KARACHI, Feb 25: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has said that continuity of parliamentary institutions and completion of their term is imperative for democratic traditions and stability of institutions.

He was talking to a delegation of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) led by its President Justice (r) Malik Mohammed Qayyum which called on him at the Governor’s House here on Saturday.

Sindh Law Minister Chaudhry Iftikhar, Secretary Law Ghulam Nabi Shah and AAG Kazi Khalid Ali were also present at the meeting.

Pointing out that the local governments under the newly-introduced devolution system, completed their four-year term, the governor said “credit goes to the present government.” The Senate, too, has completed its first half tenure, he added.

Dr Ibad assured the delegation of his full cooperation to the SCBA and issued directive to the concerned authorities for the allocation of grant.

He pointed out that the anti-blasphemy protests in Sindh had remained peaceful, and said this was reflective of the team spirit pursued by the Sindh coalition and local administrations in their working, as well as the cooperation extended to them by ulema and masses.

The delegation assured the governor of lawyer community’s full cooperation to the government.

The delegation, comprising representatives of lawyers from all provinces and Azad Kashmir, appreciated the governor’s efforts towards maintaining harmony and understanding and promoting unity, peace and development.

Vice-President of the SCBA said that the negative impression about the MQM and the governor had proved totally wrong. He told the governor that his acts were found quite contrary to that impression.

“You people support the oppressed and deprived people,” he said, adding that people of all areas would salute the MQM and its chief Altaf Hussain for their support and assistance to the October 8 quake victims.

Dr Ibad said that the spirit of the people of Karachi in this regard was quite conspicuous and acclaimed internationally. He said the people of Sindh would also play their due role in the rehabilitation and reconstruction process.

On the occasion, the governor apprised the delegation of the ongoing development activities in the province, industrial progress and steps towards good governance.—APP