KARACHI, Dec 24: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim said on Friday that the Pakistan People's Party should openly support President Gen Pervez Musharraf on uniform issue if it wants rapprochement with the establishment.

"We would welcome them if they (PPP) want to board the same boat," he said while talking to newsmen at his chamber after the Sindh Assembly session was adjourned on Friday afternoon.

When asked whether Asif Zardari was released as a result of some deal, Mr Rahim said: "His release was the result of 'Dheel' (relaxation) and not a deal." Talking about the government's reaction to Mr Zardari' resolve to visit the Punjab again, the chief minister said: "We have no objection, rather would welcome, if Asif Zardari intends to visit the Punjab for 'saving the country' and for its prosperity."

Accusing the PPP of having 'dual policy', he said the party on one hand spoke of rapprochement with the establishment, and on the other it created disorder. On recovery of the kidnapped judges, the chief minister said: "The police suggested a deal for their recovery, but I resented and ordered launching of an operation for recovering the judges as there must not be any deal with the criminals." Army's help could also be sought for recovery of the judges, he added.

To another question, he said Arif Mustafa Jatoi had tendered resignation for his personal reasons, and there was no other reason behind it. "In past, the MQM had also been changing their ministers," he added.

He said the Sindh cabinet would be shuffled soon, and certain new ministers would also be inducted in it, adding that, however, the date for cabinet's expansion could not be disclosed as it would open way for political 'recommendations'.

To a question regarding the dismissal of four district nazims and creation of four new districts in the province, Mr Rahim said the decision would be taken in a meeting to be held on Dec 29 whether to appoint administrator in place of the nazims, or to allow them to work till the fresh local bodies elections. If decided, fresh elections for nazims could be held in the four existing and four new districts, he added. -PPI