KARACHI, Nov 21: Sindh ministers, led by Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, briefed President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday about the situation in the province, progress of various development projects and the performance different government departments.

The president asked them to expedite development projects and focus on small irrigation dams.

Briefing the media after a dinner reception for ministers at the Chief Minister’s House, Sindh Information Minister Shazia Marri said that during his visit, the president had chaired a Sindh cabinet meeting, attended a briefing on law and order and met traders and industrialists.

She said the president had asked ministers to solve people’s problems and continue the reconciliation process and work with all political forces, including opposition parties.

“Pakistan is a powerful country and strong enough to tackle internal challenges and soon the nation will be out of crisis,” Mr Zardari said.

Praising the media, he said it was playing a positive role in the given circumstances.

According to Ms Marri, the president said that although the law and order situation in the province was not satisfactory, it was far better than in the recent past.

The president stressed the need for empowering women and carrying out the mission of the late Benazir Bhutto to bring progress and prosperity to the province and the country.

The chief minister briefed the president about the performance of his government and progress so far made in the Thar coal project after formation of a coal board. He said that farmers were facing difficulties because of water shortage.

In reply to a question, Ms Marri said that expansion of the Sindh cabinet was discussed with the president, adding that there was no plan to change portfolios of the ministers.

About the local government system, she said that efforts were being made to reach a consensus on the issue through talks with coalition partners. However, she added, any change in the system would be decided by parliament.