SUKKUR, Oct 3: Speakers at a workshop on Sunday called for effective implementation of policies and laws along with political stability and accountability for prosperous and green Sindh.

The workshop “Sindh strategy for sustainable development” was organized by the Sindh Planning and Development Department in collaboration with IUCN.

A press release issued by IUCN said the workshop would solicit input from the stakeholders on the draft strategy for sustainable development.

Sindh’s chief economist M.A. Khaskheli said the strategy would provide framework to undertake development in an integrated manner.

He said desired results could be achieved with proper planning and joint efforts by public, private and civil society sectors.

He said sustainable development could not be achieved in isolation.

IUCN country representative Abdul Latif Rao said development depends on nature hence wise use of natural resources was essential.

He said the strategy entails vision for Sindh and reflects key priorities for about 22 sectors.

IBA Director Nisar Siddiqui said good governance could be achieved with the rule of law, easy and quick access to justice.

He said according to the World Bank study, our country falls in low rank with regard to good governance.

He suggested that with effective and consistent implementation of policies, good governance could be achieved.

IUCN representative Nasir Panhwar said the strategy would provide a road map and future agenda for the development of Sindh.

He said the draft strategy had been developed on the basis of extensive consultation.

He said after Balochistan and the NWFP, Sindh would be the third province to have this kind of strategy.

Dr G. Raza Bhatti of the Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur said archaeological sites were being destroyed by minerals and mining department while the oil companies were causing environmental disaster.

M.B. Larik said the education department might be converted into an autonomous body as this would stop political meddling in affairs of the education sector.

Forest conservator Dr Ghulam Rasool Keerio said the water shortage in the Indus River had affected riverine forests.

He suggested that forest force might be created to protect forests of Sindh.

He said that illegal allotment of forest area might be checked.

Azhar Ghumro, Qurban Mangi, Mumtaz Bukhari, Hussain Bux Bhagat, Waqar Phulpoto, Dr Asghar Jokhio, Panjal Sangi, Dr, Mastan Ali Khokhar and Humera Soomro also participated in the discussion.