LARKANA, Jan 24: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on Saturday said that country's nuclear assets and nuclear programme were in safe hands.

Talking to newsmen at the Ali Abad village, 10km off here, he said there was no threat to the nuclear programme and added that various reports appearing on this topic were mere speculations.

Earlier, speaking at a luncheon hosted by Sindh Revenue Minister Altaf Hussain Unnar, the prime minister said his government believed in politics of decency and tolerance, and asked people to promote a political culture in which democracy could be made workable and strong.

He said political differences did not mean that we forgot decent values. He said it was an era of people's power and those in politics should strive for resolving their problems. He urged people to behave in a responsible manner by rendering sacrifices for the country.

Addressing sardars and tribal chieftains, the prime minister said their authority as feudal chiefs was their undisputed right, but they should not forget their people.

Referring to demands for gas supply, electrification and early completion of a bridge over Indus between Larkana and Khairpur, Mr Jamali said he would ask the chief minister and the revenue minister for suggestions in this regard.

He said it was the duty of the PML leaders and workers to shun their differences and make it a real party of people. He said it was his policy that he would not interfere in provincial affairs, except where it was 'very necessary'.

He said chief ministers were empowered to formulate their policies and "our mission is to extend them maximum help".

The prime minister said Sindh Chief Minister Sardar Ali Mohammad Khan Mahar had his full backing and he was confident tat he would resolve problems of the province.

The chief minister, in his speech, said that 35,000 jobs were being created which would be offered on merit. He said his government did not believe in victimization.

Mr Mahar said when he took over, there were 14,000 schools without buildings but the situation had improved now. He said 4,000 schools were being made functional and added that the government had reinstated all those employees who were sacked during previous regimes.