KARACHI:Ibad defends intervention in city govt affairs
KARACHI, May 14: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has defended the provincial government’s interventions in the city government’s matters, saying: “We want to increase their working capacity, and when we try to assist them, we are accused of interference.”
He clarified that the Sindh government had no intention to interfere into the affairs of the city government’s affairs, rather, it was trying to facilitate the ventures undertaken by the city government.
He was speaking at a function, titled ‘Bazam-i-Kehkashan’, marking the 54th death anniversary of Maulana Hasrat Mohani at the Arts Council here late Friday night.
He vowed to continue efforts for stabilizing Karachi which, he said, had been playing host to great personalities, including Maulana Hasrat Mohani, a revolutionary poet and politician.
Dr Ibad deplored that Karachi, the 7th biggest city of the world and economic hub of Pakistan, was underestimated. “My government has changed the image of Karachi and this is evident from the huge investments the city is attracting,” he said.
The governor advised people to review the progress achieved by the government before jumping to any conclusion and in this regard. He also welcomed a critical review that could identify mistakes and suggest ways and means to correct them and bring improvements. Stressing the need for accountability, he said this could also enable the government to review its policies and avert setbacks.
Referring to the law and order, he said that his government, over its three-year term, had succeeded in containing terrorism and eliminating no-go areas in Karachi, as well as in the interior of Sindh, a reference to Shah Belo.
He recalled the situation in Karachi during the days he took charge of his office, and observed that the business community appeared to have lost all hopes and foreigners had labelling the city as one of the most violent cities of the world. However, he pointed out, his government restored law and order and by organizing exhibitions one after the other successfully, proved that their perception and impression about Karachi was absolutely wrong.
He also indicated that for first time in the city’s history, Karachi Port Trust, Pakistan Steel and other such organizations were contributing heavily to the development and improvement of the city’s infrastructure.
Dr Ibad said that the factors responsible for rising graph of poverty had been identified and efforts were being made to provide relief to the poverty- stricken population.
On this occasion, the governor announced Rs4 million grant for the Arts Council Karachi for the year 2006-07. “Beside industrialization, we want to promote cultural activities in this city,” he remarked.
Governor Ibad and MQM MNA Dr Farooq Sattar were presented the traditional gift of Ajrak and cap.
He was talking to the new Chief Secretary, Fazlur Rehman, who called on him at the Governor’ House.
The governor appreciated Mr Rehman’s services as additional chief secretary (finance) in the past, and hoped that since he was well accustomed with the provincial affairs, he would be able to provide better guidance to heads of various departments as chief secretary.
He said that ensuring liaison between government functionaries and public at every level was essential to attain the desired objectives under prescribed priorities.
He pointed out that maintenance of law and order was of prime importance for the government in achieving progress in all sectors.
Significant success had been achieved in the recent years because of consistent attention on the subject, he added.
He also made mention of headway in reviving economic social, cultural, diplomatic and developmental activities.
Dr Ibad pointed out that now when the province had succeeded in getting rid of the State Bank’s overdraft of billions of rupees due to financial discipline, resources were now available for development works.
He also exchanged views with the chief secretary on determined priorities in the fields of health and education.—PPI/APP
