15 May 2004	Saturday	24 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

KARACHI, May 14:Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Chief Minister Ali Mohammad Mahar have stated that the maintenance of law and order is the prime responsibility of government.

They were speaking at a joint meeting at the Governor's House on Friday. They said that the over all situation remained normal in the city on Friday due to the efforts made by government. They said that the citizens wanted to live in peaceful atmosphere.

The governor appealed to political leaders to cooperate with the government in its efforts to provide better environment to citizens. He said that the entire country would progress with the development of the mega city. He maintained that economic and industrial development depended on peaceful atmosphere and that could only be achieved through joint efforts.

The chief minister said that some political parties gave strike call for Friday, however, the situation remained normal in the city due to the administrative efforts of the present government.

Referring to some reports about differences within the government, Ali Mahar made it clear that there was no difference among coalition partners of the provincial government. He said that every member in the cabinet had right to express his views and all matters were decided according to the set procedure.

The governor and the chief minister discussed various issues of the province in the meeting. They pledged to continue present policies for development works and maintenance of law and order.

The meeting also reviewed various ongoing schemes in health and education sectors and provision of other basic facilities, which would help improve living standard of the people of Karachi.

Meanwhile, talking to a delegation at the Governor's House, Dr Ishratul Ibad said that the provincial government had no interference in the working of local governments.

He informed the delegation comprising participants of 77th Advance Course in Public Sector Management of NIPA that the provincial government was guiding the local governments. He said that help in improving pace of development works and capacity building was the responsibility of provincial government.

The governor denied the impression that there was any conflict between local governments and provincial government.

He clarified that initiation of the local government system was a revolutionary step that would directly benefit the people to the grass-root level.

Dr Ibad said that the provincial government used to stress upon activation and completion of development and social welfare projects.

These positive and constructive efforts should not be termed as undue interference, he remarked.

He said that the government had urged local governments along with provincial departments to increase the efficiency and proper utilization of budgets. Increase in the schemes regarding health and education had been observed this year, he added.

Regarding law and order situation, he said that several known terrorist groups had been curbed during the last 18 months while the rate of other crimes was also brought down.

He said that steps were being taken to eliminate socio-economic causes of crimes that would yield positive results.

Necessary arrangements were underway to provide opportunities for cottage industry and low scale businesses, he added.

Talking about the NFC Award, the governor said that the issue would be resolved with the consent of all the four provinces. -APP/PPI