KARACHI, March 10: Chief Minister Sardar Ali Mohammed Mahar has said that Hyderabad is a historical and ancient city of Sindh and the present government will take all possible steps for the protection of its historical places and preservation of heritage.

The CM was talking to a 20-member delegation of Hyderabad citizens at CM House on Monday. The delegation was led by an MPA, Abdul Rehman Rajput.

Mr Mahar said the government’s efforts were aimed at developing Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur on modern lines. For this purpose, he added, he had asked the prime minister for a special package.

He told the delegation that he intended to visit Hyderabad after Muharram.

Regarding lifting of ban on recruitment, the CM said efforts were being made for an early action. However, he added, it was getting delayed because of some important matters.

He directed the authorities to prepare a master plan for sewerage system, roads and other amenities in Hyderabad. After examining the plan, the government would take a decision for its implementation, he said.

Referring to the growing practice of illegal occupation of parks in Hyderabad, Mr Mahar said: “we ourselves are enemies of our cities while the fact is that we should strive for the protection of our recreational and civic places.”

Earlier, Mr Rajput apprised the CM of problems the citizens of Hyderabad had been facing. The Taluka Nazim of Hyderabad, Haji Moinuddin Shaikh briefed the CM about the damage caused by recent rains. He demanded more funds for the city, in lieu of octroi, from the federal government.

Referring to the problems brought to his notice by women councillors, the CM pointed out that Sindh was the only province where a woman had been appointed minister.

The President of Sindh Cultural and Historical Society, Nazar Mohammed Qureshi, apprised Mr Mahar of historical and cultural problems. The CM held out the assurance that the problems would be sorted out and solved.—APP