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KARACHI, Aug 19: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad said on Friday that the peaceful holding of the first phase of local body elections in Sindh, particularly in Karachi, had shattered the negative propaganda and proved that Karachi was a safe place for investment and business activity.
Talking to the media in the Governor’s House, he expressed satisfaction over the conduct of elections and said the government, in coordination with the law enforcement agencies, had worked out a plan to allay concerns expressed by political observers.
He said that now Karachi’s image as an international city had been boosted and hoped that it would encourage more investment and industrial activity. He said the security plan employed during the first phase of the local body elections on Aug 18 would be repeated during the second phase of elections, on Aug 25, as well. However, some changes would be made keeping in mind specific requirements of the districts in which elections would be taking place in the second phase.
The holding of international events and continuity of sports, cultural, social, economic and diplomatic activities had been the result of these efforts, he added.
Dr Ishratul Ibad said the negative forces had generated a perception of blood letting and breakdown in law and order. They had been proved wrong, but once again they became active with the announcement of elections, and started spreading apprehensions about the law and order situation.
However, the government, the law and order related organizations, and all segments of society foiled such attempts through collective efforts, he said, adding that people proved that Karachi was a city of enlightened people having civilized traditions, understanding, love and brotherhood.
He appreciated the professional capabilities of the law enforcement agencies. He said the confidence of people in these forces was rising.
The governor also appreciated the overall role of the media during the elections.
PRESIDENT PRAISED: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan praised President General Pervez Musharraf for introducing a system of democracy at the grassroots level, adds APP.
He stated that this system was a ‘silent revolution’ and was strengthening democracy at the grassroots level.
“This is a very big contribution of President Musharraf in the history of Pakistan towards strengthening democracy in the country”, the governor further remarked.
He said the second phase of the local bodies election was scheduled for Aug 25. “We are reviewing the entire post-election management plan and if there are any weaknesses, these would be strengthened and would then replicate this plan on the 25th”, the governor remarked.
He said: “Our commitment as well as sincere effort is that this election, which is a pillar of the basic democracy, are organized in a peaceful, free and fair atmosphere so that the people could exercise their right to franchise in a joyous manner.”
