THATTA, Nov 12: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has said his government will sort out the issue of Badin fishermen on merit after completion of an inquiry in this regard.

Talking to journalists here at the residence of Syed Ajaz Ali Shah Shirazi, where he had come to condole the death of his mother on Friday, he said the issue had been unnecessarily politicized by vested interests.

He said President Gen Pervez Musharraf had taken notice of the Badin issue and said if fishermen were found guilty, they would also be handled as per rules. Responding to a question about periodical inundation of fertile land by oceanic water in Thatta and Badin districts, Dr Rahim said after construction of the coastal highway, the backlash of seawater would be stopped. In this connection, he said the planning division had approved a plan.

About National Finance Commission award, the chief minister said the issue was of great importance and he hoped that talks would be resumed with the federal government soon after Eid.

He contended that the Sindh government would soon announce an employment policy, formulated in a transparent manner. He said no discrimination would be allowed in recruitments.

He said low-grade employments would preferably be given to applicants of districts concerned. He said he had already cancelled orders of illegal recruitments in the social welfare department.

When asked about the anti-government campaign the opposition planned to launch after Eid, Dr Rahim observed that the opposition would face the same fate as in its earlier campaigns.

About construction of water protects, the chief minister said his stance on the issue was quite clear and he would always stand as chief executive of the province for legitimate rights of Sindh and interests of its population.

He denied deputation of administrators in place of nazims during the local bodies elections. However, he admitted that such proposals were under consideration in official circles. The chief minister said after Eid, he would undertake a visit of Thatta and approve more funds for the district.