HYDERABAD, Dec 10: Sindh National Front chief Mumtaz Ali Bhutto has said the system of centralization of powers should be changed and all powers should be transferred to the provinces to restore true democracy in the country.

Speaking at a news conference at the circuit house here on Friday, he said corrupt and opportunist leaders should be screened out of politics. He was of the opinion that general elections were not a panacea for all ills as the same corrupt people would return to power.

When asked what would happen if the present situation was allowed to prevail, Mr Bhutto observed that it would result in a bloody revolution. He expressed concern over lawlessness and corruption in Sindh and added that when judges were not safe, no one was safe in the province. He said the government's writ had disappeared and no progress or development could be seen anywhere in the province.

He regretted that the agriculture sector had been destroyed and growers were being tortured. He said mills had refused to start sugarcane crushing, cotton growers were not being paid adequate price for their produce and there was no water for the wheat crop.

Mr Bhutto assailed the foreign policy of the country, saying tens of thousands of innocent Muslims were being killed in Afghanistan and Iraq but Pakistan was witnessing these inhuman atrocities as a mute spectator.

About the opening of the Khokhrapar route, he said it would turn the indigenous population into a minority. He alleged that the government comprised of hypocrites and opportunists and they were not prepared to raise their voice for rights of Sindhi people.

Mr Bhutto said his party would continue to raise voice for Sindh's rights. He said people were disappointed with the leaders who never honoured their promises.

Answering a question about the "greater Punjab", Mr Bhutto sarcastically said Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain had even gone further and rejected the very creation of Pakistan. He said it was despite the fact that his party was a part and parcel of the government. He said he had not even been asked for an explanation.