June 13, 2008	Friday	Jamadi-us-Sani 08, 1429

HYDERABAD, June 12: The Sindh Taraqi Passand Party Chairman, Dr Qadir Magsi has criticised budgetary allocation for controversial Greater Thal Canal and Diamer-Bhasha and Akhori dams. He said it was injustice with the people of Sindh.

The resource distribution on old formula will inflict loss to Sindh in billions of rupees, he said during a meeting of the Central Committee at the Taraqi Pasand House, on Thursday.

Dr Magsi reminded the PPP of its vow from the platform of anti-Greater Thal Canal Action Committee to shelve the project once it came in power. However, the PPP government in its first budget betrayed them by allocating funds for the project he said and added: “People will never surrender sovereignty over their resources and will oppose construction of dams and canals on Indus River as this would destroy Sindh’s agriculture sector.”

He called to immediately withdraw Greater Thal Canal allocation and controversial dams as people of Sindh had the right to protest with the STP to lead them. He advised Sindh people to unite on one platform for protection of political, economic, cultural and democratic rights.Dr Magsi had no expectations from federal parties as according to him the country was facing multi-dimensional economic and political crises while people wanted Musharraf to go and judges restored.

The meeting was in progress when this report was filed.

JUP: Senior Vice-President Dr Sahibzada Abul Khair Mohammad Zubair of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam while commenting on the federal budget said exponents of ‘roti, kapra aur makaan did not provide relief to common man.

He said loadshedding had badly affected economic activities with factories and mills closures adding to unemployment. He said any increase in power tariff at this stage will deprive poor of the right to live.

Increase in number of judges to 29 indicates the will of the government to retain PCO judges and provide protection to dictatorial moves of President Musharraf he said and slammed hesitancy of power players in announcing clear-cut policy for capping the energy crisis.

AT: Chief of the Awami Tahreek, Rasool Bux Palijo in his budget comments said it was aimed at protecting the interests of generals, bureaucrats, capitalists and feudal lords while nothing had been done for 80 per cent of the population which will remain deprived of education, health cover and employment opportunities.