KARACHI, July 1: The Pakistan Peoples Party (Sindh) on Saturday announced that it would observe a `black day’ on Wednesday to protest against the Sindh government for the persisting power and water crises in Karachi and the interior of Sindh, registration of fake cases against Leader of the Opposition Nisar Ahmad Khuhro and four other PPP MPAs and victimisation of other party workers by the chief minister.

This decision was announced by PPP Sindh President Syed Qaim Ali Shah while speaking at a press conference in the Bilawal House on Saturday. Flanked by Rashid Rabbani, Afaq Shahid, Rafique Engineer and Waqar Mehdi, he said on the protest day demonstrations would be held in districts headquarters while in Karachi a demonstration would be organised at the Regal Chowk at 3 pm.

He said the black day would also be a manifestation of protest against the overthrow of a democratic government and imposing of military dictatorship by Gen Ziaul Haq on July 5 , 1977.

Qaim Ali Shah said that Dr Arbab Rahim was suffering from a PPP-phobia who instead of using his energy to solve problems of the people was using it against the PPP.

He said party workers could not be overawed by arrests, fake cases and high-handedness but would continue their struggle for the restoration of democracy.

Pointing out that the Karchiites were facing the worst water and power crises but the rulers were not concerned over the sufferings of the people.

The PPP Sindh chief recalled that the provision of basic necessities of life such as power and water was the responsibility of the local government and they could not escape from their responsibility.

''The government should take action against the administration of the KESC as well as people who were involved in the privatization of the KESC at a throwaway price.”

He said citizens, specially patients and students, were facing hardship due to the unannounced power breakdowns in the city. He claimed that it the PPP been in power, ''it would have resigned or thrown out the KESC administration''.

In reply to a question, Mr Shah said the PPP was consulting senior party leaders to resort to legal action against fake cases.