KHAIRPUR, April 28: Sindh National Front chairman Mumtaz Bhutto has said that the government functionaries were claiming that water shortage in Sindh was natural but there was no water shortage in Punjab and its Chashma-Jehlum and other link canals were flowing in full swing.

He said that the water shortage in Sindh was engineered one with ulterior motives.

Talking to newsmen at the resident of the vice president, PML (Q), Sindh, Zafar Iqbal Bilal, the SNF leader said that he wanted Benazir Bhutto to return home and face the situation if she was a “real” public leader.

He added that if she returned after the schedule of elections was announced, it would be presumed that Ms Bhutto and her party were only seeking votes and they had nothing to do with the problems of the people.

He alleged that the PPP leaders had participated in the local bodies elections in order to continue their policy of loot and exploitation.

He claimed that no PPP-backed Nazim would resign in compliance of Ms Bhutto’s appeal.

He opined that young and educated political cadre should come forward and replace the old one.

Regarding the referendum, he said that it was a mockery on the part of the PPP to boycott the referendum.

He said that if President Gen Pervez Musharraf was not acceptable as president to the PPP leaders, they should have not contested the local bodies elections under his government.