KARACHI, Feb 13: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has said the provincial government has been fully protecting the interests of Sindh and keenly working with all its capabilities in this regard.

"The federal government is not depriving the province from its due rights. On the contrary, it has helped Sindh in various fields besides initiating a number of mega projects in Karachi and other parts of the province," the governor stated while talking to newsmen at Governor House on Friday.

Dr Ibad pointed out that a significant headway was achieved in respect of inter-provincial harmony and creating atmosphere of trust and cooperation between the centre and the provinces during the rule of President Musharraf.

He said that work had started on various projects to streamline irrigation and agriculture on modern lines in the province. Besides, a number of schemes, including revival of age- old irrigation system and Right Bank Outfall Drain (RBOD) were initiated, he said. In Karachi, he added, mega projects like K- III water supply scheme, flyovers, Northern Bypass and Lyari Expressway were launched.

The governor observed that provincial coalition government was a reflection of "urban and rural" representation and efforts were being made to address problems of all areas without any discrimination.

He said the chief minister hailed from rural areas while he (governor) belonged to urban areas. "We both, with an exemplary working relationship, are keen for serving the cause of people within available resources," he said.

"Right from beginning, we have kept elimination of urban- rural divide on the list of our priorities. On this count, we are making successful advancement," he remarked.

Dr Ibad noted that peaceful passage of Ramazan, Eids and increasing stock exchange index were some significant indicators of improvement in law and order. He said that a comparative analysis and statistics also reflected that the law and order situation had witnessed significant improvement. This situation conveyed a good message for investors and people, he added.

The governor said that the present provincial government was fully committed to the implementation of Police Reforms and work in this regard had almost been completed. He said serious and practical efforts were being made and desired results would come to the fore gradually.

He informed the newsmen that situation regarding registration of FIRs had also improved. "A visible change has come in investigation and prosecution sections while results of performance and coordination between intelligence organizations are also appearing," the governor stated.

He said economic sector had also witnessed an overall improvement. "Earlier, investors were thinking to wind up their business. However, today a number of multi-national companies are enhancing their investment as well as setup in the province," the governor said.

The multi-nationals, he said, had shown practical interest in oil, gas and coal exploration. The impediments on account of infrastructure availability were also being removed, he added.

Dr Ibad noted that Karachi was emerging as "a Hub of trade and economic activity in the region". He said that work in this regard was being done under a coordinated strategy.

These steps would cast a positive impact on quality of life of people as well as on the whole country, he said. "The investment and economic revival would help increase employment opportunities," he added.

He also spoke of steps being taken for beautification of beaches to attract tourists and investment opportunities were being created for this purpose. -PPI