November 23, 2008	Sunday	Ziqa'ad 24, 1429

HYDERABAD, Nov 22: Sindh Minister for Women Development Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto has said that the black custom of karo-kari and dacoities on the inherent rights of women are not only a challenge for the government but also for the society and added that with the power of the people, these customs will be eliminated.

She was speaking at an open katchehry at the local circuit house here on Saturday.

On the complaint of the people of Hussainabad about burning of a woman, Abida, she said that the relatives of the deceased had resisted conduct of post-mortem but due to the intervention of her department, the accused have been arrested. She, however, said that if the family of the deceased insisted, her post-mortem would be conducted.

She held out an assurance that full protection would be provided to her children. She said that her department had introduced different packages for the welfare of women and children and added that the Sindh government had also decided to allot lands to women.

On complaints about the open sale of narcotics including mainpuri and gutka, Ms Bhutto directed the DCO to conduct a survey and submit a detailed report.Responding to complaints about land grabbing in the name of PPP leaders, she said that some vested interests were hatching conspiracies against the government and the party and warned that such elements would not be spared.

She held out an assurance that there would be no discrimination whatsoever in the development schemes throughout Hyderabad. She said she had taken an oath to complete the mission of Ms Benazir Bhutto by serving the cause of the poor.

Hyderabad PPP president Amanullah Siyal, DCO Ali Ahmed and officials of different provincial and district governments were present on the occasion.