11 November 2004	Thursday	27 Ramazan 1425

KARACHI, Nov 10: The Chief Minister, Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, on Wednesday said a policy was being framed in connection with recruitment to government jobs now that a ban on the same had been lifted after several years.

Talking to reporters at an iftar dinner hosted by the Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information, Salahuddin Haider,he said interviews of the prospective candidates would be conducted after written tests, making it very clear that jobs would be given on the basis of merit.

To a question, he said that he would try his best not to grant extension in the tenure of employment as that blocked others' way.

To another question, he said that the opposition during its tenure had dole out jobs on political considerations, and for the same reasons references had also been framed against them.

He added that he had stopped the appointment of the son of the chairman, Sindh Public Service Commission for the post of SDM, adding that he would see whether the appointment was on the basis of merit or not.

Asked if any decision had been made about appointment of administrators for the local bodies' elections, Arbab replied in the negative.

To another question, he said that the local bodies' issue was the subject of the provincial government.

While to a question about the impact of opening of the Khokhrapar route, he said it would help foster trade activities, and there would be development in the region.

Regarding a public meeting of the opposition in Karachi, Dr Arbab said if it was being staged in a park etc then it was fine; however, in case any attempt was made to create any disturbance, the situation would be met in the same manner as had been done in the past. He viewed that the opposition would not be successful in staging any movement.

To a question about the removal of the DIG Operations Karachi, Fayyaz Ahmed Leghari, the chief minister said this was done in view of the complaints and allegations against him.

He said: "There were complaints against the DIG Operations that he had links with the underworld."

He said that he had himself appointed Leghari for the post, thinking he was a nice person, "but, when I saw that his performance was not good, he was removed," he added.

The chief minister said that Mushtaq Shah had been appointed as the DIG Operations in place of Leghari.

He said that he had given a time period to the new incumbent to deliver. "And, in case he does not come up to expectations, then he (Mushtaq Shah) too would be changed," he remarked.

When asked whether any investigations had been carried out into the allegations against Leghari, Arbab said that investigation would be carried out against him.

Arbab was of the view that no one leaves any evidence behind, but it was the talk of the town that Leghari had links with people from the underworld. He also said that there were some people who were in possession of a cassette to this effect. However, the chief minister said that he had removed Leghari from his post after having himself satisfied. - APP