KARACHI: A meeting between President Dr Arif Alvi and Sindh Governor Imran Ismail on Saturday showed another indication that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s government in the centre wanted to build a working relationship with the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party in Sindh as both the leaders called for a dialogue between the two sides as a way forward to resolve all issues pertaining to the province.

Amid ongoing debate, political wrangling and controversies over statements and strong stances by relevant sides over the transfer of Sindh IG, the federal government moved again with the message of reconciliation.

However, many political observers believe that the two governments of different parties may not come closer till the deadlock on the office of provincial police chief is resolved in line with the desire of the Sindh government.

Although there was no direct hint in the statement issued by Governor House after the meeting about the Sindh police chief’s transfer, the words used to quote President Alvi and Governor Ismail clearly showed Islamabad’s willingness to take the PPP government on board before signing the final order.

“President Dr Alvi has said that participation of all political stakeholders is imperative for resolution of problems of masses, therefore, the federal government is taking all the stakeholders on board,” it said.

“The president said this while talking to Sindh Governor Imran Ismail in a meeting at Governor House here. He [President Dr Alvi] said that the federal government was taking practical steps to resolve problems which were confronted by the countrymen.”

Earlier, during his recent visit to Karachi, Prime Minister Imran Khan had agreed with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on the transfer of Sindh IG Dr Syed Kaleem Imam and appointment of anyone of the three names — Ghulam Qadir Thebo, Mushtaq Ahmed Mahar and Dr Kamran Fazal — as the new provincial police chief.

However, things changed altogether the next day when during a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad the PM changed his decision on the appointment of new Sindh IG asking Sindh Governor Ismail to again sit with CM Shah to resolve the issue.

The second thoughts reportedly came after the government allies in Sindh expressed their concerns over the police chief’s appointment.

However, the man assigned the task to resolve the issue in consultation with the Sindh government — Governor Ismail — again sounded confident to meet success while discussing the matters with President Dr Alvi.

He also briefed the president on the progress on the federally-funded projects in Karachi.

“The projects launched by the federal government for the welfare and betterment of people are manifestation of this fact that the federal government is taking all steps to resolve peoples’ problems,” the statement quoted President Dr Alvi as saying.

“The president and the Sindh governor also discussed the federal government-funded development projects in Sindh and measures taken to boost the economy of the country. They also made deliberations on steps which were being taken by the government to resolve problems of the masses on priority basis as well as other matters of mutual interest. Talking to the president, Governor Ismail said that the development and prosperity of the people of the province were among the priorities of Prime Minister Imran Khan.”

Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2020