KARACHI, July 11: Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has said that all possible steps are being taken for the continuity of Sindh Reforms Programme and good governance.

“The continuity of these programmes and to carry their benefits to grassroots level is among the top priorities of the government,” he said while talking to a World Bank delegation, led by Country Economist, Ahmed Ahsan, which met him at the Governor House on Friday.

Dr Ibad told the visitors that full attention was being paid to health, education, development and other sectors besides consolidation of local government system.

“Better utilization of funds by local governments and provision of manpower and expert assistance for streamlining the financial system are being ensured,” he pointed out.

In this regard, the governor said, stress was being laid particularly on audit so that the task could be accomplished in a better manner and benefits could reach the people at grassroots level which, he maintained, was the real objective of the reform programme.

Defending transfers and postings, the governor said that though a ban was in place, the routine necessary transfers and postings were being made where posts were lying vacant, promotions were due, or attainment of better results was warranted.

The Sindh Public Service Commission is functioning in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations.

Dr Ibad pointed out that a unified finance system is also included in the priorities of the government.

Mr Ahmed Ahsan appreciated the leadership for the success of Sindh Reforms Programme. Observing that there was no major reverse in the programme, he hoped that by maintaining its previous leading position, the province would continue to play the same role in continuity and preservation of the programme.

Terming the introduction of devolution system ‘a historic decision’, Mr Ahsan observed that Pakistan was maintaining an edge over other countries of South Asia in this context.

Attainment of desired results is possible through continuity of a coordinated financial system, stability of local governments, transparent procedure of SPSC, good governance in civil services and privatization, Mr Ahsan opined.

Sindh Finance Secretary Malik Israr Hussain, WB economist based in Islamabad Zahid Hussain, Programme Coordinator (Sindh) Naheed S. Durrani, Additional Secretary Mohsin Mushtaq and other senior officials attended the meeting.—APP/PPI