05 July 2004	Monday	16 Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1425

KARACHI, July 4: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has directed the administration to ensure that loudspeakers in mosques are only used for Azaan (prayer calls) and Khutba-i-Juma (Friday prayer sermons), says.

The chief minister issued directives in this regard after receiving several public complaints. Dr Arbab has directed the home department's additional chief secretary to ensure that mosques of all the schools of thought follow these instructions.

He said that the decision had been taken to avoid the creation of misunderstandings among various schools of thought besides promoting sectarian harmony and brotherhood in the province.

He said that loudspeakers were reportedly being used for spreading religious views which might hurt the feelings of the followers of other schools of thought. Dr Arbab Rahim also issued directives prohibiting the use of loudspeakers by audio and video shops for playing indecent songs all over Sindh.

"Pakistan is an Islamic state where such an attitude cannot be allowed. Our youth must refrain from such activities and it is our duty to take steps to save our youth from these indecencies," he added.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim praised the faculty of Jamia Farooquia for imparting religious education in its true spirit. The chief minister visited the religious institution in Shah Faisal Colony here on Saturday.

He also held a meeting with chancellor of the Jamia Maulana Saleemullah Khan and other teaching staff. After the visit, the chief minister was briefed about the institution and its 8,000 affiliated madaris' educational activities. He was informed that the Jamia also had campuses abroad, including some in the western world.

MPAs MEET CM: Members of the Sindh Assembly called on Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim and discussed matters relating to their constituencies. An announcement here on Sunday said they included MPAs Dr Saeeda Malik, Sultan Ahmed Kahawar, Noor Mohammad Shah, and Mir Abid Husain Khan Jatoi. The chief minister assured them regarding urgently solving problems facing their constituencies. -APP/PPI