KARACHI, Feb 21: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has said that some important groups of terrorists have been eliminated with the joint efforts of government, law enforcing agencies and general public.
He was talking to the participants of 16th Advance Diplomatic Course and 24th Specialized Diplomatic Course who called on him at Governor's House on Monday. Chief Minister's Information Adviser Salahuddin Hyder, Home Secretary Brig (Retd) Ghulam Mohammed Muhtaram and other officials were also present on the occasion.
The governor pointed out that the opinion regarding Karachi had been something else a few years back, but its image had improved at the international level. He contended that foreign investors, diplomats and leaders in various sectors were expressing positive impressions during personal visit to Karachi.
He informed the course participants that investment was forthcoming in telecommunication, housing, textile, oil and gas and other sectors. He said that vast opportunities were available for investors in the coastal belt development, desalination, health, education and many other fields. Karachi was the emerging economic hub of the region and an important commercial, industrial, political and social centre, he added.
He said that the coalition government in Sindh was focussing equal attention on the development of rural and urban areas. The government consist of representatives from both sides and besides development works in cities, stress was being laid on providing facilities in rural areas, he added. Besides, special attention was also being paid in the efforts for poverty alleviation, he added.
Ishratul Ibad said that rural population was dependent on agriculture and, therefore, efforts were being made for agro-based industries, to make agriculture produce value added and to streamline agriculture sector on modern footings. In this regard, he referred to multi-billion rupees mega projects of lining of water courses, better water management and updating the cultivation methods.
He said that the government had increased allocations for health and education sectors. The course participants were also apprised of ongoing development works under local government system, mineral development and the steps being taken for industrial and economic progress.
The participants appreciated the leadership qualities of Ishratul Ibad for development in Sindh, administrative improvement and particularly in respect of law and order.
The governor said that Pakistan desired complete harmony and friendship among all countries of the region, as it was the only way whereby the people of these countries could lead a prosperous and better life. -APP
