KARACHI, Sept 17: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad presented cheques of Rs200,000 at Governor House to the heirs of 17 persons, who had gone missing in 1990s.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor assured the heirs of missing persons that efforts for the search of those people would not be abandoned. Since, they were the sole bread earners of their families, the government was extending financial assistance to their heirs as a moral obligation, he said.

The governor said that if personnel, who had arrested the missing persons were identified, the government would carry out full investigation and action would be taken against those found involved.

On the occasion, the mother of a missing son broke into tears when she met the governor and eyes of many participants including the governor turned wet. The governor consoled with the mother and said it was easy to console but there was no alternative.

He asked the participants to have faith in him and assured them that whatever possible would be done for them. “We equally share your grief and sorrows, but you will not find us lagged behind at any time,” he remarked.

Dr Ibad said that it was a difficult time for these families, as they did not know anything about the whereabouts of their relatives. He said that if they were no more in this world, their graves must be found out.

After the year 1993, he said, a number of citizens were persecuted for years in Karachi. Among these, around 28 persons had gone missing, he said while adding that they were searched in jails, hospitals and everywhere, but no clue could be found so far.

The governor presented cheques of Rs200,000 individually to each of the heirs and also had an appraisal about problems of the families.

Provincial minister Rauf Siddiqi, Advisor Information Salahuddin Haider, Advisor Home Aftab Shaikh, Secretary Home Anwar Hyder and other officials were present on the occasion.—APP