HYDERABAD, July 21: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has observed that people of the province are more conscious now than in the past and they are backing the government to continue the local bodies system. Talking to journalists at the Fauji Foundation Sugar Mill rest house in Tando Mohammad Khan on Thursday, he said he hoped people would elect sincere and honest candidates in the forthcoming elections.

He claimed that due to services rendered by the Pakistan Muslim League government for the deprived, especially development work in backward areas, people from other parties were joining the PML. Quoting instances, he said many influential people of the Tando Mohammad Khan district, including Ali Ghulam Chandio, Mir Mohammad Khan Chandio, former Nazim Bulri Shah Karim, Ghulam Hussain Magsi, former Nazim Ghulam Shah Bagrani, Ghulam Mustafa Chandio, Mohammad Suleman Magsi and Jan Mohammad Magsi, had joined the party along with their supporters.

He alleged that corrupt practices of former nazims backed by other political parties had destroyed the trust of people. He, however, made it clear that nazims involved in corruption would be taken to task.

Answering a question, he said the government had taken fool-proof measures for maintenance of law and order to ensure that the election was held in a fair and transparent manner.

He ruled out holding of the polls under supervision of the army and added that there was no justification to take this step, especially when all the business of the government and administration was being conducted in a smooth manner.

Replying to another question, he observed that creation of new districts in Hyderabad would open new avenues of development and prosperity for people of the areas. He gave an assurance that the new districts would be included in the Hyderabad Development Package announced by the president. In addition to this, he said, Rs50 million would also be provided to each district for development and a rural development package was being introduced to provide basic facilities in backward areas of the province.

Answering another question, Dr Rahim said his government was preparing a strategy to ensure employment of local people, especially in industries located in rural areas.

He announced a special grant of Rs50 million for development of the Tando Mohammad Khan district. He also announced Rs200,000 for the Tando Mohammad Khan Press Club.

On this occasion, Mir Ali Nawaz Talpur, adviser to the chief minister, announced Rs100,000 for the press club.

Earlier, the chief minister held a meeting with different delegations at the rest house.