10 July 2004	Saturday	21 Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1425

MITHI, July 9: The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal candidate for NA-229, Dr Mumtaz Ali Memon, has said that people who are bent upon constructing the Kalabagh dam and following the policies dictated by the US have no interest in the welfare of the downtrodden masses who are deprived of even basic amenities of life.

Speaking at a public gathering here on Friday, the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal candidate said: "the MMA government has taken measures in the North-West Frontier Province for improving the living standard of people but nothing has been done by successive governments for the inhabitants of Thar who live below the poverty line."

Speaking on the occasion, MNA Asadullah Bhutto said that Mr Aziz did not bother to drink brackish water of a well when he came here recently. Hence, how can it be expected from him that he will initiate any measures to mitigate the miseries of Tharis", he questioned.

"Mr Aziz is an American agent and he is going to be elevated to the top slot to follow their policies," MNA Bhutto further alleged. He appealed to the Tharis to support the MMA candidate in the by-elections.

MPA Hamidullah said that though Thar had potential for development but its resources were not being spent for its uplift. Among others, Mohammad Younus Parai, Mir Mohammad Buledi and Subhan Samejo also spoke on the occasion.