KARACHI, July 11: Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has called upon provincial ministers, advisors and members of the Sindh assembly to increase their interaction with people at all levels.

He was talking to the functionaries who called on him individually at the Governor's House here on Sunday. Dr Ibad asked them to work hard for the continuity of the reforms initiated by President Musharraf and for the implementation of the priorities set by the provincial government.

"We would have to pay all possible attention to the social and economic sector and continue the policies of President Musharraf so that ongoing plans initiated in this direction could be completed on time."

He said that the present government was committed to improve the standard of living of common man and bring rural areas at par with the urban ones. Poverty in rural areas could be alleviated with an improvement in health and education facilities, as well as irrigation system, he observed.

He pointed out that efforts were being made in a sustained manner to bring an improvement in law and order and fully restore investors' confidence. He expressed the hope that an increase in trade and investment activities would create more job opportunities and lead to the strengthening of economy, benefits of which, he said, would ultimately go common man.

"No progress is possible in any sector/field without the participation of community and liaison with people," he said, adding that ministers, advisers and legislators should meet people not only in their offices but also in their constituencies.

He told them to visit cities, towns, villages and localities for the purpose and make efforts to address their problems and provide maximum possible relief. Those who met the governor included Finance Minister Syed Sardar Ahmed, Home Minister Rauf Siddiqui, Irrigation Minister Nadir Akmal Leghari, Adviser on Health Affairs Malik Faisal Gabol, Adviser on Information Salahuddin Haider and MPAs Dr Hameeda Khuhro and Pappu Shah. -APP