KARACHI, June 8: The outgoing Chief Minister, Sardar Ali Mohammed Mahar, who resigned from his office on Monday, hosted a luncheon for his cabinet members and aides here on Tuesday.

Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Speaker of the Sindh Assembly Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah also attended the luncheon. Talking to newsmen on the occasion, Dr Ibad said that during his 17-18 months association with Mr Mahar, there had been no differences between them on any issue.

"We worked with close understanding and mutual cooperation," he remarked. The governor said that Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim's nomination as chief minister was unanimous and made after consultation with all the coalition partners. "When his name was proposed, no one showed any dissent," he added.

The nomination, he said, would be announced by PML President Chaudhry Shujaat.Sardar Ali Mohammed Mahar told the newsmen that he was fully satisfied with his decision to step down and was happy over the nomination of Dr Arbab's nomination as his successor.

Mr Mahar hoped that he would succeed in the attainment of the goals he had set for himself. He also offered his full cooperation to Dr Arbab in every matter. Speaking briefly on the occasion, Dr Arbab said that in his capacity as chief minister, he would set his priorities keeping in view the problems faced by Karachi and the rest of the Sindh.

He was confident that he would surmount the problems in consultation and with the cooperation of friends. He said that restoring law and order to Karachi and rest of Sindh would be his top priority.

"I would take along all the allies, and any decision would be taken with mutual consultation." In reply to a question, he described his meeting with Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain in London as 'a meeting between two politicians,' saying: "I am a member of a political party and Altaf Hussain is also the leader of a party."

Dr Arbab denied having differences with anyone and said that after becoming chief minister, he would keep the doors of Chief Minister's House to everyone. He said that he had not been formally invited yet for the slot. "However, my friends have informed me about it and that might be true."

NEW LOOK: Sindh Chief Minister's House will have a new look when the successor of Sardar Ali Mohammed Khan Mahar will step in. The entire house is being cleaned and renovated to welcome the new chief minister.