KARACHI, Nov 12: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has said that recruitment in government departments would be made strictly on merit basis. He was talking to newsmen at an Iftar dinner hosted by Naib City Nazim Tariq Hasan here on Friday. Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and City Nazim Niamatullah Khan were also present on the occasion.

Replying to a question, Dr Arbab said that there would be no quota in government jobs. When asked whether permission would be granted to the city nazim for his next visit abroad, he said this would be done when he would justify his tour. He objected to the nazim's frequent visits abroad.

The chief minister maintained that local government fell under the purview of the provincial government. A newsman drew his attention to the city nazim's reported statement that the city government would grant permission to the MMA for holding a public meeting in the metropolis, and asked whether he (the CM) would also allow holding of such a public meeting.

Dr. Arbab said that in case of any law and order problem, it would be the provincial government which would be answerable. He, however, said that the provincial government was thinking over whether to grant any such permission.

The chief minister was of the view that such a public meeting could be allowed when the government was convinced that it would remain peaceful. He declared in clear terms that "in case the city nazim oversteps his authority, then the provincial government is empowered to unseat him."

Dr Arbab pointed out that the opposition was saying that it would launch a protest campaign with a view to destabilize the government. "If they have such intentions, then how can the government extend the permission?" he argued. -APP