October 25, 2007	Thursday	Shawwal 12, 1428

BADIN, Oct 24: Complete strike was observed in Badin, Tando Bago and Talhar towns and partial strike in Khoski, Pangrio, Kadhan, Shadi Large, Matli and Golarchi on Wednesday in response to the call of Badin chapter of Pakistan People’s Party against chief minister’s derogatory remarks against party chairperson and police raids on the residences of party leaders.

Party activists burnt tyres on roads in the city in the early morning forcing shopkeepers to close their businesses.

The leaders condemned raids by police on the residence of Dr Zulfiqar Ali Mirza, former MNA and the security in-charge of Benazir Bhutto and termed the raids a part of conspiracy to stop leaders from election process.

If chief minister did not stop war of words against Benazir Bhutto he would have to face each and every worker of PPP, they warned.

Dr Arbab had ashamed Tharis by using derogatory remarks against Benazir Bhutto, they said.

They threatened to expand their protest if police continued raids against Zulfiqar Ali Mirza.

Our Thatta correspondent adds: PPP MPA Sassui Palijo urged Sindh Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim to tender and apology to the nation for his derogatory remarks, harsh language and mudslinging against women in general and Ms Benazit Bhutto in particular.

Speaking at a press conference at the press club she warned that the party and saner section of society would never tolerate Arbab’s outbursts, which he was in the habit of making from time to time.

Ms Sassui accused Arbab Rahim of misusing authority and official position and creating extremism by calling women a curse. Arbab was playing like a puppet in the hands of his masters, the Chaudhry brothers and Shaikh Rashid, but his days were numbered now and he was bound to face the music in near future, she said.

She claimed that Arbab’s corruption and victimisation of political opponents and involvement in severe and heinous crimes were an open secret.