January 29, 2008	Tuesday	Muharram 19, 1429

MIRPURKHAS, Jan 28: The Pakistan People’s Party Punjab chief Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi has ruled out any election adjustment with Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and said that PML-N is contesting in three factions in Rahim Yar Khan and in two factions in other pats of the Punjab.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, he said that there was a moral understanding between PPP and PML-N, as both believed in free and fair elections, restoration of democracy and deposed judges.

Answering a question, he said that the PPP’s central committee will decide about working adjustment with President Pervez Musharraf after the general elections.

He said that distribution of water and its resources among the provinces had been decided under the constitutional provisions, however, PPP would take decisions in the interest of the country keeping in view the sentiments and aspirations of the people.

Makhdoom Shah Mehmood said that on Benazir Bhutto’s return on Oct 18, people had given their decision in favour of PPP and added that those claiming to hold free, fair and transparent election could not provide proper security to late Benazir Bhutto despite our repeated demands as a result of which she was killed.

PPP Punjab chief said that Feb 18 would give PPP a historical success and warned of serious consequences if any decision was imposed against the will of the people.

He alleged that rival political parties were using official resources while nazims were playing a role of a political party. He deplored that PPP activists were being harassed by implicating them in false cases in Sindh province.

On this occasion, President PPP Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, candidate for NA-226 Mirpurkhas-I, Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani, Yusuf Talpur and other leaders were also present.

Later, Mr Qureshi left for Umerkot to attend a PPPP public gathering there.

SURVEY: A survey team of the Management and Development Centre — comprising professor Mushtaq Mirani, Fiza Qureshi and engineer Mustafa Ujjan — visited Umerkot to prepare a feasibility report for investment by ENI oil and gas exploration company in the district.

The team members discussed the issue with civil society, media men and intellectuals of the district. It reviewed the development position and problems confronted by the masses besides reviewing the efforts taken by government for development of different sectors.

On this occasion, Karim Bux Shaikh, said that 5 to 8 mm fluoride/toxic existed in the underground water which was harmful for human bones and joints. The toxic could be cleaned through reverse osmosis.

Allah Bux Arisar presented a proposal to establish a university campus in the district for students of this area, besides providing technical education on Thar coal and other job-oriented sectors.