November 20, 2007	Tuesday	Ziqa’ad 09, 1428

JACOBABAD, Nov 19: Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro on Monday reiterated the assurance that the upcoming general elections would be held on schedule and in a free, fair and impartial manner and the government would not tolerate any interference in their smooth conduct.

Talking to journalists Mr Soomro, who is visiting his hometown after being sworn in as caretaker premier, urged the political parties to take part in the electoral process, which he believed was the only way towards democracy. He dismissed doubts over the role of PML-Q in the elections saying “we all are here to aid and assist the democratic process so that the transition period passes smoothly and democratically”.

Later, addressing the inauguration ceremony for the Ahmed Mian Soomro Engineering and Technical College in Jacobabad he said that technical education was the need of the hour and the young generation must equip itself with scientific and technological knowledge to be able to take the country towards progress and prosperity.

He announced Rs200 million grant for the college and also inaugurated a road and a hospital. He visited the Civil Hospital and inquired after the health of patients before heading an open katchehry.