KARACHI, Jan 6: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has said promotion of investments in the province is among the top priorities of the government, besides the steps being taken for providing immediate relief to the masses.

He was speaking to a delegation of the Middle East Association of Pakistanis, led by its general secretary, Shamshad Siddiqi, which met him at the Governor House on Monday.

The governor asked overseas Pakistanis to take advantage of the investment opportunities available in Sindh. He informed them that special attention was being paid on the provision of infrastructure, and improvement and maintenance of law and order, as part of the steps being taken for the investments promotion.

He said that while investments would be given due protection, investors too would get attractive return.

The delegation apprised the governor of problems being faced by the overseas Pakistanis and said they wanted to launch projects, particularly in health and education sectors. They said the work on these plans would be initiated if they were assured of the government cooperation.

They said that many schemes were under consideration for Orangi Town and if they were allowed to bring their investments, they would serve Pakistan. They said they planned to invest not only in industries, but also in welfare schemes.

The governor assured the delegation of all possible cooperation and appreciated their spirit for serving the country.

The team included Dr M.S. Bari, Iqbal Ghazi, Arif Polani, Saleem Janda and others.

Literacy rate: In the meanwhile, another representative delegation led by Allama Furqan Haider Abidi called on Dr Ibad at the Governor House.

The Sindh governor assured the team that best possible measures would be taken for the promotion of academic environment and to enhance the literacy rate in the province.

Dr Ishrat said that full cooperation of Ulema would be sought for the religious harmony, unity and cohesion in society. He expressed the hope that the religious scholars would cooperate with the government.

He said collective efforts would be needed for the effective implementation of the anti-Bhatta Ordinance.

The governor said that an amicable way out would be found out for the collection of hides on Eidul Azha so that people could give hides to people of their liking.

Earlier, Allama Abidi presented a copy of Nahajul Balaghato the governor and requested that advices given by Caliph Hazrat Ali to his governors be hence enforced.

Chairman of the Allama Umar Khan Abidi Memorial Trust, Allama Syed Muhammad Ali Abidi, was among others present on the occasion.—APP