August 31, 2008	Sunday	Sha'aban 28, 1429

BADIN, Aug 30: Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza says that God is rewarding Asif Ali Zardari with presidency (in return for) his donation of his blood on the birthday anniversary of Benazir Bhutto.

The minister said at foundation-stone laying ceremony for Hussaini Blood Bank on Saturday that the great leaders like Z.A. Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto had sacrificed their lives for the noble causes. “We being true PPP workers should not hesitate to emulate them,” he said.

He said that the suffering humanity needed fresh and pure blood and God rewards those who serve humanity. Asif Zardari donated his blood on the birthday of Shaheed Rani and he was being rewarded with country’s presidency, he contended.

He asked the philanthropists and the youth to donate blood and praised the services of Hussaini Blood Bank and all the doctors who were serving at the Thalassaemia Care Centre.

He deplored the attitude of an oil and gas company and said that it had assured of providing a dialysis centre but did not keep its word. If the company was serious in spending on development and welfare of local people, it should come forward, he said.

He announced Rs200,000 for purchase of various items for thalassaemia patients on the eve of Eid.

Earlier, project director of the blood bank, Dr Sarfaraz Jafri said that his organisation also planned to establish a paramedical staff training centre, hepatitis control and surveillance centre, thalassaemia prevention centre and voluntary blood donor project.

Later, the minister inaugurated recently established regional office of Utility Stores Corporation, which would cater to the needs of Thatta, Mithi and Badin districts.

He said that people would be provided essential commodities through mobile services and bachat bazaars on subsidised rates during the holy month of Ramazan.

RALLY: A large number of activists of Rural Development Society (BRDS) held a rally on Saturday in protest against a multinational oil and gas company for not spending on welfare works in the district.

Led by BRDS president Dr Akash Ansari, the rally started its march from Mehran Chowk and terminated at the press club. The protesters demanded royalty for the development of the district.