KARACHI, March 28: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has urged the civil servants that their focus should be on strengthening Pakistan as an impregnable fortress of democracy.

"The integrity of civil servants is being questioned and it is high time that they should correct a wrong perception," the governor said while speaking as chief guest at the annual function of Civil Servants Academy Alumni held at the lawns of Governor House here on Saturday night.

"Remember the golden principles of unity, faith and discipline as enunciated by Quaid-i-Azam and see how to adopt them," he asked the civil servants. Dr Ibad emphasized that the basic requirement for making Pakistan a peaceful democracy was dedication, commitment and devotion with hard work.

He said, "Your sense of responsibility should be visible which generally is not seen and this is important to achieve the goals and ideals as set by the Quaid-i- Azam."

He said that the civil servants in Pakistan were expected to serve the masses to their satisfaction. "The reputation of a civil servant remains alive in the minds of people of the area they serve, although they may not stay there for long," he said, and added that a civil servant, in fact, was known by his/her decisions, conduct, behaviour and dealings with people.

The governor said that the civil servants should have all the understanding and patience to listen to area people and to meet everyone with an open mind. He said that they must be accessible to people and consider as one of them.

"You must remember that it is the people's money which is spent on you. You must identify yourself fully with them and regard their demands as legitimate claim," he said.

Highlighting difficulties and problems of the civil servants, he said that he really respected those who were serving the people in all impartiality and taking courageous decisions for redressing the genuine grievances of people.

Regarding problems of salary structure of civil servants, their house rent ceiling and rates of A/DA, the governor said all these problems require attention.

About the allotment of government land, the governor assured them that whatever was within the competency of provincial government would be addressed with due considerations. He further said that if need be felt, the issues would be taken up with the federal government to examine the same sympathetically.

Earlier, Chairman Academy Alumni Mohammed Yamin Khan welcomed the governor and highlighted the problems faced by civil servants in respect of their salaries, house rent, TA/DA, land for housing etc. Alumni's vice-chairman Nasreen Haq presented the vote of thanks at the end.

On the occasion, the governor and the chief secretary were presented shields in recognition of their services for the province. Shields were also presented to former and preset office-bearers of Civil Servant Academy Alumni. The function was followed by a dinner and a gala musical programme. -APP