February 1, 2006	Wednesday	Muharram 2, 1427

KARACHI, Jan 31: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has advocated an invigorated interaction between businessmen and intellectuals to promote national unity and provincial harmony, in addition to strengthening the economic gains of the present regime.

He was speaking at a dinner reception hosted by the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, says a press release.

“All economic indicators are positive and exports and foreign exchange reserves have increased, with a stable robust stock exchange,” Mr Ibad added.

He said Sindh was also fully contributing to the national economy. “Special measures have been further taken for industrial revival in Sindh.”

The Sindh governor pointed out that the law and order situation had improved substantially, while the government was striving to provide various utilities, including water, electricity and gas, in addition to the provision of reliable road communication network.

Sindh is the biggest consumer market of Pakistan, and out of total 600,000 motorcycles assembled in Pakistan, 50pc are sold in Karachi. Similarly, out of 20 million telecom users, 10m belong to Karachi. As many as 300 vehicles are registered daily in Karachi.

Mr Ibad said the governor and chief minister of Punjab would also be invited to a similar friendship tour to interact with the industrialists and intellectuals of Sindh.