24 November 2004	Wednesday	11 Shawwal 1425

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KARACHI, Nov 23: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has said that the PPP is politicizing the Rangers-fishermen issue although it had itself created the issue during its government in 1977 by awarding the fishing contract in Badin district to the Rangers.

Talking to newsmen in his chamber during break in Tuesday's session for Zuhr prayers, he said now when the issue had been resolved, all credit should go to President Musharraf who favoured fishermen in the dispute.

The President was able to take the decision outright only because he was keeping the COAS post with him, the chief minister pointed out. Referring to the claim by opposition leader Nisar Ahmed Khuhro that the PPP had cancelled the contract awarded to Rangers in 1994 in Thatta district, Dr Arbab said that it was not an initiative taken by the PPP.

Rather, he added, the move followed differences in the fisheries department which were taken up by the Shirazi brothers in Thatta. "As far as fishing contract of Badin is concerned, it was retained by the Rangers as the PPP man, Zulfikar Mirza, who had used the Rangers to prolong his possession of three locations in the area.'' the CM contended.

Dr Arbab made it clear that Rangers would not be withdrawn from border areas although the fishing issue had now been settled on priority basis and after December 31 the provincial government would award the contract in accordance with the new policy.

"Those agitating over the issue think that they would have a free hand to indulge in smuggling, must know that this could not be allowed,'' he said, adding that the Rangers would continue to discharge their duties of guarding the borders.

In reply to a question, the chief minister said that Asif Zardari's remarks that he was not averse to holding talks with the Establishment indicated some sort of understanding. "Otherwise, even after grant of bail to him, he could have been sent back to prison after being implicated in a case of goat lifting.''

He dispelled the impression that Asif Zardari was released due to any pressure from the opposition or his release indicated some sort of change in the government. Regarding the opposition plans for anti-government movements, Dr Arbab said if the MMA was bent upon creating a law and order situation in the country, the ruling party also knew how to play politics.

In reply to another question, the chief minister said that in view of the murder cases pending a verdict, Mr Zardari must remain cautious and keep his bodyguards with him.

"Life of a political figure is always at risk,'' he remarked. He said that if a request was received from him, Mr Zardari could be provided guards as such a request would certainly be given due consideration.

He said Ms Benazir Bhutto also could return home if she considered herself secure. About granting permission for MMA's public meeting, scheduled for Nov 28, the chief minister said that the request was still with the city nazim and police.