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KARACHI, July 25: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim on Monday expressed their resolve to eliminate the tendencies of extremism and terrorism in the province.
They also vowed to uphold the human rights, and to ensure stability of democratic process and good governance.
Speaking at a meeting at the Governor’s House, with Dr Ibad in the chair, they observed that the policies of President Musharraf would be strictly implemented to further improve the image of the country in the comity of nations.
In this regard, they stressed on collective efforts by elected representatives, officials and people from all walks of life to follow the line of action in the light of continuity of steps of the President and his recent address to the nation.
They reviewed the obtaining law and order situation and the steps taken for development schemes and welfare of the people.
Chief Minister Arbab Rahim, with reference to his recent visit to various parts of the province, also informed the meeting about the progress achieved through steps taken for the welfare of the people.
The governor and the chief minister urged the elected representatives to strengthen their liaison with the people.
The officials were directed to personally go into the field and ensure quality of ongoing projects and their timely completion.
In the meeting, the process of the forthcoming local bodies elections was also reviewed and hope was expressed to provide peaceful, transparent, impartial and free environment to people to use their right of vote.
On the occasion it was informed that so far no untoward incident had been reported from any area of the province during the electoral process, nor any sensitiveness had been felt in any area.
The meeting was also attended by Provincial Minister Irfanullah Khan Marwat, MQM’s Deputy Parliamentary Leader in Sindh Assembly Kanwar Naveed and other leaders.
WRITERS HELP SOUGHT: another meeting, the governor urged the writers, intellectuals and professors to play their vital role in further improving the positive impression of Pakistani society and dispelling misconceptions that there were extremist tendencies here.
He said Islam is a universal religion that upholds peace and moderation. He said a handful of individuals were involved in tarnishing the image of Pakistani society in the world.
Dr Ibad said a dramatic turn in policies of Pakistan came in 1979 when the then Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. He said that the policies were again changed after the mishap of 9/11.
He said the government was not against Ulema, but steps were being taken against literature fanning sectarian hatred.
He lauded the performance of police and law-enforcing agencies to foil terrorist bids in Karachi.
He said that our press should display more responsibility. He said due to efforts of the government, there was an improvement in the industrial sector and investment.
Federal Minister Safwanullah, Adviser Fatima Suraya Bajiya, Chief Secretary Fazalur Rehman, Home Secretary Brig (retd) Ghulam Mohammad Muhtarram, KU VC Prof Pirzada Qasim, Prof Husnain Kazmi, Dr Abdul Khalique Pirzada, Fr Manzoor Ahmed, Khushbakhit Shujaat, Dr Khalida Ghous, Rais Alvi, Secretary Information Faseehuddin Khan, Provincial Ombudsman Jamal Yousuf and others attended the meeting.
—Agencies
