Commenting on the strike call given by Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal on Friday, he said that it was its democratic right, however, he appealed to the MMA that law and order be not taken in hand while observing the strike.

"Any one found involved in disturbing law and order would be dealt with iron hand," he said, however, he hoped that the MMA would observe a peaceful strike. He said that an integrated plan had been chalked out to deal with the strike call in order to avert any untoward incident.

In reply to a question about any contact with the MMA for calling off the strike, he told that administration was in contact with the alliance in this regard. He said that some clues had been found to the culprits behind the Hyderi Mosque blast, which he would disclose later.

To a query regarding incidents of violence on by-election day, he opined that this should be seen in a broader context, as explosive material had been recovered and some terrorist gangs were busted in the last few months.

"Action has been proposed against some officials, however, a final action would be taken after the completion of investigation," he said. When asked about any rigging in the by-elections, he said that according to his information, elections were held in a fair manner and no case of rigging was reported.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Governor's House here on Thursday regretted the unnecessary criticism of Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and involving him in political matters.

In a statement, the spokesman made it clear that since day one after taking oath of office, the governor had been performing his responsibilities in accordance with the constitutional requirements and by remaining completely impartial.

He said the governor was keenly working day and night for the welfare and progress of the people and areas of Sindh without any discrimination. From the very beginning, the governor had been contacting political leaders, intellectuals and people belonging to other strata of life and having different opinions and ideologies, the spokesman pointed out.

The WHO and various other international and national organizations, as well as personalities, have acknowledged the governor's services for the progress of the province and the wellbeing of its people, he said.

With his personal efforts, the governor had played an pivotal role in maintaining peaceful conditions during the holy months of Ramazan, Muharram and Rabiul Awwal and on the occasions of Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha, he recalled, and added that everyone was well aware of the same.

The spokesman also referred to the holding of Pakistan-India cricket match in Karachi, and said the governor had accepted it as a challenge. The governor's achievements in this regard had been acknowledged internationally, he added.

The governor regularly visits the towns and cities of the province and meets people in streets to apprise himself of their problems. Through continuous monitoring and under personal supervision, the Governor got various projects of city hospitals, roads and educational institutions activated which were lying in abeyance. -PPI/APP