KARACHI, Dec 13: Sindh People's Party Parliamentarians president Syed Qaim Ali Shah has criticized the government for creating four new districts by fragmenting Larkana, Jacobabad, Dadu and Tharparkar districts.

In a statement issued here on Monday, he claimed that the bifurcation of the districts was aimed at damaging his party. Mr Shah described the government decision as illogical, mala fide and politically motivated and said it had no public support.

He observed that the rulers were imposing the decision in their zest to erode the PPP grassroots support. However, he said the PPP's support was broad-based and such artificial and arbitrary measure would not succeed, though the government had made it sure to fragment those areas where his party had a large following.

The PPP leader said instead of reducing the budget deficit and resolving problems of people, the government was increasing its expenses. The decision to create new districts would compound problems of people, he added.

He said the PPP had filed a petition against the creation of new districts but the government did not wait for the Sindh High Court verdict and announced its decision. By doing so, he alleged, the government had shown it contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law.

He said if the government was so keen, it should have taken the Sindh Assembly into confidence on the issue. Mr Shah termed it negative thinking which he said would have serious repercussions for the country.