KARACHI, Oct 29: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim on Friday said that appointment of administrators at city and district levels before the 2005 local bodies' election was under consideration.

Talking to newsmen at an Iftar dinner, hosted in their honour by Sindh Minister for Population Welfare Ali Bux Shah alias Pappu Shah at his residence, they said it was a proposal being discussed at various levels.

"A decision to this effect is yet to be taken," said Governor Dr Ibad, adding that the aim of appointing the administrators was to ensure impartiality in the coming local government elections.

Dr Ibad said the issue of price-hike could only be resolved with the cooperation of masses. He stressed the need for creating awareness among people so that they could play their role in this regard.

"Yes, I know this is a very serious issue. People should also increase their pressure on these profiteers," he said. He was of the view that prices could be controlled through mutual efforts of the government and people. An effective consumer rights council could contribute a lot to achievement of the goal, he added.

The governor said that prices were being reviewed to determine the control rates, to be fixed to provide relief to consumers. "We have given temporary powers to revenue officers to conduct surprise raids and punish profiteers during Ramazan," he said.

The governor also sought media support in creating awareness in masses and build pressure in order to contain inflation and price-hike. He said his office was working in close coordination with the provincial government on all issue related to Sindh. "Every decision is taken through mutual discussion and understanding," he added.

Chief Minister Dr Arbab maintained that controlling prices was the responsibility of the city and district governments. "The Karachi city nazim is busy in foreign tours while profiteers in the city are fleecing common men owing to his negligence," he observed. However, he said, the provincial government was finding all ways and means to combat this menace. He also held corrupt government officials responsible for this situation.

"If the price control department is activated, then there is corruption... situation is like this... when you deploy a guard for the safety of milk, he adds one glass of water to get his share." Commenting on law and order in the province, he said it was improving day by day.

When the chief minister's opinion on the issue of fishing contracts to Rangers in Badin was sought, he replied that these contracts had been given to them by the PPP government. However, he said, a high level fact-finding committee had now been set up. The committee would inquire into the alleged raid by the Rangers on a village in Badin district.

About the tribal clashes near Sukkur, he said the government was making efforts to recover illegal arms and ammunition from the embattled clans. This, he added, would help control the situation. Dr Arbab dispelled the impression that most of the government jobs would be given on political grounds, and reiterated that nothing would be done below merit. -PPI/APP