HYDERABAD, Jan 20: Opposition leader in Sindh Assembly Nisar Ahmed Khuhro has called for suspending district governments before forthcoming general elections, saying that they could influence elections.

He said that the Sindh government had failed to make the federal government recognise its right over two Karachi islands. "I believe that none is representing the Sindh government in the committee constituted by the prime minister to sort out the issue", he said.

Mr Khuhro was answering journalists’ questions after attending a seminar on "Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in the light of his political struggle" at Dialdas club on Saturday,

He said that the provincial government had virtually failed in the last four years with the result that joblessness, price hike and lawlessness had increased in the province.

The PPP leader said that district governments should be suspended before elections as their powers had been curtailed during 2002 general elections.

Earlier, speaking at the seminar, he said that the provincial coalition had given nothing to people except lawlessness, price hike, bribery and joblessness

He deplored that Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Rahim was passing objectionable remarks against PPP leader Benazir Bhutto and said that Dr Rahim was known for changing loyalty.

He said that while the chief minister took pride in finding similarities between him and late Jam Sadiq, he had forgotten that the ‘a bomb was detonated on the grave of the latter as he had committed excesses against people.’

He said that the chief minister was so irresponsible in issuing statements that he had passed derogatory remarks against his own party colleague when he felt that he (the colleague) was trying to get top slot of Sindh.

Paying tribute to Mr Bhutto, Mr Khuhro said that he was alive in the memories of the people because he brought good name to Pakistan and Sindh. He said that the late PPP founder created social awakening among people and talked about collective rights of masses, adding that he sacrificed his life for the country.

He deplored that Mr Bhutto secured the release of 90,000 army men made prisoners of war by India in early 1070s but the army sent him to gallows.

He said that Mr Bhutto introduced land reforms and gave jobs to people but today doors of employment were closed on people.

He contended that when people could take to streets in Bangladesh and force its president to step down, why could not the same situation be created in Pakistan.

He urged the PPP workers to prepare for elections and mount pressure on the government to bring Benazir Bhutto back home, adding that the workers should make it clear to the rulers that they were not cowards.

Sindh PPP's study circle in-charge Maula Bux Chandio cautioned people against looking for an alternative of the PPP, saying that if they did so, they would again fall prey to slavery of different individuals.

He said that late Bhutto had eliminated the ‘monopoly of Mirs, Pirs, Mahars and Khans,’ who had established their rule in their districts. He added that the present rulers had again divided districts for the same purpose and turncoats had deserted their parties ‘to get districts.’

He stressed the need for organising gatherings of party workers to discuss fast changing global situation and said that Ms Bhutto was advocating the case of democracy in the world.

Probably referring to a remote chance of Dr Arbab joining the PPP, Mr Chandio said that the Sindh chief minister had closed all doors (for him) by becoming too personal against the PPP chairperson. He said that the chief minister had been baffled by the announcement of Ms Bhutto's return.

MNA Shagufta Jumani dismissed reports of a deal between her party and the government and said that the PPP would welcome ‘any deal with masses and voters.’ She added that PPP workers had reaffirmed their allegiance with the party and they did not expect it to strike a deal with the government.

MPA Zahid Bhurgari also criticised the chief minister for passing remarks against Ms Bhutto and said that he had lost senses.