BHIT SHAH: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has expressed regret over ‘extrajudicial killings’ and recovery of mutilated bodies of missing activists of Sindhi nationalist parties and said the Sindh government has taken up the issue with the federal interior ministry.

Speaking to journalists after laying a floral wreath on the grave of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai on the conclusion of the 271st Urs celebrations of the saint on Tuesday, the chief minister said: “It is a sensitive subject these days and I’ve taken it very seriously.”

He said the government would ensure that a proper inquiry was held into these incidents and that they should not recur. “It [recovery of bodies] is regrettable regardless of the fact which party these activists are associated with”.

He said that police and Rangers had fought terrorists valiantly.

Being federal force assistance of Rangers was sought by the Sindh government. “We lack expertise while terrorists have the latest weaponry,” he said.

He said the government realised the importance of modern weapons and it needed them to protect integrity of Sindh from Karachi to Kashmore. “We are trying to acquire modern weapons so that people of Sindh can defend their province,” he said.

About his latest meeting with Ishaq Dar, the chief minister said that issues of Sindh had been resolved to some extent after he told the finance minister that he would personally meet the prime minister over release of Sindh’s funds. “Funds were released by the federal government but still Rs50 billion to Rs60 billion are yet to be released,” he said.

About completion of legal process for local government polls by the Dec 31st as per Supreme Court order, he said that the Sindh government had passed LG law and its rules had already been made. He said that he would consult legal experts in light of order of apex court on LG elections to see what Sindh was required to do.

He stated that apex order would be complied with and it would be seen whether it pertained to Election Commission of Pakistan or the Sindh government.

Published in Dawn December 10th , 2014