09 June 2004	Wednesday	20 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

KARACHI, June 8: Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, nominated for the post of the chief minister of Sindh by the Pakistan Muslim League and its allies, said on Thursday that his government would remain committed to the principled stand of Sindh on all issues, including the NFC award and Thal canal.

Dr Rahim, who paid a visit to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement headquarters in the city on Tuesday night, told newsmen that his stand on problems of the province would not be different from that of the allied parties.

He said that the MQM chief was not against Waderas but against the Wadera mentality and he himself (Dr Rahim) was not a Wadera. The system in the province needed reforms, he added.

He said that he would not allow religious elements to indulge in sectarianism. Dr Rahim pointed out that the opposition had a role in the democratic system and he would expect it to play that role.

Regarding his recent meeting with MQM chief Altaf Hussain, he said they had exchanged views on different issues and he was satisfied with its outcome. He said he had come to 'Nine zero' to express his gratitude for Muttahida's support for his nomination.

He ruled out any possibility of an operation against the MQM, saying there was no basis for any operation against them. "They are all gentlemen".