KARACHI, Oct 6: Sardar Mumtaz Ali Bhutto, chief of the Sindh National Front, has criticized the government’s insistence on the construction of dams and canals despite opposition to the projects by three provinces and nearly half of the country’s population.

In a statement issued here on Monday, Mr Bhutto remarked that the reservoirs and canals might be vital in the government’s opinion, but the particular projects widely rejected and highly controversial should be scrapped. Otherwise, he added, the country’s solidarity could face a serious threat.

He regretted that instead of ensuring basic amenities and security to the people, Gen Musharraf was bent upon getting the projects completed against the will of the stakeholders.

Referring to the poor law and order in the country, the SNF chief said that the situation had become so painful that even the doorsof police stations were closed as the police were not ready to move against criminals.

Mentioning the recent killing of two clansmen (Brohis) near Naudero, he quoted police as saying that the culprits had taken refuge in the Otaq (guests’ room) of a wadera and nobody had the courage to intervene for their arrest.  Mr Bhutto claimed that the barricaded lands of waderas, Nazims, and legislators had not only become sanctuaries of criminals but also dens of drugs and arms where illegal trading and gambling were rampant.

He further claimed that district governments’ funds meant for development work were embezzled in connivance with contractors. He offered his help in identifying and sorting out corruption cases in this regard.