KARACHI, June 16: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has said that he had inherited the issue of National Finance Commission Award from the previous government and it was not advisable to delay presentation of the budget for the NFC.
The chief minister was talking to a group of journalists in his chamber at the assembly building after the session was adjourned till Saturday. He said if federal government's formula was accepted for one year for the sake of budget it could also be made for coming years resulting in huge loss to the Sindh government. This was the reason that the Sindh government remained stuck to its principled stand, he added.
Regarding his meeting with President Musharraf, the chief minister said that the president had discussed formation of the Sindh cabinet with him and sought guidance from him about good governance and other provincial matters.
Dr Arbab Rahim said that he had not yet decided to keep the home affairs department with him or to give it to any other member. The cabinet would be formed with mutual consultations and he would induct members keeping in view their honesty, hardwork and dedication.
He further said that there was no change in the formula, which was agreed upon with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement in the year 2002 and any change would come into effect only after mutual consultations.
Dr Arbab Rahim said that he was determined to set the things rolling in the right direction and take necessary steps whether he was chief minister for four days or four years.
He said that he would work without conceding to any pressure to give the province good governance beginning with priorities of law and order and improved performance of police department.
About the cabinet expansion, the chief minister said that the size of provincial cabinet and portfolios would be decided in consultation with coalition partners, adds PPI.
However, he maintained that it would be a "good cabinet" and added that "a few ministers" would be inducted in the next phase of cabinet expansion. "I'll keep close watch on the performance of provincial ministers, and complaints against them of any nature, especially regarding corruption will not be tolerated," he said.
Regarding the budget session, the chief minister said that he welcomed positive criticism from opposition benches, but, there were some people who created trouble in the assembly.
