KARACHI, Nov 8: The Karachi Coordination Committee of the Pakistan Peoples Party on Saturday expressed deep concern over the detention of the ARD president Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, and criticized the regime for suppressing a voice of dissent.

The meeting chaired by Syed Qaim Ali Shah at Bilawal House also reviewed the problems of sugarcane growers and the alleged rigging in the recent local bodies elections in Jacobabad area.

It was noted that those who termed violation of the constitution and usurpation of power an act of high treason were being booked for treason under laws promulgated by the colonial masters almost a century ago.

The meeting appreciated the unanimous stand taken by opposition leaders in Lahore over Kalabagh dam and the Greater Thal Canal projects should not be constructed.

It was observed that while dictators widened the gulf between the provinces, political leaders representing aspirations of the majority of the people had worked for harmony and understanding.

The Lahore meeting of the opposition leaders had noted the rising opposition to the Kalabagh dam and the Greater Thal Canal, construction of new cantonments in Balochistan and intended settlement of outsiders on the Mekran Coast, especially in and around Gwadar. It was pointed out that owing to the government’s policies, the forces that supported federalism were being marginalized.

The meeting also took stock of the problems being faced by sugarcane growers owing to a reduction in price from Rs43 to Rs40. Because of this, it was said, there was a late sowing of wheat in the province, which already had a shortfall of three millions tons last year.

It was noted with concern that the delay in sowing of wheat in Sindh would benefit the growers of Punjab, as it might make Sindh’s sugar cheaper.

The meeting was also briefed on the alleged rigging in the recent local body elections in the Jacobabad area where, it was claimed, in some places more people than the registered voters had polled. It was alleged that the PPP supporters were booked in false cases and houses had been raided to coerce voters. On Sunday PPP representatives from Khairpur would take up the issue of alleged rigging in that area.