November 10, 2008	Monday	Ziqa'ad 11, 1429

HYDERABAD, Nov 9: Sindh Information Minister Shazia Mari has said that the PPP leadership and government believe in democratic approach and process of consultation to ensure stability and good governance and strengthen democracy.

She was talking to journalists at the Institute of Modern Sciences and Arts in Qasimabad where she attended a function to mark Allama Iqbal Day.

Answering a question about the purpose of the meeting between Pakistan People’s Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement leaders in London, she said that as the MQM was a coalition partner and, therefore, the meeting was a routine affair.

Answering another question about the MQM’s fears of Talibanisation in Karachi, she said that the Sindh government was monitoring the situation and urged the MQM to point out particular individuals or groups involved in militancy so that action could be taken against them. She added that the issue would be discussed by the Sindh cabinet and in the provincial assembly.

About the local government system, the minister rejected a perception that the Sindh government was abolishing the system and said that it had decided to introduce reforms in it.

She said that though the system worked well in other countries but here it was especially designed by a dictator to serve his interests and perpetuate his rule.

Answering yet another question about revival of commissioner system, she said that a study in this regard was in progress in which only restoration of some judicial revenue officers was under consideration to ensure speedy and easy justice and streamline market mechanism in the interest of common man.

About National Finance Commission award, Ms Marri said that arrangements for constitution of the commission and nomination of a team by Sindh government had been finalized and shortly NFC award would be announced with consensus.

Earlier, speaking the function, the minister paid tribute to Allama Iqbal and said that he was a great revolutionary poet who not only infused Muslim national spirit among masses through his poetry but also propounded the ideology of Pakistan. She said that ideology of Allama Iqbal taught them that nothing was impossible if there was commitment and determination.

Later, she presented shields and certificates among the winners of debate, quiz and song competition and staff members of the institute on the account of their performance.